Newsletter of the Northern Arizona Audubon Society Volume XXXVI • Number 2 • Nov/Dec 2006

Through the Looking Glass: Make Your Voice Heard About

The Birds of Chile Our Forests! - Phyllis Kegley
Chileans like to joke that when God made the What is your vision for our National Forests? What
world, He didn’t know what to do with all the extra do you like about them? What would you like to change?
valleys, gorges, forests, volcanoes, rivers, lakes, Now is the time to let the managers of both the Coconino
islands, glaciers, and fiords, so He tossed them and the Kaibab National Forests know your answers to
behind the Andes and made Chile. these questions.
That’s what got John “A Forest Management Plan
Grahme there for two months is a broad set of directions that
last winter (their summer) instructs the Forest Service about
– he just had to see it all. And how to manage the resources
when he mentioned his plan occurring within a national for-
to former NAAS President est,” according to Nora Rasure,
Frank Brandt, it turned out Coconino National Forest Su-
that Frank had been thinking pervisor. “Forest plans are being
about Chile too – he even revised using the direction of
knew of the perfect birding the 2005 Forest Planning Rule
tour. [which] means that in a little over
What neither anticipated the Straits of Magellan, Patagonia, Chile - photo cour- two years from now, there will
Magallanic Penguins taken at a breeding colony on

was what an Alice in Won- tesy of Frank Brandt
derland experience it would
be. The Chilean countryside looks and feels much
the way the US did fifty years ago – small towns
and shops, fresh fruits and vegetables for sale on
every corner, few cars, people walking everywhere.
Many of the birds seemed familiar too, except that
the American robin became the Austral thrush,
meadowlarks blazed red below, a raptor was our
crow, vultures turned into condors, and rheas and
flamingoes bored them with their abundance. It
just got “curiouser and curiouser.”see Chile, page 9
December Meeting
“Through the Looking Glass:
The Birds of Chile”
John Grahame and Frank Brandt
Sedona - November 15 (Wed)
Jewish Community Center of Sedona
100 Meadowlark Drive (off Hwy 79)
Flagstaff - November 16 (Thurs)
Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church
1601 N San Francisco St
Meetings start at 7:00 pm with social time.
Formal meeting begins at 7:30pm.
be a revised Forest Plan that is
strategic, visionary and focused
on desired conditions,” she explains in a recent letter.
“It will be the best available science, seek to balance eco-
logical, social, and economic factors and, importantly,
be collaboratively developed with our stakeholders, ”
she adds in the letter. This is you and I!
Public input for the Forest Plan Revision for both
Forests began in October. Monthly meetings will con-
tinue into next year as the plan evolves. I attended the
Coconino Forest meeting at Sinagua High School on
Oct. 4 and was pleasantly surprised at the process. After
a few words of orientation, we broke into six smaller
groups, each with a trained facilitator. My group’s
facilitator did an excellent job of listening to each of us
each time we spoke and to make sure that everyone’s
voice was heard. Our comments were recorded by the
facilitator’s assistant and we were assured that the com-
ments would be looked at by the planners.
In my group, there were a couple people who, like
myself, were interested in a healthy, diverse forest and
there were a couple people who like to drive their ATVs
in the forest. Another person was a biker and one was a
member of Friends of the Forest. I was relieved to
see Forest
Forest, page 9
 Page 2
President’s Corner
Phyllis Kegley, President
Is Environmental Education Dead in Arizona’s Schools?
When I moved to Arizona and became involved
with NAAS in the late 1990s, I began to hear some
horror stories about what happened to environmen-
tal education in Arizona’s public schools. Arizona
began requiring environmental education through
grade 12, in 1990. However, a contingent of property-
rights, wise-use activists soon politicized it, calling
the environmental education programs a form of
“brainwashing” that is threatening American free-
dom.
In “Classroom Warfare,” an article by Ted Wil-
liams, Editor-at-Large for Audubon Magazine, he
says that rumors began to surface such as that the
Rainforest Action Network wrote an entire scholastic
aptitude test (RAN denied any involvement in the
test) and “second graders at Tucson’s Canyon View
Elementary School being assigned to write protest
letters to the local newspaper about a housing de-
velopment.” The story became such an issue that an
article about it appeared in the Wall Street Journal
in which two of the attackers of the program, Michael
Sanera and Jane Shaw, asked “What, pray, do these
young writers live in?”
