Miss the fun of a Field Trip or Monthly Program? 

NAAS Kachina Wetlands Bird Walk - Saturday, September 9, 2023

We enjoyed a beautiful late summer morning for a bird walk at Kachina Wetlands. Eighteen participants joined us in the search for migrants among the ponds and fields of sunflowers. We found a nice variety of warblers and sparrows, good numbers of Western Bluebirds and Lesser Goldfinches, and a large flock of Violet-green Swallows feasting in preparation for their southward migration. A couple of highlights included an American Kestrel right at the start, a handful of Western and Least Sandpipers,

and three very cooperative Virginia Rails that showed nicely along the north edge of Pond 5. Everyone had a chance to view the rails in Margaret’s spotting scope.

We also had some fun discussions about birds: Who knew that Lesser Goldfinches are such impressive mimics, with records of dozens of different birds they have been known to imitate? We learned why the ducks do not look like we might expect them to, as many of the male Mallards and Cinnamon Teals were still in their subdued eclipse plumage. The young Western Bluebirds also looked disheveled as they molt into their adult feathers.

It was a great morning with a fun group of birders! by Tom Hedwall

Buffalo Park - Wednesday, August 30, 2023

15 of us bird nerds met in the parking lot and headed out in hopes of owls. What we got was even more. Early on a warbler "back doored" us and we saw it fly away. But later, thanks to Jeremy Mizel's spotting, we all saw a Black-throated Gray Warbler. Western Bluebirds were thinking of roosting and White-breasted Nuthatches were gleaning their last insects for the night.  Gisela spotted a Barn Swallow amongst the Violet-green Swallows. But the Blue Moon stole the show away from the birds (which we forgot all about). We gasped as the Blue Moon rose above the landscape of Buffalo Park. It was the perfect ending to a very fun field trip! by Kay Hawklee

Hike ‘n Bird – FSR 237: Saturday, August 26, 2023

We had a super fun morning with 8 folks hardly being able to keep up with a mixed flock of warblers early on! 8 people, 8 species of warblers. Great combination! The weather couldn't have been better and the hike was beautiful. Painted Redstarts were everywhere, showing off their red bellies and white wing patches. Red-faced Warblers rounded out the warblers with red on them. Then there were the ones with varying degrees of yellow: Townsend's, Virginia's, MacGillvray's, etc. Pygmy Nuthatches got twitter-pated at one point and White-breasted Nuthatches just wouldn't hush up. It was super fun; yet, peaceful to be in the forest.

Jail Trail - July 1, 2023

Eleven bird watchers moved quietly along the Jail Trail in hopes of hearing a SW Willow Flycatcher and/or a Yellow-billed Cuckoo. We were rewarded when twice we heard the "... distinctive series of hollow, wooden-sounding ka-ka-ka-ka-ka-kow-kow-kowlp-kowlp-kowlp-kowlp syllables" of Yellow-billed Cuckoos: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Yellow-billed_Cuckoo/sounds  However the cuckoo was true to this eBird description because we never saw one: "Stealthy and shy in dense forests and riparian areas, often sitting motionless for long periods of time.” https://ebird.org/species/yebcuc  

However, it was encouraging to know that they still visit the same trail year after year. Cornell’s “All About Birds” website says that they will “… even hunch[ing] their shoulders to conceal their crisp white underparts, as they hunt for large caterpillars.” Well, they concealed themselves from us too! So, we turned to extreme measures even holding a “stakeout” of sorts at several tent caterpillar sites with our fingers and toes crossed. But the stealthy birds didn’t come for their treats. Still exciting, were good views of several Brown-crested Flycatchers as they sat still in bare branches for all to see. These Myiarchus flycatchers were indeed very “raucous” all morning – even out-singing the annoying, but beautiful, Yellow-breasted Chats! By Kay Hawklee

