Northern Arizona Audubon Society upcoming events

Bird Walk | Riverfront Park Big Sit, Cottonwood (22 Apr 2026)

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Count as many species as possible in one hour while enjoying a relaxing “Big Sit” along the river. Then we can all go to the joint NAAS/VVBNF meeting/presentation at the Cottonwood Library at 4pm.
Date: Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Time: 2:00–3:00 PM
Meeting Point: Bleachers at far end of Riverfront Park

What to Bring: Binoculars, scope, camera, water, hat

About the Location: Flat park paths along the river, ideal for spotting spring migrants
Questions: Richard Armstrong, richarmstrong47@gmail.com

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This bird walk is hosted by the Northern Arizona Audubon Society, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting birds and the habitats they rely on across Northern Arizona. Everyone is welcome! If you enjoy our events, please consider supporting our work by becoming a member, making a donation, or signing up for our newsletter.

Program Meeting | Verde Valley Important Bird Areas (22 Apr 2026)

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Join us as we kick of the Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival with a celebration of this incredible bird habitats of the Verde Valley.

The Verde Valley is home to hundreds of bird species and four designated Important Bird Areas (IBAs)—places recognized internationally for their significance to bird conservation. Tice Supplee and Jennie MacFarland will highlight these special locations and the birds that depend on them through photos, stories, and insights into the habitats that make the Verde Valley such an exceptional place for birdlife.

The Important Bird Areas of the Verde Valley achieved their designations thanks to the efforts of dedicated local volunteers who documented the unique value of these landscapes for birds.

Date: Wednesday, April 22, 2026

Time: 4:30 PM

Location: Cottonwood Public Library, 100 S 6th St, Cottonwood, AZ

Speakers: Tice Supplee and Jennie MacFarland, Director of Bird Conservation at Tucson Bird Alliance.

About Tice: Tice Supplee is a longtime Arizona conservation leader who recently retired as Director of Bird Conservation for Audubon Southwest. Over a 50-year career—including 29 years with the Arizona Game and Fish Department—she helped lead important bird monitoring and conservation initiatives across the state, including Arizona’s Important Bird Areas program.

About Jennie: Jennie MacFarland is the Director of Bird Conservation at the Tucson Bird Alliance. A lifelong birder and graduate of the University of Arizona with a degree in Wildlife Conservation and Management, she leads community science efforts including the Tucson Bird Count and surveys for species such as Elegant Trogon and Yellow-billed Cuckoo across southeastern Arizona.

Bird Walk | Marshall Lake, Flagstaff (25 Apr 2026)

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Spring migration is in full swing! Join us for a morning at Marshall Lake, where wetlands meet pine forest, offering a chance to spot fleeting migrants, listen for marsh birds calling, and enjoy the sights and sounds of breeding birds in full song. Expect a variety of warblers, vireos, and maybe even early tanagers and orioles.

Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026

Time: 7:30–10:30 AM

Meeting Point: Pull over and wait for everyone to gather after turning onto Marshall Lake Road from Lake Mary Road. We will proceed from there.

Directions: Marshall Lake Road is on the left approximately 9.4 miles from the Circle K off Lake Mary Road and I-17.

What to Bring: Binoculars, cameras, water, hat, comfortable walking shoes, and sun block. Appropriate clothing layers for comfort. Walking poles if you need them. Although it is pretty flat, the road itself may be bumpy.

About the Location: Marshall Lake is the site of Marsh Bird surveys that take place later in the breeding season. The amount of bird life is usually tied to the amount of water the lake has had in the winter. We will especially be listening for Marsh Birds: Virginia Rail, Sora and hoping for actual sightings. We should definitely catch views of Grace’s, Townsend’s, and any other warblers. Cassin’s and Plumbeous Vireo could be seen in the same outing. Since migration is happening a little early this year, we may have both Tanagers and Orioles. Who knows what other birds that come up from Central and South American may be there waiting your arrival?

Effort: We will walk approximately two miles on a fairly flat road; although it could have small bumps.

Facilities: No official facilities… only “pink” or “blue” trees are available for bio-breaks.
Questions: Kay Hawklee; kay@birdnaas.org

Register so we can notify you directly of any updates, including cancellations, delays, or weather-related changes. Not mandatory to attend. Plus get reminders

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Bird Walk | Kachina Wetlands (26 Apr 2026)

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 15:00:00 GMT

You can't beat a morning at Kachina Wetlands, where potentially five species of swallows, a host of colorful ducks, and one-of-a-kind ospreys await your arrival. Although we can't predict what might at the wetlands that day, you will be in good hands with Harry Jones and Abbie Brozich, two of the top birders of Coconino County. This event is sponsored by Northern Arizona Audubon.

Date: Sunday, April 26, 2026

Time: 8:00 – 10:30 AM

Meeting Point: Meet at the parking area for Kachina Wetlands, located at the end of Tovar Trail in Kachina Village. From Flagstaff, drive south on I-17 to the Kachina Village exit, then turn right onto Tovar Trail and follow it to the end. The parking area will be on your right.

What to bring: Binoculars, warm clothes, a hat, sunscreen, water.

About the location: Plan on walking about two miles on a flat, dirt road. A porta potty is available at the entrance to the wetlands.

