Snakes in Trouble: Snake Research in Northern Arizona and

Newsletter of the Northern Arizona Audubon Society
™ Volume XLV • Number 3 • January-February 2016
January Meetings
February Meetings
Snakes in Trouble: Snake Research in
Northern Arizona and Abroad
Let’s Play Bird Games!
At the January 20 (Sedona) and 21 (Flagstaff) meetings, Dr. Erika
Nowak, a Herpetologist at Northern Arizona University, will discuss what
it is like to be a snake researcher in a world that doesn’t give these important
predators the respect and admiration they deserve. She will describe her
transition from being a rattlesnake management expert to being integrally
involved with recovery actions for federally threatened gartersnakes. At the
same time, she led other snake research projects including assisting in a
Finnish viper study.
In her presentation to NAAS, Dr. Nowak will give an overview of
how she came to be the snake ecologist who was recently thanked for her
“intense dedication to the [gartersnake] species,” and describe how she
and her students study snakes. She will discuss humans’ perceptions of
snakes, why snakes are important components of the ecosystem, and how
they are threatened (or are threats). She will provide an update on the NAU
Gartersnake Program, which includes collaboration on an Arizona State
University MS thesis project at Bubbling Ponds Fish Hatchery in Page
Springs. And, of course, she will explain what to do if you have a rattlesnake
in your yard and want it to leave, alive.
While conducting graduate work on rattlesnakes, Dr. Nowak also began
research on narrow-headed gartersnakes in Oak Creek Canyon, between
Flagstaff and Sedona. Based in part on her research, it became clear that
populations of this aquatic specialist were declining throughout their range
in the US, and in 2014, narrow-headed gartersnakes and Northern Mexican
gartersnakes were listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
Since 1999, Dr. Nowak
has been growing a
research program at NAU
involving undergraduate
and graduate students in
hands-on conservation
work for both species.
An exciting part of this
program currently under
development is a Flagstaffbased captive breeding
facility for narrow-headed
gartersnakes.
Threatened northern Mexican gartersnake
from Bubbling Ponds Fish Hatchery with
her 38! babies.
Snakes, continued on page 2
ATTENTION!!!
MEETING TIMES CHANGED TO 7:00 PM!!
Ok, your turn. Name a bird that begins with the
letter C. “Cardinal.” Nope, that’s wrong. The full name
is Northern Cardinal. Try again. “How about Canyon
Towhee?” Correct! Next. In February when the days are short, the nights are
long, and the temperatures low, it’s a perfect time to
play some bird games. Every skill level will participate
in these fun, group birding games. You’re bound to
learn something, too. Hosted by Nanette Armstrong
(Sedona on February 17) and Terry Blows
(Flagstaff on February 18), we’ll run through some
games that involve your eyes, or your ears, or just your
quick-witted mind. You’ll learn some games you can play
in your living room or while riding in the car with similar
bird-brained people. Come on out. It will be great fun,
and we won’t keep score. . . or maybe we will. Growing up on a farm in West Virginia, Nanette
tended a bird feeder she helped her dad make out of
scrap wood fashioned with a chain saw. She filled it with
a molasses and oat mixture usually fed to horses and
mules on the farm. She remembers the excitement of
a Rose-breasted Grosbeak coming to that feeder, and a
Downy Woodpecker eating the piece of beef fat she tied
with baling twine to the lamp post. But she didn’t become
a birder until she and her husband, Rich, received
binoculars as a wedding gift along with an invitation to
go on a bird walk. The challenge of identifying a bird,
searching for a specific one, and then checking the box
in the field guide appealed to them. They’ve been birding
about 28 years.
She has a degree in Biology and Nuclear Medicine
Technology, and has worked as a Nuclear Med Tech and
a pre-school teacher. She loves the 3- and 4-year-olds
because they like to sing. Her most favorite job is being a
mom. Now as an empty-nester with her son grown, she
teaches Sunday school, volunteers in many neighborhood
associations, and is the hospitality chair of Northern
Arizona Audubon. Terry just emceed the November program about
our five Christmas Bird Counts. He is from London,
England, but has lived in Flagstaff since 1984 where he
is a Professor of Mathematics at NAU. He started birding
in Wales in 1980 and did his first CBC (Mormon Lake) in
1987. Since then he has been a regular CBC volunteer for
the five counts claimed by Northern Arizona Audubon
and did all five counts a few times.
NAAS is now on Facebook. Check out our
page frequently because there is always
new information on it.
Information ...
Page 2
President’s Corner
By Matthew Crozier
January/February 2016
As we enter a New Year, I look forward to the return of monthly
meetings and field trips in addition to the education and conservation
programs that Northern Arizona Audubon Society does so well. Our
educational outreach will continue to expand into new classrooms
in both Flagstaff and the Verde valley. We will also celebrate the
improvements made at Bubbling Ponds Preserve at a grand opening
in the spring and see new signage installed at Picture Canyon
Bird Sanctuary. There is always hope in the new year with more
opportunities for individuals to make a difference. Please consider
sharing your unique skills, interests and time as an NAAS volunteer.