Williams explains that “Actually, the kids had
been upset when bulldozers suddenly appeared in
their outdoor classroom and began knocking down
saguaro cacti. They’d learned that the plant was dis-
appearing from Arizona, that it was the state flower,
that it could live for two centuries, that it was special.
Teachers had made a ‘T chart’ to present both sides
of the issue. Then, when the kids had asked how they
could make themselves heard, they’d been told that
one option was to write letters to the editor.”
Arizona’s Environmental Program ended in 1995
when ultraconservative Arizona state representative
Rusty Bowers created a law that did away with its
being a mandatory program. “The law also: replaced
a board of professionals with one spiked with people
representing special interests, and including Sanera;
precipitated the elimination of the state environmen-
tal-education specialist; and rerouted funding from
the state education department to the land depart-
ment,” Williams adds.
Add to that the AIMS test... Teachers seem to
feel so pressured to see that their students perform
well on this test which focuses on basic education
that any time for information not on the test is at a
minimum or nonexistent.
So what is the status of environmental edu-
BLACKHAWK WATCH
cation in Arizona schools today? There are many
groups and organizations that are trying to make
up for what is not taught in public schools today.
NAAS is doing its part by providing National
Audubon Society’s “Audubon Adventures”
free to as many 4-6 grade classrooms and
home schoolers in northern Arizona that will
participate. These kits, which include student
newspapers on four different environmental
education themes, a teacher’s guide and a
video, cost our chapter about $50 each. Do-
nations to this program are welcome.
Organizations such as Willow Bend Environmen-
tal Education in Flagstaff provide excellent nature
programs for families. The Arizona Association
of Environmental Education (AAEE) through the
National Environmental Education Advancement
Project (NEEAP) “supports the development and
expansion of quality environmental education (EE)
programs through a variety of state and local capacity
building efforts.”
Audubon Arizona, the state office, is in the pro-
cess of creating the Rio Salada Audubon Nature
Center in Phoenix. Tucson Audubon has its Mason
Audubon Center which provides nature programs
for all ages. Arizona’s three universities all have their
various programs. And there are other organizations
that I have not mentioned.
So the outlook is not entirely bleak. However,
many children are not being reached because envi-
ronmental education is not a regular part of the public
school curriculum. Until we once again can convince
our legislators and citizens that environmental educa-
tion is an important part of a child’s education and
that the future of our planet may depend on it, we need
to support these other groups. Please help!
Welcome to our new and renewing members:
William Auberle Tom & Debbie James
Marian Bound Dennis & Gracie Jex
Lyman B. Brainerd, Jr. Phyllis C. Kegley
Jim Case Jan Klann
Rich & Roz Clark Steve & Betsy McKellar
Sonya Daw Marcia & Dave Lamkin
Monica Ann Evans Kenneth R. Murphy
Joe & Barbara Hirt Cindy & David Sanders
Thora G. Hodge Kathleen Satterfield
Dorothy Hook Karin Slavey
Vera Hull Phyllis R. Smeeth
Barbara R. Iverson Mr. & Mrs. James R. Sonny
 NOV/DEC 2006
UPCOMING FIELD TRIPS ...
Dead Horse Ranch State Park
Sat, November 11 - Wilma Morrison, leader
M eet at 8 am in the lower parking lot where
restrooms are available. We will follow a path
toward the bridge, stopping at the bird feeding area.
We’ll return to the cars and drive towards the ponds
where we should see Great blue herons, ducks, and
Coots. We will likely walk some of the trail along
the Verde River before getting to the ponds. At this
time of the year we could find Gila woodpeckers,
Kestrels, Red-tailed hawks, warblers and phoebes.
(On Nov 6, 1999, my record shows we tallied 32
species.) Expect to be birding two to three hours,
so bring your binoculars, liquid, a snack, and dress
for the predicted weather. For more info call Wilma
at 928.282.7776.
