The Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher is a quarterly magazine published by the Tucson Audubon Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to the study and conservation of birds in southeastern Arizona. The magazine provides information on birding activities, research, and conservation issues to members of the society and other readers interested in the unique birdlife of southern Arizona.
History
The Tucson Audubon Society was established in 1949 by a small group of dedicated bird enthusiasts. One of their first objectives was to produce a regular newsletter to communicate with members. This original newsletter evolved into the Vermilion Flycatcher magazine, named after Arizona’s striking state bird.
The inaugural issue of the Vermilion Flycatcher was published in January 1963. It featured articles on bird sightings, upcoming field trips and events, and summary of the previous year’s Christmas Bird Count. Over the decades, the magazine has chronicled major developments in southern Arizona birding, such as the establishment of the Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve, Ramsey Canyon Preserve, and Tucson Audubon’s own Mason Center.
Magazine Content
Each issue of the Vermilion Flycatcher contains a variety of regular columns and featured articles on topics such as:
- Bird sightings and seasonal reports from southeast Arizona and beyond
- Developments in bird research and conservation science
- Profiles on birds, birders, and ornithologists
- Book reviews and bibliographies of bird and nature books
- Upcoming bird-related events and workshops
- Travelogues to Arizona birding hotspots and beyond
- Original poetry, cartoons, puzzles, and art reflecting bird and nature themes
In addition to these regular elements, each issue revolves around a central theme such as winter birds, hummingbirds, bird conservation, beginner birding, etc. The magazine aims to engage experts and novices alike with a blend of scientific information, first-hand anecdotes, and practical tips for birdwatching.
Key Contributors
Over the decades, the Vermilion Flycatcher has benefitted from contributions by many renowned ornithologists, bird artists, and writers, including:
- Kenn Kaufman – Renowned birding expert and author of popular field guides
- Sophie Webb – Acclaimed bird artist based in Tucson
- John Higgins – Founding director of the Paton Center for Hummingbirds
- Barbara Medlock – Longtime Tucson birder and bird columnist
- Rick Wright – Birding tour guide and birding historian
- Matt Griffiths – Professional photographer specializing in birds
The magazine also publishes articles, artwork, and photographs submitted by Tucson Audubon members and Vermilion Flycatcher readers.
Publication Details
The Vermilion Flycatcher is published 4 times per year on a quarterly basis:
- January – February – March
- April – May – June
- July – August – September
- October – November – December
Print copies are mailed to all current members of the Tucson Audubon Society as a membership benefit. Recent and archived PDF versions are also available online on the society’s website.
The magazine is professionally printed in a full-color digest size format. A typical issue ranges from 48 to 64 pages in length.
The publication has a circulation of approximately 3,000 print copies per quarterly issue.
Editorial Staff
The Vermilion Flycatcher is edited by Matt Griffiths, the Director of Marketing and Communications for Tucson Audubon Society. He is supported by an editorial committee made up of experienced birders and writers.
Tucson Audubon members are encouraged to contribute content and photos to the magazine. Submissions are peer-reviewed by the editorial committee. The magazine considers both solicited and unsolicited manuscripts and images, which must adhere to the published writer’s guidelines.
Magazine Objectives
The Vermilion Flycatcher serves to:
- Share recent bird sightings and research
- Promote birding ethics, conservation, and advocacy
- Build community among birders in southeast Arizona
- Inspire appreciation and understanding of birds
- Provide educational resources about birds and birding
- Boost ecotourism based on birding in the region
For over 50 years, the magazine has informed and connected bird lovers in southern Arizona through quality content that is both accessible and relevant to the area’s uniquely diverse birdlife.
Conclusion
The Tucson Audubon Vermilion Flycatcher continues to educate bird enthusiasts in southeast Arizona and beyond. While initially created as a newsletter for society members, it has evolved into a nationally recognized and award-winning quarterly magazine with engaging content, world-class contributors, and local relevance to desert birding. The publication effectively furthers the nonprofit’s mission of fostering knowledge, appreciation, and conservation of the birds of southern Arizona.