Hundreds of thousands of people across the country call themselves
Snakes, continued on page 2
Dr. Nowak earned a BS in Wildlife Biology from
Cornell University (1991), and her graduate degrees from
Northern Arizona University (MS in Biology, 1998; PhD
in Biology, 2009). Her Master’s thesis research was on the
biological effects and management effectiveness of nuisance
rattlesnake translocation. Her PhD research investigated
the ecological impacts of provisioning food and water to
rattlesnake prey in human-developed areas in national
parks.
She currently is a Herpetologist with the Colorado
Plateau Research Station, holds an adjunct faculty position
in the NAU Department of Biological Sciences, and is
the Assistant Curator of Herpetology at NAU. She is also
a board member of Habitat Harmony, Inc. A member of
the International Union for the Conservation of Nature
Viper Species Group, these days Dr. Nowak leads a
mark-recapture program for rattlesnakes at Montezuma
Castle and Tuzigoot National Monuments, and provides
rattlesnake ecology awareness and safe handling classes for
federal, state, and private organizations.
For more information on Dr. Nowak’s recent projects
and publications see:
http://nau.edu/Centers-Institutes/Colorado-PlateauResearch-Station/Staff/Erika-Nowak/,
http://knau.org/post/brain-food-nau-herpetologiststudies-rattlesnake-relocation#stream/0,
http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/
arizona/2014/10/26/arizona-endangered-garter-snakesstudy/17952617/,
and
http://www.jackcentral.org/news/narrow-headedgarter-snake-finds-home-at-nau/article_479c2e56-bca911e4-a6a3-7b0ecf173ce0.html.
Audubon Online Bird Guide
This convenient online guide features 750
species. Search and identify hundreds of
North American birds with text, photos,
sounds, range maps and more.
www.audubonbirds.org
BlackH awk W atch
Audubon members, and 462 local chapters serve as focal points for
conservation and citizen action on environmental issues in local
communities. Larger chapters, especially those with nature centers,
have very ambitious programs and employ full and part-time staff.
The efforts of NAAS stand out among the smaller chapters as an allvolunteer led organization, for our vision and scope. I hope NAAS’s
work may inspire you to learn, volunteer, advocate, and donate
– only with your help can we work to turn today’s challenges into
opportunities. In this issue, you’ll find information about field trips,
conservation and educational programs, volunteer opportunities and
meetings planned in the coming months. Please join us for one of our
field trips or one of our winter meetings.
Happy birding!
Matthew Crozier
Bubbling Ponds Preserve Update
The Northern Arizona Audubon Bird Sanctuary improvement project
at Bubbling Ponds Preserve continues to make progress. Recently, high
quality attractive signs were installed at both the entrance to the Preserve
and at the Ramada picnic area.
When visitors park their cars, they are now greeted by an entry kiosk
that contains a welcome sign that describes the preserve and gives
newcomers useful information. The sign describes the Black Hawk Trail
and informs visitors about Audubon’s Important Bird Area program.
As visitors walk along the trail, they immediately come across the
Ramada, which has tables and benches that can be used for lunch or just
quiet contemplation of the nearby ponds. Right next to the Ramada is
our trio of Audubon signs. In addition to our existing bird list, we now
have information on Arizona Game & Fish’s hatchery program. We also
have a delightful sign explaining how the Preserve changes through the
seasons.
A recent work day organized by Matthew Crozier, our Sanctuary
Steward, resulted in a major cleanup of a blackberry patch that was
overrunning the Ramada area. Now it is a fine place for children to play
while they picnic.
Kudos go to Randy Miller, our project manager and Zack Zdinak who
designed the signs and is the artist behind all the wonderful bird and
nature images on the signs. Ross Cowgill of Cowgill Construction has
been our contractor and is responsible for building our decks and signage
kiosks.
We also want to express our appreciation to the fine people at Arizona
Game & Fish. They continue to be wonderful partners and without their
support none of this could have happened.
So if you haven’t been out to Bubbling Ponds in a while, we suggest
that you do so.
It is a wonderful part of our
Bird Sanctuary
program
and
represents your
chapter’s commitment to habitat preservation.
lot on Santa Fe (Rt. 66) at Fanning. We will drive to the
Wild Cat entrance of Picture Canyon and bird all the way to
Dead Horse Ranch State Park
the Townsend Road Parking lot, so plan on about 2miles of
Friday, March 20th
walking. Dress warm. I’ll bring my scope. Tom Linda, 928B lackHawk W atch
Page 3
ield rips
Leader, Julie Wills
864-9047.