Humphries Peak Trai - June 9, 2023

I was joined by eight folks who hiked a short way up the Humphries Peak Trailhead in search of woodpeckers. In the meadow before the trail, a Green-tailed Towhee greeted us from atop a distant rock. Several Vesper Sparrows sang from the tops of Mullens. We heard and saw many Northern Flickers, but no American Three-toed woodpeckers made an appearance; although we thought we possibly heard one?!  The stars of the show were: 1.  A House Wren feeding nestlings in cavity where one participant saw the next poking out from under the bark. 2.  A cooperative Cordilleron Flycatcher. 3.  Eye-level adult Red-tailed Hawk soaring to a tree top (with a drop dead view behind it!) 4.  Band-tailed Pigeons flying by. It was a cool morning for all of us more ways that one! By Kay Hawklee

Clear Creek Campground - June 7, 2023

Nine folks searched for Yellow-billed Cuckoos at Clear Creek Campground on Wednesday, June 7th. But the Cuckoo was elusive - as they tend to be. No matter. We heard and saw many species including:  Blue Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, Summer Tanagers and tons of Yellow Warblers. Birds were clearly either "On Nest", as several were spotted carrying food; while others were actively feeding begging fledglings who had flown the nest. A couple of species of Hummingbirds were seen several times feeding on Desert Willow flowers. No Cuckoo spoke up while we were there, but the birders were pleased anyway. And now they know where to go to find them. It's a matter of being in the right place at the right time. Just makes us all want to go again! By Kay Hawklee

Jail Trail - June 4, 2023

20 people set out to hear a Southwest Willow Flycatcher on the Jail Trail on Sunday, June 4, 2023. We got to the right habitat - thick willows - but the bird hadn't gotten there yet. No matter, because as we were standing there a Common Black Hawk flew low over us carrying food for its nestlings (later found by Janie).  Earlier Tonie Hansen had guided us all to see an adult Great Horned Owl with two fledglings peeking from the same high branches. Everyone had great views of the owls from a good distance. However one of our target birds, a Yellow-billed Cuckoo, flew high, fast and silent overhead, but was still spotted by Janie Ward-Langley and, sadly, not everyone got a look. No vocalizations of either SW Willow Flycatcher or Yellow-billed Cuckoo were heard. Even though there were 20 sets of eyes, we were all very quiet and stealthy while listening for those birds. Indigo Buntings were seen on the way back to the parking lot and thanks to Kristen Rothrock, we didn't mis-identify a Ladderback Woodpecker as a Hairy Woodpecker (while it faced us); even though the bill appeared to be very large. Much discussion was held and the verdict became clear after comparing facial patters and barring on the underneath of the tail by use of Pay Neyman's photo.  It was a super fun morning for all.  By Kay Hawklee

Chapter Pot Luck - May 20, 2023

Just under 20 people enjoyed food, fun and good birds at Montezuma Well Picnic Area. Guides - Lisa Grubbs, Kay Hawklee and Kristen Rothrock birded the path with groups. Rich Armstrong held a Big Sit in the shade near the picnic tables where he pointed out Lucy's Warblers visiting a probable nest site. Over 37 species were observed. The food was great as always and the shade trees made it a very pleasant morning.

Picture Canyon - May 20, 2023

I was joined by 12 birders on a 4 hour bird walk into Picture Canyon on 5/20. We enjoyed pleasant weather while tallying 53 species. Highlights included Northern Waterthrush and Swamp Sparrow as well as great views of colorful Hepatic Tanager and Blue Grosbeak. Life birds were had by many in the group. I continued on with 3 people to a spot that I knew had nesting Lewis’ Woodpecker where we weren’t disappointed. It was a fun outing with fun people. By Tom Linda

Sedona Wetlands - May 7, 2023

I was joined by 8 folks for the last Sedona Wetlands trip of the season on May 7th. Highlights were scope views of adult & immature Black-crowned Night Herons, Barn & Cliff & Northern Rough-winged Swallows lined up on a fence, Summer Tanager, Spotted Sandpiper, male Ruddy Duck with blue bill, and ducks that have not left yet - male Redhead & Cinnamon Teal & female American Wigeon. By Rich Armstrong

Elden Springs - May 6, 2023

I was joined by 7 birders for the May 6 th bird walk to Elden Spring in Flagstaff. It was a bit breezy, but we found 20 species and enjoyed good looks at several of them. Highlights were a Bald Eagle, a pair of Peregrine Falcon, and a Red-faced Warbler. The warbler was spotted by Jeremy Mizel, and he tracked them down for fine looks. The scenery was awesome, and most people got life birds. It was a fun day with fun people. By Tom Linda