Kachina Wetlands
Sun, November 19 - Noah Gaines, leader
K achina Wetlands is a great place to see many
of the wintering waterfowl and raptors pres-
ent throughout Northern Arizona close up. The
trails are wide and flat and the views are large and
panoramic. Meet at Raymond County Park on the
way to the wetlands at 8 am. To drive there from
the north, take I-17 south. Exit on Kachina/Moun-
tainaire and turn right. Then take the first right
onto Tovar Trail (a very sharp turn that comes up
quickly). Raymond County Park is down the road a
little way on the left. We will leave for the wetlands
at 8:10. Remember to dress warmly and bring a
spotting scope if you have one. We will probably
bird until around noon. Call Noah for more info at
928.310.8666
Jerome
Sun, December 3 - Curt Fultz, leader
D id you ever wonder where the dump was in Je-
rome during its’ heyday? Or the cemetery? Did
you know there’s a flowing creek? A wetland? Join
modern-day local explorer Curt Fultz for a day of
birding these little known sweetspots in and around
Jerome. Meet at 8 am at the bandstand in the park
in Clarkdale. We’ll be trying for Rufous-crowned
and Black-chinned Sparrows as well as Red-naped
Sapsucker, Crissal Thrasher and Townsend’s Sola-
taire. Bring lunch and expect to be back by 2 pm
or so. Moderately strenuous if you’re adventurous,
less so if you’re not. Contact Curt for more info at
928.226.0021.
Page 3
Upcoming Natural History Trips
to Mexico: Beginners Welcome!
Join us on one of our exciting Northern Arizona
Audubon trips to Mexico in February and March.
The Birds and Natural History of the Durango
Highway and San Blas trip will be from Febru-
ary 26 - March 6, 2007, with a repeat on March
6 - 14. Led by naturalist Mark Pretti, we’ll be ex-
ploring the tropical deciduous forest, the pine-oak
woodland of the Sierra Madre, tropical rivers, man-
grove forests, beaches, jungles, and a shade-grown
coffee plantation. Amidst the exotic vegetation of
cecropia, gumbo limbo, strangler fig, rosa amarilla,
cohune palm, and red mangrove we expect to en-
counter military macaws, the endemic tufted jay,
red warbler, up to four species of trogon, golden vir-
eo, green and spiny-tailed iguanas, many tropical
butterflies, and several other natural treats. The
cost of the trip is $1675 per person, double occu-
pancy from Mazatlan. Group size is limited to 8, so
make your reservation now.
From March 17 - 22, 2007,2007, we’ll be repeat-
ing our exciting 2006 trip to Alamos, Mexico,
a charming historic colonial town tucked up
against the Sierra Madre. The trip will in-
clude an estuary boat trip on the Sea of Cortez,
a gentle float trip on the Rio Mayo, and a visit
to the historic town of Auduana. In 2006, we
identified over 200 species of birds, including
the Black-throated magpie jay, White-fronted
parrot, Mexican parrotlet, Blue mockingbird,
and Purplish-backed jay while also enjoying
strangler fig and kapok trees, dolphins, tropical
butterflies, and the wonderful people of Sonora.
The trip departs from Sierra Vista, Arizona. The
price includes all transportation and accom-
modations, as well as most meals. For most of
the trip we will be staying at the lovely Rancho
Acosta. The cost is $690 per person and is lim-
ited to 16 people.
Call Betsy Feinberg at work (928.203.0676, Ext.
11) or email her at BetsyFPub101@Catharon.com for
more information or to make reservations.
Page Springs, Bubbling Pond
Sat, November 4 - Frank Brandt, leader
P lan on 8 am, at the trailhead for the Bubbling
Springs Trail. We should return by 11 am.
 Page 4
FIELD TRIP NEWS
Gap Creek
September 9, Dena Greenwood
Nine intripid birders set out in rain, mud and with
an adventurous spirit to explore the Wild and Scenic
stretch of the Verde River via Gap Creek. Peering
out through rain streaked windows and slipping over
mud-slimed roads was almost enough to turn us
around. We speculated our trip might go down in the
Audubon archives as the trip that saw the least num-
ber of birds (we’d identified one - maybe two chipping
sparrows after two hours into the trip). But then the
clouds parted! We gingerly stepped into the mud and
as a light mist was trailing off birds began to appear.