Meet at 8 a.m. at the COTTONWOOD Safeway parking
Field Trip Reports:
Northern
Arizona
Audubon
lot that faces 89A. For
people that can’t
meet until 8:30, go
into the park and Field
meet us atTrips
the first lagoon. We will walk a
SedonaNorthern
Wetlands Preserve
- September
27 -Society
Holly Kleindiest
Arizona
Audubon
stretch of the Verde River Greenway from 8 a.m. - 11:30 and
10 participated with 32 species seen. From the new observation
will
lead
a trip at
theand other waterfowl
deck we all got nice
views
of returning
ducks
spend time at the lagoons looking at wintering ducks. Bring
Sedona Wetlands Preserve
in the back
pond (Pond
1). HighlightsPReSeRve
included Eared Grebes,
SeDoNA
WeTlANDS
binoculars, spotting scope, hat, water, snacks, and dress
Lesser Scaup, Spotted Sandpipers, Yellow-headed Blackbird,
Leader: Rich Armstrong 928- 282-3675
appropriately
for the weather. Julie Wills, 928-300-9775
SuNDAy,
JANuARy
and aeveRy
large flock
of White-throated
Swifts.- APRil.
The “Helicopter
Sundays - January 10 - April 16, 2016
Meet
at
the
parking
lot
at
the
Wetlands.
newmuch
viewing
Pond”
(Pond
3)
was
quite
full
with
water
andThe
ducks:
larger
Times: 8:30 - 11 am
numbers
of
Ring-Necked
Ducks
and
Northern
Shovelers,
pair
deck should be completed sometime during this period.aWe
of
Gadwalls,
and
a
huge
flock
of
Red-winged
Blackbirds.
The
Winter is the best Garland
time to viewPrairie
wintering waterfowl at the
will bird from 8 - 11:30 am. Bring binoculars and a spotting
best
bird
of
the
day
was
a
Common
Gallinule
in
Pond
8,
happily
Sedona Wetlands. Rich Sunday,
Armstrong,
NAAS
March
22ndsite steward for the
scope if you
Also bring
hat, water,
and
snacks.
cavorting
withhave
the one.
American
Coots,a and
allowing
good
views.
Sedona Wetlands Preserve
will expertly
guide you each Sunday
Leader,
Tom Linda
The sparrows were not as cooperative. We saw Chipping, Song,
F
T
through the six ponds, to the mature ponds 7 & 8 and to the large
holdingWe
pond.
Every
species show
upwest
as they
will meet
at week
8 a.m.different
in the Wal-Mart
(on the
side
come
to
winter
in
these
open
water
ponds.
of Flagstaff) parking lot and car pool to Garland Prairie, near
Dress for the weather. Bring binoculars, spotting scope (if you
are the
mainsnacks
draw, to
butkeep
we’llyou
lookgoing
for everything.
haveParks.
one),Raptors
bird book,
water,
through
Dress
warm
and
bring
binoculars,
scopes
and
snacks.
Tom
the morning. Please call Rich to confirm your place on
the walk.
Linda, 928-864-9047.
Bubbling Ponds Preserve Walks
Page 23rd
Springs
Saturday, January
- FromPreserve
10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Meet at Bubbling Ponds
IBA
parking
Saturday, Marchlot.
28 We will walk the
Black Hawk Trail through mesquite bosque forest, along Oak
Rich
Armstrong
Creek and finish up atLeader,
the ponds
looking
for winter migrants as
well as our resident desert birds. Approx 1.8 miles on mostly
flat trail.
No at
restrooms.
snacks
Meet
Bubbling Bring
Pond’sbinoculars/scope,
parking area onwater,
Page Springs
and Road
field guides.
LisaWe
Grubbs
at 7 a.m.
will 928-592-3684.
bird the ponds, the Black-hawk
Nature Trail and look for the Osprey and Black-hawk nesting
Saturday, February 20th - From 12:00 noon - 3:00 pm
along
Lower Oak
Creek.
Bring binoculars
water.
Rich
Meet
at Bubbling
Ponds
IBA parking
lot. We willand
walk
the Black
Armstrong,
928-282-3675.
Hawk Trail through mesquite bosque forest, along Oak Creek
and finish up at the ponds looking for winter migrants as well
as our resident desert birds. We will also be on the lookout for
birds comingHassayampa
in to bed down for the
night.Preserve
Approx 1.8 miles on
River
mostly flat trail. No restrooms. Bring binoculars/scope, water,
March928-592-3684
29th
snacks, and field guides.Sunday,
Lisa Grubbs
Leader, Dena Greenwood
Saturday, March 26th - From 8:00 am - 11:00 am
Meet
at the MacDonalds
(near Camp
lot
Meet at
Bubbling
Ponds IBA parking
lot. Verde)
We willparking
walk the
Black
HawkofTrail
forest,
along8lush
corner
Hwy.through
260 andmesquite
I-17. Thebosque
walk will
be from
a.m.
Oak- Creek
up atthe
theday
ponds
looking
for migrants,
4 p.m.and
We finish
will spend
at the
Hassayampa
Nature
coming and going, as well as our resident desert birds. Approx
Preserve
with
a
detour
at
the
rest
stop
along
the
Hassayampa
1.8 miles on mostly flat trail. No restrooms. Bring the usual
River.
Bring water
shoes.