Let's Bird Kachina Wetlands - May 6, 2023

Fifteen participants gathered on Saturday morning for a field trip around Kachina Wetlands. It was cool and turned windy, but we had a fun trip with pretty good birding overall. Special guest Christina Vojta joined us and shared some information about the management of the Wetlands with our group as we walked from the forested edge, past the grassy basins, and out to the various ponds.  The birding highlights included a total of 36 species seen. Some favorites were a Bald Eagle flyover, anda surprise Black-crowned Night-heron snoozing in a pack pond. Several of us got a good look at a Sora, which is always a treat! A couple Purple Martins and nice views of Common Yellowthroats rounded out the morning. By Tom Hedwall

Big Sit - Mingus Lake - May 5, 2023

I was joined by 4 folks for a Big Sit at Mingus Lake on May 5th. Not included in the Big Sit was a stop at the Jerome Overlook where we had fantastic looks at MacGillivray's Warbler in a sparse bush 5' away. Here we heard and saw the season's first Western Wood-Pewees and many other warbler species. At Mingus Lake we had 13 species with House Wrens continually singing their "rapid, harsh and squeaky chatter, churr and rattle" song.  Our thought was that we are a little ahead of the main migration period for warblers and with abundant water resources, they were not as focused at the drip coming off Mingus Lake. But it was a beautiful morning nevertheless!  By Kay Hawklee

Big Sit - Armstrong house, April 25, 2023

We were joined by 15 people in our yard on April 25th for a 1 hour sit. The stars were Evening Grosbeaks which were uncooperative for the 1st 45 minutes before all coming to feeders. The colorful were Summer & Western Tanagers and Hooded & Bullock's Orioles. The surprises were a 1st of season male Black-headed Grosbeak, an American Goldfinch (we had not had one in over 10 days), and a very late Ruby-crowned Kinglet. The cutest were Bridled Titmice. The misses were no Red-winged Blackbird or Eurasian-collared Dove or Red-tailed hawk or Brown-crested Flycatcher (heard earlier in day) or Spotted Towhee (at feeder earlier). We still had a respectable 26 species!  By Nanette & Rich Armstrong

Sedona Wetlands - April 22, 2023

I was joined by 9 Prescott birders for a special request full tour of the Sedona Wetlands on April 22nd. Highlights were close scope looks for everyone at White-faced Ibis, Willet, Baird's & Least & Spotted Sandpipers, all 3 teal, male Redhead & Lesser Scaup & Eared Grebes, Black-crowned Night Heron, Virginia's Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Ladderback Woodpecker, Savannah Sparrow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Western Kingbird, Lucy's Warbler, and Brewer's Blackbird. We added 5 species in the parking lot doing a countdown to get to 64 species! By Rich Armstrong

Sedona Wetlands - April 20, 2023

I was joined by only 4 birders, 3 from CA, on April 20th for a 75 minute walk of the Sedona Wetlands. Highlights were 5 swallow species lined up on the fence next to the big pond including Bank Swallows, a close Solitary Sandpiper, a Virginia Rail out in the open for 10 seconds, a male Bullock's Oriole, and close looks at Yellow Warblers. The California folks loved a close male Northern Cardinal singing. By Rich Armstrong

The Jail Trail - April 18, 2023

I was joined by 9 others on Tuesday April 18th for a Bird Walk at The Jail Trail in Cottonwood. The Verde River has experienced a huge runoff of water this year and the habitat has changed quite a bit. It was somewhat windy but we still managed to see 25 species. Great looks at our always special Common Black Hawk, which was calling and soaring in all its glory. We had the Great Horned Owl sitting on a nest. Gorgeous Summer Tanagers have arrived. We saw a small flock of Evening Grosbeaks still here in the valley,  perched for everyone to see. Also Cassin's Finches, an Osprey hovering over the river, Bridled Titmouse foraging in the trees, and everyone heard the Common Yellowthroat singing witchety-witchety-witch. A fun bird walk down the Jail Trail.  By Janie Ward-Langley