Questions: email Harry Jones at hjones@birdpop.org

Register so we can notify you directly of any updates, including cancellations, delays, or weather-related changes. Not mandatory to attend. Plus get reminders

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Bird Walk | Sedona Wetlands 1 Hour (27 Apr 2026)

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Explore the Sedona Wetlands looking for ducks and spring arrival and migrant shorebirds and more. For all skill levels, but is a great trip for beginners as we will look through a good scope.

Date: Monday, April 27, 2026

Time: 8:00–9:15 AM

Meeting Point: Sedona Wetlands parking lot

What to Bring: Binoculars, camera, water, sun protection

About the Location: Wetlands attract ducks, shorebirds, and spring migrants in April

Questions: Kay Hawklee, kay@birdnaas.org

Register so we can notify you directly of any updates, including cancellations, delays, or weather-related changes. Not mandatory to attend. Plus get reminders

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Bird Walk | Red Rock State Park Butterfly Trip (28 Apr 2026)

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 16:00:00 GMT

We will search for the Goatweed Leafwing Butterfly. As part of the 2026 Verde Valley Butterfly Checklist Challenge, Denise Gibbs will lead a group of butterfly enthusiasts to search for the elusive and rare Goatweed leafwing butterfly. We will stop at butterfly gardens and trailside areas to identify and learn about other butterfly species as well. The mostly flat trail is in full sun, so plan accordingly. Register early - limited to 12 people. Please register for this event directly with Denise Gibbs at Monarchtagger@gmail.com.

Date: Tuesday, April 28, 2026

Time: 9:00–11:00 AM

Meeting Point: Rooftop viewing deck above Red Rock State Park Visitor Center

What to Bring: Binoculars, camera, water, sun protection

About the Location: Mostly flat trails in full sun. Restrooms available. Park entry $10/adult unless you have an annual pass. Rain/postponed to April 30th. Limited to 12 participants. Adults only.

Questions and to register: Denise Gibbs, Monarchtagger@gmail.com

Register so we can notify you directly of any updates, including cancellations, delays, or weather-related changes. Not mandatory to attend. Plus get reminders

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Program Meeting | Birding Alaska’s Edge: St. Lawrence Island & Nome with Tom Linda (30 Apr 2026)

Fri, 01 May 2026 00:45:00 GMT

Join us for a special presentation with expert birder Tom Linda, who will share highlights from his incredible birding adventures in St. Lawrence Island and Nome.

Located in the Bering Sea and along Alaska’s western coast, these remote destinations are famous among birders for their rare Asian vagrants, seabird colonies, and spectacular Arctic wildlife. Through photos and stories from the field, Tom will take us on a journey to one of the most exciting birding regions in North America.

Whether you’re an experienced birder or simply love hearing about wild places and the birds that inhabit them, this program will offer a fascinating glimpse into birding at the edge of the continent.

Date: Wednesday, April 20, 2026

Time: 5:45 PM

Location: East Flagstaff Community Library, Suite 5, 3000 N Fourth St, Flagstaff, AZ 86004

Speakers: Tom Linda

About Tom: Tom Linda has been birding for more than 40 years. His passion began in 1982 when he spotted his first life bird—a Glossy Ibis—near Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge while biking to Rockaway Beach. Instantly hooked, Tom’s birding adventures have since taken him across the U.S. and internationally to places like Mexico, Belize, and Costa Rica.

Now living in Arizona, where he has recorded 478 species over 34 years, Tom continues to pursue birds with enthusiasm. Some of his favorite birding adventures have been to Gambell and Nome, legendary destinations for Arctic birding.

Bird Walk | Meteor Crater RV Park and other I-40 migrant traps, Flagstaff (9 May 2026)

Sat, 09 May 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Meteor Crater RV Park is one of Northern Arizona’s top “migrant traps,” where birds stop to rest at the only trees for miles on their journey north. This area has produced rare and unexpected species for decades, making it a must-visit spot for adventurous birders.

Date: Saturday, May 9, 2026

Time: 7:30–11:30 AM

Meeting Point: North side of Harkins theater parking lot. We will combine cars and caravan from there to Meteor Crater

Directions: 4751 E Marketplace Dr; Flagstaff, AZ 86004

What to Bring: Binoculars, cameras, scope, water, hat, comfortable walking shoes, and sun block. Appropriate clothing layers for comfort. Walking poles if you need them. Most of our walking will be flat; except for a few places around PJ Oasis.

About the Location: The best migrant bird trap in our area where we have chances to see anything! There’s been an Eastern Kingbird, Varied Thrush, Cassin’s Sparrow and man other vagrants. The only trees for miles around are watered by the RV park. The owners of the RV park ask that any birder check in at the office and ask for permission to go birding. We are very respectful of that rule and usually purchase something at the store out of respect. There are bathrooms available inside the store. Who knows what birds that come up from Central and South American may be there waiting your arrival?

Effort: We will drive a lot and walk approximately one mile. It may get hot. If you are shaky off trail, consider hiking poles for the PJ Oasis portion.

Facilities: Thankfully provided at the RV park.

Questions: Kay Hawklee; kay@birdnaas.org

Register so we can notify you directly of any updates, including cancellations, delays, or weather-related changes. Not mandatory to attend. Plus get reminders

Join the Flock!