If it’ssnacks
nice weather
weguide.
will walkLisa
the
stuff:
binoculars,
scope,
water,
and field
creek928-592-3684
looking for the Grey Hawk. Bring binoculars, a sack
Grubbs
lunch, water, and hat. Dena Greenwood, 928-567-3007.
Sharing theKachina
AudubonWetlands
Sunday, April 19
Bird Guide AppTom
Linda, Leader
Don’t forget
shareatthe
news at
thatRaymond
the Audubon
We’lltomeet
8 a.m.
County Park (take the
BirdKachina
Guide app
is
now
free!
With
more
than
821
exit of I-17, turn right at the exit
and then a hard right
in-depth
species
profiles,
3200
bird
photos,
and
onto the service road - the park is a short distance, on the left).
recent
through
eBird, the
app to wetlands. This
Welocal
willbird
looksightings
for arriving
migrants
drawn
is a must-have for anyone interested in birding.
should be a fun day. Dress warm and bring binoculars, scopes
Ideas for sharing the app on social media and your website can be
and snacks. Tom Linda, 928-864-9047.
found on Audubon Works.
...
Savannah, and White-crowned Sparrows, and a lovely Nashville
Warbler, but the views were quick and not everyone was able to
see all species.
Sedona Wetlands Preserve - October 25 - Rich Armstrong
Seven folks joined me at the Sedona Wetlands Preserve. We
saw four male and two female Canvasbacks, Redheads, Lesser
Scaup, and one male Green-winged Teal. There were increased
numbers of American Wigeon, Ring-necked Ducks and Northern
Shovelers. Six Western and a few Eared Grebes were also in the
back pond. A nice surprise was a Belted Kingfisher, which we
typically don’t get at the Wetlands.
Rim Lakes – November 7 - Jason Wilder
Seven birders, including two visitors from Massachusetts,
enjoyed a brisk morning exploring the Flagstaff area lakes.
We checked Lower and Upper Lake Mary, Ashurst Lake, and
Mormon Lake Lookout. We had a very successful day, netting
43 species (by my count) over the course of the morning and
managing not to get stuck in the mud surrounding Ashurst
Lake. Ducks were a highlight, and we had good numbers of
nearly all the expected species including Gadwall, American
Wigeon, Mallard, Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail, Greenwinged Teal, Canvasback, Redhead, Ring-necked, Lesser
Scaup, Bufflehead, Common Merganser, and Ruddy Duck.
The standout duck was a surprise BLACK SCOTER, which was
diving alone on Upper Lake Mary near the Osprey Lookout.
Western, Eared and Pied-billed Grebes and American Coots
rounded out the waterfowl.
Photo
deck
constructed
Raptors
alsoof
putthe
on viewing
a good show.
Webeing
enjoyed
seeing both adult
and immature Bald Eagles at Upper and Lower Lake Mary,
at the Sedona Wetlands Preserve
American Kestrels and Northern Harriers at several locations,
Red-tailed Hawks all over the place, and scope views of a light
Ferruginous Hawk at Mormon Lake. A highlight of the day was
a confiding Northern Pygmy-Owl very close to the parking spot
at the Osprey Lookout on Upper Lake Mary. Another high point
of the day was seeing a herd of at least two dozen Pronghorn
out our
wonderful
website
at ... a treat to
close to theCheck
road near
Upper
Lake Mary.
It’s always
see what turns up on the lakes during fall migration!
northernarizonaaudubon.org
Field Trip Reports,
continued
on page 4
Tell your
friends
Watch for new trips in your monthly
email updates. Read trip details and past
trip reports in our website calendar,
northernarizonaaudubon.org.
Page 4
Field Trip Reports & Information ...
Field Trip Reports, continued on page 4
Enchantment Resort - November 11 - Lisa Grubbs
We got permission from the Enchantment Resort to bird the riparian
corridor and adjacent upland. It was a beautiful day and the walk was
a raving success. We had five birders from NAAS and two guests from
the resort. The guests were having a blast, and the Audubon members
were very enthusiastic, teaching them about our local birds. There
were hugs all around when they left. We had 24 bird species including
Northern Cardinals, Canyon Wrens and Townsend Solitaires.
Sedona Wetlands Preserve - November 15 - Rich Armstrong
Six enthusiastic birders joined me for an enjoyable field trip. We were
treated with a nice view of a Clark’s Grebe in the big pond (previously
seen only twice at the Preserve). We witnessed a rare flyover of a
pair of American Crows and four Horned Larks that stopped briefly
for a drink. There were good numbers of Buffleheads, Canvasbacks
and American Wigeons as well as three Northern Pintails. Lower
water levels in Pond 5 attracted three Wilson’s Snipe, a Virginia Rail
and a few American Pipits. We saw a few wintering White-crowned
Sparrows, Yellow-rumped Warblers and Ruby-crowned Kinglets. The
Wetlands continue to be a prime birding area with surprise species
showing up regularly.
