Report from Western Water News on recent shorebird surveys conducted in Arizona. A look at hybrids, those perplexing, confusing, sometimes difficult to ID birds that often defy description. Bird of the episode: Buff-breasted Flycatcher. Birding hotspot Chevelon Canyon Wildlife Management Area on the Mogollon Rim. Friends of Wildlife: Friends of Bue…

In a detrimental development for conservation of birds and other wildlife nearly 3,000 local newspapers have closed their doors in recent years, many highly regarded for their coverage over the years. Local media often perform a 'watchdog' function that can only be done locally for a number of reasons. National Audubon is sounding the alarm. Aldo L…

Third and final installment of reading of 'Must Add Water' from the Spring 2024 edition of Audubon Magazine regarding the state of saline lakes in the western United States and remote areas of Latin America with particular focus on Wilson's Phalarope and recent discoveries about how it is adapting to climate change. Bird of the episode, the Lesser …

Part two of 'Must Add Water,' an article from Audubon Magazine's Spring 2024 edition regarding the critical importance of saline lakes as stopovers for migrating waterfowl and other wildlife. Bird of the episode: Lucy's Warbler. Birding hotspot: Madera Canyon near Mt. Wrightson in the Santa Rita Mountains south of Tucson. Friend of Wildlife organiz…

First of a three-part series of readings from Audubon Magazine regarding saline lakes in Western North America and the critical role they play for migrating water birds. Parts 2 and 3 will be included in episodes 145 and 146 respectively. Bird of the episode: Lesser Nighthawk. Birding hotspot: New River Reserve on the New River north of New River, …

A report on woodpeckers that bang away on metal and other non-wood surfaces here in the Sonoran Desert. A report in an ongoing series that describes how bird's have been given human names and the growing movement to change some to be more reflective of the birds themselves. A report on how some birds are using human-created materials to build their…

Announcement by Tucson Audubon Society that it has begun a process to change its name. The purpose is to delete the name of John James Audubon, an avowed racist who kept and sold enslaved people. A new report describes ongoing abandonment of millions of acres of cropland across North America beginning in the 1980s. Some scientists speculate this wi…

An update on the status of the imperiled Pinyon Jay of Arizona's highland pinyon pine woodlands from Charles Babbitt, Conservation Chair of the Maricopa Audubon Society. A report on detections of bird. species by the Haikubox installed at the Paton Center for Hummingbirds. A report on a sighting of an Iceland Gull in Tucson. Bird of the episode: Lo…

Renowned ornithologist and Audubon field guide editor Kenn Kaufman explains why tyrant flycatchers are so difficult to identify here in the Southwest. It's not about looks; it's about vocalization, he says. A report on the world-famous 'Thrasher Spot' at Beeline and Salome Highway west of Phoenix. The site has been leveled to make way for a massive…

A report on effects of groundwater depletion on riparian birds. Ongoing residential and industrial development across Arizona is significantly reducing surface water in key riparian zones, disrupting natural ecological patterns on which birds and other wildlife depend. A report on a productive birding field trip to the Mogollon Rim lakes region in …

A report on new research that describes how the Nightingale, an Old World flycatcher that got a mention in Homer's Iliad, William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet and countless other poetic and dramatic works over many centuries on its way to literary stardom, has a new claim to fame. It develops a capacity for mimicking the territorial songs of comp…

A report on research indicating Southwestern Flycatchers are adapting to climate change genetically by interbreeding with individuals from diverse population clusters in the Northwest and interior western US. A profile of the colorful Northern Shoveler, often spotted in Arizona during winter months. Introduction to Tucson Audubon's Mason Center. Bi…

A report on the Arizona Field Ornithologist's field expedition to Lake Havasu on the Colorado River January 27, 2024. A 'save the date' for another field expedition, this to Springerville AZ in search of breeding Mountain Plovers. White Mountain Audubon board member Rob Betasso report on a successful winter birding trip in search of Rosy Finches on…