Sedona Wetlands - April 16, 2023

I was joined by 9 folks including people from PA, FL, and CO on April 16th for a 75 minute walk at the Sedona Wetlands. Highlights were breeding plumage Eared Grebe, a preening male Cinnamon Teal, decent looks at both Sora & Virginia Rail, and a decent variety of ducks. The only migrant was a fairly cooperative Cassin's Vireo, but other than Yellow & Yellow-rumped Warblers, passerines were disappointing. Weather was great and some got life birds!  By Rich Armstrong

Clear Creek Campground - April 13, 2023

I was joined by 10 others on Thursday April 13th at the Clear Creek Campground for a bird walk in this diverse habitat, first along the flowing creek and then in the more dry desert section. It started out a little slow and quiet, but had some hotspots of groups of birds coming through. Our total was 32 species. The highlights were the beautiful Black-throated Sparrow, Bell's Vireo, Hooded Oriole, Bald Eagle, Common Black Hawk, Swainson's Hawk, Hammond's Flycatcher, Ash-throated Flycatcher and Common Raven on a nest. For some in the group many of the birds were Lifer birds and it's exciting to be a part of sharing that joy with others.  By Janie Ward-Langley

Bubbling Ponds - April 11, 2023

I was joined by 2 other birders on April 11th on a warm weather day at the Bubbling Ponds. We had 49 species which included the bright neon Vermillion Flycatcher, many Bell's Vireo's singing, Cassin's Vireo, Plumbeous Vireo, lots of Audubon's Yellow-rumped Warblers, a Myrtle Yellow-rumped Warbler, Wilson's Warbler, Nashville Warbler, and several Townsend's Solitaires. It was a great bird walk as migration has begun. By Janie Ward-Langley

Sedona Wetlands - April 8, 2023

I was joined by 15 folks including people from PA, CO, OR, and my Birding 101 class on April 8th for a 1 hour walk around the Sedona Wetlands. Highlights were scope views for all of a posing Loggerhead Shrike, a posing Black-crowned Night Heron, and our 1st Western Kingbird. We also had very close cooperative Lucy's Warbler and Northern Cardinal. A large flock of Violet-green Swallows came and drank and left in what seemed like 2 minutes. We still had 9 duck species. Spring seemed to arrive the last 15 minutes of the walk. By Rich Armstrong

Big Sit - Bubbling Ponds Preserve - April 6, 2023

I was joined by 11 folks at Bubbling Ponds Preserve (BPP) for the Big Sit on April 6^th from 9-10:00. This trip would have been the perfect “Trick or Treat” day – because we were treated to surprise Painted Redstarts flitting around the trees to the West of the first pond. And we were tricked by the absence of usual species: Abert’s Towhee, Lucy’s Warbler, Mallards and Red-tailed Hawks. We were joined by three Prescott birders and we all had a lovely “shortest hour in all of history” as we sat under the large Cottonwood and saw 28 species. Fun species left over from the winter months were Ring-necked and Redhead ducks. However, it was the migrating warblers that stole the show. Bright yellow warblers just arriving were joined by bright Yellow-rumped Warblers who will be leaving for Flagstaff and beyond soon enough. Migrating swallows were plentiful and we got good looks at the vibrant green of Violet-green Swallows. It just means that another Big Sit at BPP needs to happen in order to break the tie!  By Kay Hawklee

Birding 101 with Dr. Rich Armstrong - Camp Verde Library - March 31, 2023

I taught 30 folks a 2 hour Birding 101 class on March 31st at the Camp Verde library. Then on April 1st I had 10 of them bird Rezzonico Park and the Camp Verde STP. Then on April 2nd I had another 12 of them bird Rezzonico Park and the Camp Verde STP. Highlights were singing Lucy's Warbler, Abert's Towhee, close views of both male & female Vermillion Flycatchers, a very cooperative Hutton's Vireo, Cliff Swallows going in and out of nests, Great Horned Owls on a nest and next to it, and scope views of all 3 male teal species, Greater Yellowlegs, and Wilson's Snipe.  By Dr. Rich Armstrong