Bubbling Ponds - November 27 - Lisa Grubbs
Nine brave folks joined me for the walk. It was a chilly 28 degrees with
frost on the ground and frozen water in some of the drier ponds. Things
did not warm up above freezing for an hour. We had good looks at the
Virginia Rail pecking through some ice. There were Marsh, Bewick’s
and House Wrens, two pairs of Northern Cardinals, numerous Brown
Creepers, and Verdin (at least four nests appeared to be active). We
were also treated with Bridled Titmice, always a favorite. Everyone
was impressed with the interpretive signs and the trail in general.
Many “regulars” who had not been here for a while expressed their
appreciation for the efforts of NAAS at Bubbling Ponds Preserve, and
our partnership with the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Page
Springs facility.
BlackH awk W atch
Would you like to help
Boy Scouts earn their
Bird Study Merit Badge?
There are a few young Scouts who would
like to learn how to identify birds, how to
properly use their optics, and how to build
a well designed bird house. If you have a few hours to spare
this spring, please call Debbie James, 527-0750, for more
information.
Rio de Flag
Wetland Preserve Project
Audubon has recently received an announcement that
the Sierra Club’s Flagstaff members are starting to work
on a proposed wetland preserve in the Fort Valley area of
the Rio de Flag. This group is at the very
beginning of the planning process and is
looking for interested parties to join their
effort.
This sounds like an exciting idea and
we encourage those who are interested to
contact Joseph Shannon Plateau Group
Chair – Sierra Club at 928-380-9537 or
email him at j.shannon278@gmail.com
We are proud to be a supporter of the
Northern Arizona
Audubon Society
Producing and mailing
the “BlackHawk Watch” newsletter
Montezuma Well National Monument November 28 - Jeff Tanner
Four of us birded Montezuma Well, including the picnic area, meadow
and riparian area of Beaver Creek. We had great close-up views of
Bridled Titmouse, Brown Creeper, Ruby-crowned Kinglet and Say’s
Phoebe. Also featured were Rock Wren, Red-naped Sapsucker, and
a Rufous-crowned Sparrow. Everyone agreed the highlight of the trip
was the flock of 19 Snow Geese that flew overhead in the meadow.
Chip Norton Residence - December 5 Chip Norton, Loretta Mogan, Jeff Tanner
16 birders explored Chip Norton’s neighborhood in Camp Verde
near Salt Mine Road. We saw numerous Canada Geese, Mallards,
Ruby-crowned Kinglets, and White-crowned Sparrows (a few saw a
White-throated Sparrow). At the Verde River, two Red-tailed Hawks
were calling out, perhaps in a flight display. Other highlights were
an American Kestrel, Gambel’s Quail, Cooper’s Hawk and a Ladderbacked Woodpecker. Afterward we enjoyed a delicious brunch
provided by our hosts Chip Norton and Kathy Davis.
★
★
★
★
★
Full Service Printing
High Speed Copying
Digital Color Copying
Graphics & Layout
Full Bindery Services
Bulk Mailing - Our staff is up-to-date
on postal regulations for efficient
delivery at the lowest possible rate.
★ List Maintenance ★ Bulk Permits
★ Presort Service
★ Automated Bar-Coding ★ Zip +4
★ Delivery to the P.O.
2708 N. Fourth St., Ste. F 3 & 4
Flagstaff, Arizona 86004
(928) 526-1650 fax ★ fivestarprinting@hotmail.com
(928) 526-5011
Northern Arizona Audubon Society Mission Statement
To promote the understanding and appreciation of birds and other wildlife and
the conservation and restoration of their natural habitats.
BlackH awk W atch
News & Information ...
The Arboretum at Flagstaff
partners with Audubon
Northern Arizona Audubon is excited to announce that
The Arboretum at Flagstaff has joined our Business for Birds
program as an advertiser in our Black Hawk Watch newsletter.
As many of our members know, The Arb is one of Flagstaff’s
premier outdoor attractions.
Founded in 1981, The Arb’s mission is to increase the
understanding, appreciation, and conservation of plants
and plant communities native to the Colorado Plateau. It
does this by preserving a 200-acre site donated by Frances
McAllister, a long time resident of Flagstaff and well-known
philanthropist. The Arb holds a wide variety of festivals,
concerts, camps, wildflower and bird walks throughout the
April - October season and is a true Flagstaff jewel. Bird walks
take place every Saturday morning May through July with
over 130 species of birds sighted on the grounds! Check out
their website for more information on the 2016 events and
activities. www.thearb.org
Over the years, Audubon has hosted bird walks on
grounds of The Arb but this partnering marks a new stage in
the relationship of our two great organizations.
Please join us in welcoming The Arb
to the Audubon family!
Page 5
National
Geographic
Society
Recently National Geographic
Society, in cooperation with the Sedona
Verde Valley Tourism Council celebrated
the launch of the Verde Valley participation in the National
Geographic Geotourism program. Our NAAS chapter was involved.
This is a very big deal for the Verde Valley; we are one of only 22 areas
in the entire world to be featured on the site. To see the parent page:
http://natgeotourism.com/ scroll down to the Sedona Verde Valley
image and click through.