A report on a novel approach to increasing the stock of seeds from plants preferred by the threatened Montezuma Quail. Quail hunters are donating sublingual pouches of harvested birds from which undigested seeds are collected and stored, then planted in quail-friendly natural areas. A report on sightings of Spotted Towhee in Maine - in winter - the…

A report on efforts by the Cocopah Indian community to restore portions of the lower Colorado River riparian zone including critical delta bird habitat. These efforts are being supported by recently awarded federal grants and corporate philanthropy. Bird of the week: Least Sandpiper. Birding hotspot: Thunderbird Conservation Park and Arrowhead Lake…

A report on a recently awarded multimillion dollar grant from the U.S. Highway Administration to Arizona Game and Fish Department and Arizona Department of Transportation for construction of wildlife overpasses/underpasses along Arizona portions of Interstates 17 and 40. These structures are designed to allow large mammals and other wildlife to saf…

An introduction to winter waterfowl birding across North America. Millions of waterfowl overwinter in Arizona, can be observed along riparian corridors and on lakes and reservoirs statewide. An update on actions taken by several Audubon Society chapters in the Midwest that are stepping away from the Audubon name and forming a new organization. Bird…

A report on scientific research being done by the Sala Lab at Arizona State University with support from the Drylands Institute. The Sala Lab is working to document environmental changes that are leading some scientists to conclude the decades long drought plaguing the Southwest is not temporary and that the region faces permanent aridification. An…

Update on research into effects of wildfires on birds, their migratory and breeding habitats here in the Southwest. A species overview of the Ferruginous Hawk, North America's largest hawk, a regular in southern Arizona. Bird of the episode: House Sparrow. Birding hotspot: ASU Research Park, Tempe. Friend of wildlife organization: Central Arizona P…

An article on the Short-eared Owl, one of a very few owl species readily spotted during daylight hours on perches above open spaces and along forest edges throughout Arizona. And, an article that describes how birds survive extreme cold. Bird of the week: Greater Yellowlegs. Birding hotspot: Kartchner Caverns State Park. Friend of wildlife organiza…

The Phoenix area annual winter water bird survey is back after a one-year hiatus. Information on how to contribute. A report from Tucson Audubon on winter towhees now present at the Paton Center for Hummingbirds. A report on research that some scientists say supports the idea that drought is the new normal in Arizona, that the future will be charac…

An article on winter finches in Arizona by Charles J. Babbitt, author of Birds of Arizona: What to Know, Where to Go. Bird of the episode: Great-tailed Grackle. Birding Hotspot: San Rafael Valley grasslands in southeastern Arizona. Friend of Wildlife Organization: The Peregrine Fund. Calendar of bird-friendly events coming up in Arizona.…

An article 'Do You Hear What I Hear?' that discusses how birds are able to make sounds outside the range of human hearing in addition to the songs and calls we do hear without the aid of technical devices. Bird of the episode: Green Heron. Birding hotspot: Alamo Lake State Park. Friend of Wildlife: Runnin'W Wildlife Center, Cornville. Calendar of b…

An introduction to the MOTUS wildlife stracking system being rolled out across Arizona in cooperation with several Audubon Society chapters. Bird of the week: Green Tailed Towhee. Birding hotspot: Dead Horse Ranch State Park. Friend of Wildlife organization: Discovery Center at Lake Pleasant, a program of the Maricopa County Parks department. Calen…

Species profile of Williamson's Sapsucker considered by many birders to be the most strikingly beautiful woodpecker of all North American woodpecker species. Bird of the week: Hairy Woodpecker. Birding Hotspot: Lost Dutchman State Park/Superstition Wilderness east of Phoenix in Central Arizona. Friend of Wildlife organization: Empire Ranch Foundati…