Big Sit at Red Rock Ranger Station (VOC)  - April 2, 2023

I was joined by 3 people for the Red Rock Ranger Station Big Sit on April 2nd. Unfortunately, we didn't observe any of the expected sparrow species. We had nice views of Northern Flicker, Gila Woodpecker, Bewick's Wren, Say's Phoebe, Lucy's Warbler, Turkey Vulture, Anna's Hummingbird, etc. Overall it was not a very birdy morning, but we did end up with a total of 20 species. By Mark Philippart

Brown Bag & Fun Facts: Montezuma Well Picnic Area - April 1, 2023

10 inquisitive birders joined me for a beautiful morning at Montezuma Well Picnic Area. We had three ladies from Flagstaff and several from Cornville. So there was a variation of birders' home habitats. This led to a good discussion about the elevational migration of many species that leave the Verde Valley and head to higher elevation near Flagstaff at some point in the spring. We gathered our questions during the walk and delved into the books at the picnic tables where we learned: 

• The only North American cavity nesting warblers are Lucy's and Prothonotary.
• Great Blue Herons are able to see 180 degrees vertically. Which allows them to appear to be looking upward, while tracking a meal underneath it.
•  Zone-tailed Hawks have a dark trailing edge on their wings.
• Hutton's Vireos have an affinity for Oak Trees.
• "Sample", roosting, summer, winter and breeding nests of the Verdin

Highlights during the field portion were a calling Cooper's Hawk and Verdin. It was a successful, fun first BB&FF experience.

by Kay Hawklee

Sedona Wetlands - March 29, 2023

I was joined by 10 people on a finally decent weather March 29th for a 1 hour walk around the Sedona Wetlands. Highlights were breeding plumage Eared Grebe, Lucy's Warbler, Marsh Wren, Juniper Titmice, and close looks at Rock Wren and American Pipit.  By Rich Armstrong

Beaver Creek Day Use and V Bar V Heritage - March 18, 2023

14 birders came out to Forest Service Road (FSR) 618 East of Sedona to see birds and Petroglyphs. The Flagstaff participants outnumbered the Verde Valley ones and the couple from San Diego were a great addition. It was a quiet birding day. Except the participants had a lot to discuss when presented with a couple of distant looks at Hammond's Flycatcher and Hutton's Vireo. We discussed how to tell the difference between Ruby-crowned Kinglets and Hutton's Vireos. The Hammond's Flycatcher with its "no neck" look showed us its long primaries. We moved on to V Bar V Ranch where we were disappointed not to have a troupe of Coatimundi, but were still rewarded by scope views of a Merlin. Whit Manter gave us his thoughts on what to look for between a Sharp-shinned Hawk and Merlin. The weather was perfect and the group was very engaged!   By Kay Hawklee

Bubbling Ponds Preserve - March 14, 2023

I was joined by 13 folks at the Bubbling Ponds Preserve March 14th on a lovely morning where we were treated to lots of singing. Most of our winter waterfowl have left the area with the exception of some stunning Redheads, American Wigeon, Ring-necked Ducks and one Green-winged Teal. All the ponds have water, so there was no muddy habitat for those birds who specialize in foraging there. One lone Canada Goose flew over chatting loudly. A lot of winter migrants have left but there were still a few Hermit Thrush, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, White-crowned Sparrows, Townsend’s Solitaires and Yellow-rumped Warblers. Summer birds are here and arriving - Common Black Hawks, Osprey, Northern Rough-winged Swallows and a real show of White-throated Swifts feeding and drinking low over the ponds. Love is in the air with residents exhibiting courtship and visiting nest sites including Abert’s Towhees, Black Phoebes, Bewick’s Wrens, and Verdin. A nice raptor show with the Black Hawk, Osprey, Sharp-shined and Cooper’s Hawks, and of course some Red-tailed Hawks. Total of 42 species.