National Geographic says this regarding Geotourism: “Tourism
that sustains or enhances the geographic character of a place, its
environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the well-being of its
residents. Geotourism encompasses a range of travel opportunities
including culture and heritage, history, food, nature, the outdoors,
water, music and arts.”
Our NAAS chapter has a terrific presence in all this. Our
participation was in the form of nominating favorite places in the
Verde Valley for birding. See the list below. We received a certificate
and we have sites as follows:
* Bubbling Ponds
* Tavasci Marsh
* Sedona Wetlands
* Jail Trail
* Lower Oak Creek Important
Bird Area
* Tuzigoot Important
Bird Area
* Northern Arizona Audubon Society
4001 S. Woody Mountain Rd
Flagstaff AZ 86005
OPEN APRIL 15 - OCT 31
35
years
1981 - 2016
SUMMER CAMPS
BEAUTIFUL GARDENS
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
MONTHLY WORKSHOPS
FAMILY EVENTS
(928) 774 - 1442 | www.thearb.org
You can plan an entire trip to our valley right here. Note: the
demographic for this site is 35-55 yrs. old, six figure income, and
professional. Look under the menu item: Things to do > Natural areas.
When you are on the parent page, look for the search magnifying glass
at the top right and enter a search for “Birding”. There are 212 places
on the entire site, but you can narrow it down by using this search
function. In this regard, when a birder in Delhi is looking for a place
to bird in the USA, he can easily set up a trip to our area just as easily
as if he were living in Phoenix. Occasionally we get an emailed request
for a bird guide to our area. We can expect more such requests in the
future.
Many thanks to Eric Gofreed and Doug VonGausig for their video
and image contributions. As you can see, our contribution ranges
from discrete places like Sedona Wetlands to larger areas such as
Lower Oak Creek Important Bird Area. Presumably, this effort will
make a contribution to the high profile image of the Verde Valley and
bring with it, increased interest in birding and habitat conservation
here.
Page 6
Information ...
Support the biggest birding event
in Northern Arizona
The Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival will be 16 years old
this April, 2016! If you have participated in this 4-day Cottonwoodbased event, you know what a great and exciting festival it has
become. Sixteen years ago it began as a single day event born of the
vision of Barbie Hart and Susie Beach in partnership with Northern
Arizona Audubon Society and others. The Festival has always been
a 100% volunteer organization and, as is the case with any volunteer
organization, the staffing has seen ebb and flow over the years. This
year there exist many opportunities to contribute your time and talent
toward making this April, 21-24 event another great success. Here is a
list of volunteer needs:
Workshop coordinator – There are nine scheduled workshops.
Volunteers are needed to coordinate the scheduling and the set up in
Dead Horse State Park.
Volunteer coordinator – This is the “traffic manager” for all the
Festival volunteers
Lunch chairperson – Lunches go on many field trips and this person keeps it flowing. A chair is place now but an understudy for 2017
needs to be part of this committee
Transportation helper – Vans come and go all four days and the
current van chair needs an assistant.
Vendor/Exhibitor chair – Vendor and exhibitor invitations have
been sent out and a coordinator is needed to track responses and
placements.
Van Drivers – Vans are key to field trips and, although vans come
from various sources, they generally do not include drivers. Van drivers are needed.
Hospitality – coffee and snacks are always available to participants
and someone has to be there to keep it organized.
General volunteer helpers – There is a raffle, street sign
placements, tent set ups, on-site registration, and many more jobs
that require volunteers. Please don’t be shy.
This is a wonderful way to participate and support the Verde Valley
Birding and Nature Festival. If you or a friend is curious or interested,
please email Barbie Hart at birdyverde@gmail.com . She will be happy
to contact you.
How
many
birds
can you
count?
BlackH awk W atch
How many birds
will you find?
19th Annual Great Backyard Bird Count
February 12–15, 2016
Join in! Count birds in
your backyard, local park,
or wherever you spot a
bird, and submit your
observations online.
birdcount.org
White-breasted Nuthatch
Photo: Nick Saunders/GBBC
Sponsored
in part by:
Launched in 1998 by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology
and National Audubon Society, the Great Backyard Bird
Count was the first online citizen-science project to
collect data on wild birds and to display results in near
real-time. Since then, more than 100,000 people of all
ages and walks of life have joined the four-day count each
February to create an annual snapshot of the distribution
and abundance of birds.
We invite you to participate! Simply tally the numbers
and kinds of birds you see for at least 15 minutes on one
or more days of the count, February 12-15, 2016. You can
count from any location, anywhere in the world!
If you’re new to the count, go to www.birdcount.org
to register; then enter your checklist. If you have already
participated in another Cornell Lab citizen-science
project, you can use your existing login.
In 2015, Great Backyard Bird Count participants in
more than 100 countries counted 5,090 species of birds
on more than 147,000 checklists! During the count,
you can explore what others are seeing in your area or
around the world. Share your bird photos by entering the
photo contest, or enjoy images pouring in from across the
globe.
Help make the most successful count ever by
participating this year!
Then keep counting throughout the year with eBird,
which uses the same system as the Great Backyard Bird
Count to collect, store, and display data any time, all the
time.