Overview of the 'Sagebrush Sea,' a vast grassland ecosystem spanning much of the western United States and prairie regions of Canada, home to numerous native bird species. Conservationists and ranchers among other stakeholders are cooperating to sustain and in some areas restore critical breeding habitat for grassland birds. And, a report of native…

A profile of early American ornithologist Alexander Wilson for whom Wilson's Warbler, Wilson's Phalarope, Wilson's Plover, Wilson's Snipe and other species are named. Update on progress in construction of wildlife crossings of major highways in western United States. Bird of the episode: Hermit Thrush. Birding hotspot: Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt sp…

A report on progress being made in efforts to save the quickly diminishing Great Salt Lake in Utah, a critical migratory stopover for countless species of birds and other wildlife. A broad coalition of environmental and governmental organizations have organized to create a permanent solution to the crisis. And, a statement by the Arizona Water Coal…

A report on a research initiative by Tucson Audubon titled 'Save the Sonoran Saguaro.' participants will plant Saguaro Cactus seedlings and track their progress over time. An essay titled 'Highway of New Birds' that describes rare bird sightings in southern Arizona's high peaks; species typically found in the Rocky Mountains and northern Mexico tha…

A guide to a number of extraordinary higher elevation birding spots in Arizona's southeastern sky island region compiled by Tucson Audubon and The Sky Island Alliance, a binational consortium of ecologists in U.S. and Mexico. Bird of the episode: Horned Grebe. Birding hotspot: Table Top Wilderness nature preserve along the southern border region of…

On November 1, 2023 the American Ornithological Society, the scientific authority on the naming of bird species in the Americas, announced it will no longer allow birds to be named for people, and that it will begin a process to replace English bird names that have been named for people in the past. We will have the official announcement. Bird of t…

U.S. Supreme Court hands down ruling that limits EPA's authority to regulate commercial development of wetlands. Rio Rico residents and a consortium of environmentalists and wildlife conservation organizations challenge effort to bring commercial development to riparian corridors within the Rio Rico watershed. The proposal was withdrawn. Bird of th…

A report titled 'Residential Neighborhood Diversity Study' by the The Central Arizona–Phoenix Long-Term Ecological Research (CAP LTER) program. Bird of the episode: Greater Roadrunner. Birding hotspot: Roosevelt Lake at the headwaters of the Salt River. Friend of wildlife organization: VIDA Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, Yuma. Calendar of bird-fri…

Greater Phoenix has more than 1,400 artificial lakes. A report on a study conducted by faculty and students affiliated with The Central Arizona–Phoenix Long-Term Ecological Research (CAP LTER) program. A description of the Zen Curtain device for preventing bird collisions with windows and other reflective surfaces. Bird of the Episode: the Great Eg…

An introduction to Birdcast from Cornell Lab of Ornithology, an app that tracks and visualizes birds in migration in real time across North America. A discussion of trees that attract birds to Western lands and forests. How Icelanders are saving Puffins from possible extinction by capturing newly fledged pufflings and throwing them into the sea. Bi…

Rare bird sightings in Maricopa County in late September. Includes a Great Crested Flycatcher and Sabine's Gull. A commentary on migration habits of White Winged Doves by Charles J. Babbitt, author of Birds of Arizona, What to Know and Where to Go. Bird of the week: Grace's Warbler. Birding Hotspot: Mormon Lake in Coconino County. Friend of Wildlif…

The movement to replace the names of people attached to bird names with names that specifically describe the species is gaining momentum, and not just among birders. Bird of the week: Great Horned Owl. Birding hotspot: Harcuvar Mountains Wilderness in LaPaz County. Friend of Wildlife: Hassayampa River Preserve near Wickenburg. Calendar of bird-frie…

A report on the Arizona Field Ornithologist's recent successful field expedition to Arizona's Santa Cruz riparian region in search of the Green Kingfisher. Bird of the episode: the Gray Hawk. Birding hotspot: Riggs Lake, Mt. Graham's 'crown jewel.' Friend-of-wildlife initiative, Arizona Game and Fish Department's Focus Wild Arizona. Calendar of bir…