Lisa Grubbs

Big Sit at the Stransky's - March 13, 2023

On March 13th we hosted our 2nd 1-hour Stransky backyard BIG SIT. We were joined by 9 birders and spotted a total of 26 species. Highlights were 3 Turkey Vultures (1st for our yard for this year), a female Common Merganser on the creek, and 10 Cassin’s Finches. Other species included 2 Lincoln’s Sparrow, and a Chipping Sparrow. People enjoyed our backyard adjacent to Wet Beaver Creek and sharing the bright sunny morning birding time together. We even gratefully used our neighbor’s back patio for watching his huge Cottonwood trees. Some folks enjoyed still-warm fritters as surprise treats with their coffee thanks to Sue Meyer! 

Laura & Kip Stransky

Sedona Wetlands - full trip - March 8, 2023

I was joined by 17 people on March 8th for a trip around the entire Sedona Wetlands area. The group included a dozen locals and birders from Missouri, Minnesota, Ohio, and Ontario. Unfortunately, there were no birds of interest on  the helicopter & back ponds; but we did have a very nice collection of ducks on the big pond: numerous Common Mergansers, Common Goldeneyes, Buffleheads, Gadwalls, and Cinnamon Teals. We also had two Lesser Scaup, a Redhead, a Canvasback, and an Eared Grebe. We ended up with 36 species in all. By Mark Philippart

The Jail Trail Cottonwood - March 5, 2023

I was joined by 17 folks on Sunday March 5th to walk the Jail Trail in Cottonwood. We had local birders along with others from Flagstaff, Connecticut, and visitors from Spain. Spring was in the air and birds were singing. We had 29 species of birds on the walk including up close great views of the local female Great Horned Owl perched in a tree over the Verde River and a pair of swimming Hooded Mergansers. Even though we had a large group, the more eyes made it better. Canada Geese did a flyover. We had great looks at a Red-tail Hawk and a small flock of Evening Grosbeaks. A male Anna's Hummingbird was showing courtship display as it went up in the air 100 feet and then dive bombed down to impress the female. He then flew all around the area landing on top of different bushes flashing his iridescent head and throat impressing all 18 of us. At one point a bird was sighted perched high in a tree at a far distance. We first thought it was a hawk, but the closer I got I could definitely see it was a rare bird to this location, a Band-tailed Pigeon. Everyone had great looks and someone was able to get a photo. Keep looking up, you never know what you may come upon. By Janie Ward-Langley 

News article about Flagstaff January Program:

Community science works to save at-risk bird population - by Hava Herzog, Jan 27, 2023

"The Northern Arizona Audubon Society (NAAS) is a volunteer-led organization that engages in community science to educate and advocate for the conservation of birds and their habitats. NAAS gathered together Jan. 24 at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church for a presentation on the pinyon jay and how to help save it."  Read more

Big Sit Field Trip Report - January 31, 2023: January 31st was a special day as NAAS was invited by resident Noreen Ireland to visit this lovely gated community and 14 people joined me. The weather broke just in time to witness much activity. The birds were hungry and were there to feast at Noreen's feeders. The OCV residents with some young ones in tow as well as folks who had seen the notice on the new NAAS website showed off many sharp pairs of eyes. We had a White-breasted Nuthatch and a Bridled Titmouse show off their black and white plumages at the suet. Western Bluebirds flitted among us while a distant Townsend's Solitaire called from the hillside. Song Sparrows, Abert's and Spotted Towhees rustled in the reeds right beside us. Gila and Ladder-backed Woodpeckers clamored from the cottonwoods. A Red-tailed Hawk perched on a far telephone pole waited while we discussed its size, shape, color, to rule out other raptor possibilities. After the big sit hour, we walked along beautiful Oak Creek passing a lone Bufflehead. to a hidden quiet backwater where we saw at least twenty Wood Ducks, some Mallards, and Ring-necked Ducks. Excluding these ducks, we saw 28 species in our hour, which is the new record for an NAAS Big Sit!  by Kristen Rothrock

Sedona Wetlands January 14, 2023: Rich was joined by 19 folks on January 14th at 10 AM for a 1 hour walk at the Sedona Wetlands. Weather cooperated, but birds didn't. Scope views of the normal ducks & Say's Phoebe & Townsend's Solitaire, but many more misses. It seems starting at 10 got people from Flagstaff and others, but less birds. We then went down to Spring creek tank 9571, but only a Black Phoebe was at the tank. Despite the lack of birds, many enjoyed the field trip!