Endangered Species Day
Art Contest
Teachers and their students are encouraged to participate in the Saving Endangered
Species Youth Art Contest. The Youth Art Contest provides K-12 students with an
opportunity to learn about endangered species and express their knowledge and
support through artwork. Entries must be submitted electronically by March 1, 2016.
A prestigious panel of artists, photographers and conservationists will judge the
artwork. Winners will be chosen in four categories: K-Grade 2, Grades 3-5, Grades
6-8 and Grades 9-12, and will receive plaques and art supply gift packs. In addition,
one grand prize winner will be honored at a reception in Washington, D.C. in May
2016, and also receive a special art lesson from a professional artist. Visit www.
endangeredspeciesday.org for more information.
Black
awk
atcH
Black
HH
awk
Ww
atch
nformatIon ...
...
IInformation
Page
Page
77
NAAS Directory
Individual
JANIEAGYAGOS Darlene Lee
RuthJED&ILAFULKERSON
Wiedeman
Terry Morris
CECELIAOVERBY
RON&GLOAULER
Bob Mathiasen
ELLENROSHER
(Northern
Flicker)
RICHARDHALL
Bob & Diane
Mutchie
CATHIBORTHWICK&KENWALTERS
MR.&MRS.DAVID
CELIAHOLM
Mimi Murov
Janie
Agyagos
Family
(Gambel’s Quail) Jan Parrott
SHERRY
Anne Pellegrini
RobPETERCASPER
Bonner
SamGERRI&SAMHOUGH
& Sally Braun
Mark Philippart
M.AUSTIN&E.GARRISON
KARINSLAVEY
DEAN&KATEJOHNSON
Maureen Price
Gregory Du Bois
Suzan
Marie Chin
Vernon
&
Jeanette Shupe
BRENTBITZ
LINDASOGGE
JIMLOGAN
Janet Quinn
RaeFRANK&LINDABRANDT
Foushee
Georgia Duncan
CARYTHOMPSON
KARENMALIS-CLARK
William Scales
Kathy
Fraser
Michael
Durgain
Enhanced
(Blackhawk)
MATTHEWCROZIER
ZACKZDINAK
WHITMANTER
John Schaefer
Birgitta
Gaud
HerbDR.VERAMARKGRAF
& Betty Henderson Brent Bitz
GREGCUNNINGHAM
Genie Swyers
LisaCECILEDECHAMBRE
Grubbs
DeanLYNDAMcEVOY
& Kate Johnson
Stewart Boots
MELISSA&GRANTDUNSTAN
Hinckley Trevor
Kevin
Harding
JuneLORETTAMOGAN
& Bruce Johnson
Clifford Holtz
PETERFRIEDERICI&MICHELEJAMES
John Walder
Annika
Keeley
WhitLINDANICHOLAS
& Diana Manter
To see when your membership expires, look at
seenext
when
expires,
look at
theTo
date
to your
your membership
address on your
newsletter.
the date next to your address on your newsletter.
Purchase Northern Arizona Audubon Society birding guides on our
website:
www.northernarizonaaudubon.org.
Purchase Northern
Arizona
Audubon Society birding guides on our
website:
www.northernarizonaaudubon.org.
Birding the Flagstaff Area (including the Grand Canyon South Rim,
Navajo
Lands),
Birding Sedona
and Canyon
the Verde
Valley
Birdingand
theHopi
Flagstaff
Areaor(including
the Grand
South
Rim,
Navajo and Hopi Lands), or Birding Sedona and the Verde Valley
Only $14.95
Only $14.95
Have a story you would like
to share?
Have a story
you would like
• The BlackHawk Watchto
is published
bi-monthly September through May.
share?
• Articles
are welcome
fromismembers
non-members.
Send
proposed
•TheBlackHawk
Watch
publishedand
bi-monthly
September
through
May.
articles
by
email
to
Debbie
at
weehawks@hotmail.com
Deadline
for
copy is
•Articles are welcome from members and non-members. Send proposed
thearticles
15th ofbythe
month.
email
to Debbie at weehawks@hotmail.com Deadline for copy is
the 15th of the month.