Green-tailed towhees, a constant stream of migrating
Violet-green swallows, and long looks at a male Blue
grosbeak were our rewards for not giving up. A stop
at Chasm creek revealed a Wilson’s warbler and War-
bling vireo. We made it to the trail head of Gap Creek
where we ate lunch under blue skies. We headed down
Gap Creek and had great comparison views of female
Western and Summer tanagers. Other noteworthy
birds seen were a Roadrunner, Loggerhead shrike and
a Northern cardinal. All together we saw 34 species in
spite of our rainy beginnings. A special thanks to our
expert drivers, Dave Lamkin and Bob Formhals, and
their 4-wheel drive vehicles which got us through the
mud and home safely.
Lakes Mary, Mormon, and Ashurst
September 16, Ken Murphy
I was joined by Tom Linda and Gretchen Burgess on a very
windy but enjoyable trip to Mormon Lake. The first stop
was at Lower Lake Mary where we observed Great egret, a
juvenile Bald eagle and two feisty Peregrine falcons, one of
which stooped upon a terrified Belted kingfisher, driving
it into the lake with a splash (but managing to escape). At
Upper Lake Mary we saw several Snowy egrets, a mixed
flock of swallows over the lake, and an Osprey catching
a fish. At the Mormon Lake overlook it was difficult to
keep the scopes steady in the wind, but we did see White
pelicans, White-faced ibis, American avocets and Great
blue herons along with several Ring-billed gulls. Overall
it was a good day for raptors; along the bluff road were
two more Peregrine falcons, two Northern harriers, an
Osprey and several Red-tailed hawks and American
kestrels. Other birds included Orange-crowned, Yellow,
Yellow-rumped and Wilson’s warblers, Western wood-
pewee, Green-tailed towhee, numerous Chipping spar-
rows and a Red-naped sapsucker. The final stop was a
side trip to Ashurst Lake, where we saw a small group of
Green-winged teal, two Double-crested cormorants and
a Forster’s tern still in breeding plumage. All in all a very
fun trip, with 50 species seen.
BLACKHAWK WATCH
Buffalo Park
September 23, Zack Zdindak
We met at Buffalo Park for a chilly, sometimes breezy,
but sunny morning walk at 7 am, encountering 22 species
over the next two hours. Walking along the path on the
east side of the park, we put the sun to our backs. West-
ern meadowlarks sang loud with breasts all the more
yellow in the early light, a probable Sharp-shinned hawk
quickly flew away at our approach, a lone Violet-swallow
passed over, and Western bluebirds were omnipresent.
So were Chipping sparrows, White-crowned sparrows
and Lesser goldfinch. Then we birded the oaks and
pines near the Park entrance and found the trees alive
with typical forest species, including a Brown creeper,
a Plumbeous vireo and a Virginia’s warbler. Thanks to
Georgia for passing on the slang for those entertaining
Pygmy nuthatches: “pyg nuts”!
Grand Canyon Condors
September 30, Bea Cooley
Six condor-seekers took off for Rimmy Jim Tank in a very
un-birder-like fashion (10 am), planning to be at the South
Rim Village in time for condor watching, which usually oc-
curs about 4 pm, when condors are in the neighborhood.
Rimmy Jim was quieter that in previous weeks, but did
produce Northern Harrier and a few difficult-plumaged
Cinnamon Teal. We stopped in at Lipan and Yaki Points
to share some fine viewing of the many American Kestrels,
Sharp-shinned, Red-tailed and Coopers Hawks on their
migration route through the canyon and south over the
rim. We chatted with the Hawk Watch International
crews at both points before boarding the shuttle to return
to the Visitor Center from Yaki Point. Much to everyone’s
relief, the condors were present, perched on limestone
ledges just below the Bright Angel Lodge, so we enjoyed
them and then wandered down to the photography exhibit
at the Kolb Studio, also very nice. After a nice dinner in
the Arizona Room and great conversation with our Ohio
visitors Steve and Gary, we made it home by about 9:30
pm – a long, but productive day.