A look at 8 'spark birds' that draw youngsters (and the young at heart) into birding. An introduction to the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher by Matt Griffiths at Tucson Audubon. Bird of the week: Golden Eagle. Birding Hotspot: Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area. Friend of wildlofe organization: Arizona Natural History Association. Calendar of bird-fr…

For some blind and visually impaired persons birding by ear has become a lifelong passion. Their ranks are swelling, and birding trails in Arizona and elsewhere are undergoing changes to become more accessible to visually impaired and otherwise disabled birders. Bird of the week: Hepatic Tanager. Birding hotspot: Gillespie Wash in Graham County. Fr…

A Hurricane Hilary follow-up... a look at research that investigates where birds go during a hurricane and other major weather events. A report on a wildlife overpass planned for Interstate 40 near Flagstaff that will allow Elk, Deer, Pronghorn and other large mammals to cross the highway unimpeded by vehicular traffic. Bird of the episode: Glossy …

A report on recent research that shows hummingbirds actively prey on an invasive insect that has been devastating blueberry, raspberry, blackberry and other fruit crops. Growers are installing hummingbird feeders in berry patches to attract them. Bird of the week: Eared Grebe. Birding hotspot: Riggs and Price Road ponds in Maricopa County. Friend o…

A sampling of July 2023 postings to the American Birding Association Arizona-New Mexico listserv by seasoned birders in Yuma County and southeastern Arizona. Bird of the episode: Dark-eyed Junco. Birding Hotspot: Rousseau Sod Farm complex at Scottsdale. Friend of Wildlife organization: Friends of the Ironwood Forest. Calendar of bird-friendly event…

A report on new scientific evidence that changes in atmospheric pressure affect bird behavior in migration. More specifically, studies have found that departure times during migration can be predicted with weather data. Another report on bi-partisan support for continuation of the Migratory Birds of the Americas Conservation Enhancements Act in the…

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has restored protection for the Cactus Ferruginous Pygmy Owl based on accumulating evidence it is struggling to maintain its nesting range in the Tucson area. Once listed as endangered that status was set aside in the face of pressure from developers. Bird of the episode: the Downy Woodpecker. Birding hotspot: the rem…

A report on the devastating Diamond wildfire west of Scottsdale earlier this summer posted by the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy. An assessment of its impact on the McDowell Conservancy Preserve and surrounding desert landscape is underway. A report from the BBC on how Magpies in Europe have turned the tables on human efforts to discourage their pres…

A report on how the uniquely southwestern Lucy's Warbler got its name, and the controversy over whether to replace it. Lucy Baird was an extraordinarily successful ornithologist who helped establish the Smithsonian Institution as the premier scientific repository for bird identification and categorization. Bird of the episode: the Kingbird. Birding…

Caring for birdwatching equipment in the wild including binoculars, photography gear, video cameras. An introduction to the Greater Roadrunner, fearless predator of the Sonoran desert. Bird-of-the-episode: Crissal Thrasher. Birding Hotspot: Jacques Marsh atop the Mogollon Rim near Show Low, AZ. Friend-of-wildlife organization: Friends of Tonto Nati…

Maricopa Audubon Society bird list update including new recent sightings. Results of the Global Big Day bird survey, the most data ever gathered by eBird. Bird of the episode: Cooper's Hawk. Birding hotspot: Chiricahua Mountains region of southeastern Arizona. Friend-of-wildlife organization: Rocky Mountain Research Station based in Colorado that h…

A report on how birds and other wildlife keep cool during the heat of the Arizona summer. Bird of the episode: Crested Caracara. Birding Hotspot: Big Horn Mountains Wilderness. Friend of wildlife: Arizona Ecological Services Field Office. Calendar of bird-friendly events coming up in Arizona.By Mike Ameigh