Officers
Officers
President
President
Secretary
Vice-President
Treasurer
Matthew Crozier
matthew.crozier@ymail.com
Matt Crozier
matthew.crozier@ymail.com
Sue Ordway
sue.ordway@gmail.com
Dennis Tomko
dennis@foltom.com
Julie Wills
jwills282@hotmail.com
Secretary
Sue Ordway
sue.ordway@gmail.com
Treasurer
Julie Wills
jwills282@hotmail.com
Directors At Large
Brent Bitz
birdsedona@gmail.com
Director
at Large jehrbh@msn.com
John Hildebrand
Dennis Tomko Brent
Bitz
brentwbitz@gmail.com
dennis@foltom.com
Suzy Clemenz Sue clemenz.rdrck@gmail.com
Clemenz
clemenz.rdrck@gmail.com
Jeff Tanner
jefftanner@npgcable.com
Publicity ATR and Program Chair
Conservation
Phyllis Kegley Empty
kegleyphyllis@hotmail.com
Development
Publicity BTR Empty
Kristine Follett
kristine@foltom.com
Education
Tina Whitley
whitleyt4@gmail.com
Field Trip Committee
Chair
BTR – Dena Greenwood
2nesting@gmail.com
Field Trips ATR – Zack Zdinak
ATR
Jodi Griffith wildlife@lifedraw.com
jodigriff@gmail.com
BTR
Dena Greenwood
Education
Committee
Chair - Opendena@jaysbirdbarn.com
Conservation Committee Chair - Open
Hosptality
ATR
Betty KahrlChair
bettyjkl@gmail.com
Publications
Committee
BTR ComptonNanette
Armstrong nancearmstrong@gmail.com
Debbie
weehawks@hotmail.com
Membership
Membership Committee Chair
Chair
1 – Barbara
Barbara
ragalyi-hirt@esedona.net
BTR
Hirt Hirt ragalyi-hirt@esedona.net
Chair 2
Kristine Follett
kristine@foltom.com
ATR – Helen-Marie and Paul Holmgren
Publications hmhpt7@gmail.com, prh222@gmail.com
Standing Committees and Projects
Books
Brent Bitz
Hospitality Committee
brentwbitz@gmail.com
ATR – Betty Kahrl
bettyjkl@gmail.com
Newsletter
Debbie Compton weehawks@hotmail.com
BTR – Nanette Armstrong nancearmstrong@gmail.com
Program/Publicity
Book Sales
ATR Bitz
Phyllis
Kegley
kegleyphyllis@hotmail.com
Brent
birdsedona@gmail.com
Webmaster
Publicity
Dennis
dennis@foltom.com
BTR Tomko Kristine
Follett
kristine@foltom.com
Page Springs
Sanctuary
Committee
chair
Matthew Crozier, steward
matthew.crozier@ymail.com
Webmaster
Dennis Tomko
dennis@foltom.com
Picture Canyon Sanctuary
Facebook
nancearmstrong@gmail.com
Tiffany Trunnell,Nanette
steward Armstrong
tiffanytdog@gmail.com
Sedona Wetlands
Preserve
Sanctuary
VVBNF
Nanette
Armstrong
nancearmstrong@gmail.com
Rich Armstrong, steward
richarmstrong@q.com
Page Springs Steward
Nature Festival
Representative
Verde Valley Bird
Mattand
Crozier
matthew.crozier@ymail.com
Nanette Armstrong nancearmstrong@gmail.com
Sedona Wetlands Steward
Rich Armstrong
richarmstrong@q.com
Picture Canyon Steward
Birders, Go to
Open
northernarizonaaudubon.org
NAAS Email Monitored by Dennis
and check for new
nazaudubon@northernarizonaaudubon.org
Field Trips on the calendar!
Birders, Go to
Check
out our wonderful website at ...
northernarizonaaudubon.org
northernarizonaaudubon.org
and check for new
Tell your friends
Field Trips on the calendar!
BLACKHAWK WATCH
Northern Arizona Audubon Society
PO Box 1496, Sedona, AZ 86339
Have you visited our web site?
✁
Join Us!
Northern Arizona Audubon Society
Please enroll me/our household as a Chapter Member of
Northern Arizona Audubon Society (NAAS).
Name: __________________________________
Address: ________________________________
City, State, Zip____________________________
Phone: __________________________________
Email: __________________________________
northernarizonaaudubon.org
january-february Meetings
Guest Speaker Dr. Erika Nowak
“Snakes in Trouble: Snake Research in
Northern Arizona and Abroad”
Sedona - January 20 (Wed)
Sedona Public Library • 3250 White Bear Road
Flagstaff - January 21 (Thurs)
Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church
1601 N San Francisco St.
✁
If you prefer to join or renew on line, please go to our website
at http://www.northernarizonaaudubon.org/membershiptest/
Enclosed:
____ Individual $25
(Northern Flicker)
____ Family $40
(Gambel’s Quail)
Guest Speakers Nanette Armstrong (Sedona)
and Terry Blows (Flagstaff)
“Let’s Play Bird Games!”
Sedona - February 17 (Wed)
Sedona Public Library • 3250 White Bear Road
Flagstaff - February 18 (Thurs)
Check here if this is a
change of address
Check here if this is a
renewal
Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church
1601 N San Francisco St.
Meetings start at 6:45 pm with social time.
Formal meeting begins at 7:00 pm.
____ Supporting $100
(Blackhawk)
• The BlackHawk Watch is published bi-monthly September
through May, and is sent to members of the Northern
Arizona Audubon Society as a membership benefit.
• Articles are welcome from members and non-members. Send
proposed articles by email to Debbie at weehawks@hotmail.com
Deadline for copy is the 15th of the month.
Please make checks payable to NAAS and mail to:
Membership Chair, NAAS
PO Box 1496, Sedona, AZ 86339
I am interested in Volunteer opportunities