Rio de Flag
October 14, Jim Logan
Six intrepid birders braved the wind and rain squalls
on Saturday. We walked the length of the Rio within
this parcel of Forest Service land. Birds were scarce at
first but as the temperature warmed up they started to
call and move about. The sparrows and Townsend’s
solitaires have moved in for the winter and one Wil-
son’s warbler plus a Sora and Virginia rail accounted
for lingering migrants. The highlight of the trip was a
close fly by of a very pale Feruginous hawk. Altogether
30 species of birds were seen. Thanks to everyone for
coming out to the Rio on such a cool, wet day
 NOV/DEC 2006
NEWS ... Page 5

Northern Arizona Audubon Society

Birding 101
Volunteer Opportunities Birding 101 will be offered in March and April in
Tuzigoot IBA (Important Bird Area) Monitoring 2007. This series of 4 classes and 2 field trips will be-
In 2006-07, we have plans to do regular bird monitor- gin right after spring break and will introduce you to
ing at Tuzigoot IBA. This IBA includes Tuzigoot Nation- birding, how to identify birds, where to go to see them,
al Monument, Peck’s Lake and part of the Verde River birding equipment and beyond. Dates for classes and
Greenway that is in Dead Horse Ranch State Park. field trips will be arranged soon and information will
be available in future newsletters. There will be a
Programs Coordinator small charge for the classes. If you would like more
We are currently in great need of someone cre- information or would like to
ative and resourceful to find fun and interest- lobby for a particular eve-
ing speakers for our monthly programs. Many ning for the classes, please
of our 2006/07 speakers have already been call 928.526.5069.
booked, so you’d have plenty of time to get a
running start finding speakers for next year,
and, of course, you’d have lots of help from our
board members.
Committee Members A rare Phainopepla
Would you like to become more involved with in Flagstaff (above)
the chapter, but aren’t sure where you’ll fit? We - photo Tim Rodri-
have many committees looking for members guez
– here’s a list:
Field Trips – Would you enjoy leading or co-leading
field trips and sharing your love of birds and bird-
ing with others?
Marcia Lamkin at Loyalton - photo Dave Lamkin
Education – Does seeing a child’s eyes light-up with
joy from a new discovery make your day? California Condors in Northern
Conservation – Are you passionate about conserv- Arizona After Ten Years
ing our natural heritage and habitats?
• 90 condors released since Dec. 1996
Membership – Do you love meeting new people and
• 56 free-flying condors in northern AZ and southern UT
making new friends?
•Five chicks have hatched; one died
Publicity – Are you a passionate & creative writer?
• 33 released birds have died due to lead poisoning,
Hospitality – Our most important job. The best shootings or unknown causes
way to entice anyone, anywhere, is the promise of • Three condors have been returned to captivity.
tasty treats.
Goals of the program:
Habitat Restoration • Maintenance of at least two wild populations
From time to time we need folks who enjoy the sat-
• Maintenance of one captive population
isfaction that comes from taking messy to neat. This
includes picking up trash, removing exotic invasive • Each population must:
plants, planting native plants as well as trail cre- -number at least 150 individuals
ation and maintenance. The areas we work on vary -must contain at least 15 breeding pairs
from Picture Canyon in Flagstaff to Page Springs, -be reproductively self sustaining
south of Sedona.
-have a positive rate of population growth
NAAS is an all volunteer organization, so if any of these jobs
• Non-captive populations must:
appeal to you and you’d like more information about them,
please contact Kathleen Satterfield at 928.522.0375 or email: -be spatially disjunct and non-interacting
k.satterfield@yahoo.com (I promise, you’ll be glad you did.) -contain descendents from each of the 14 founders
 Page 6
NEWS ...
Thanksgiving Bird Count
Takes Only One Hour
- Phyllis Kegley
The annual Thanksgiving Bird Count is coming up
again, and the compilier, John G. Hewston, would
like your help. This count is not as well known as
the Christmas Count or Breeding Bird Survey so
please pass the word.
Thanksgiving Bird Counts are to take place on
Thanksgiving Day. The counter chooses the time
that best fits his/her holiday schedule. The Count
lasts for only ONE HOUR, and is made in a count
circle only 15 FEET in diameter. The location of the
circle is determined by the counter. Actually, the
circle can be considered a cylinder, since all birds
seen on the ground (or water), in vegetation or fly-
ing over or through the circle can be counted. Indi-
vidual birds are to be counted only once during the
hour, even if they continue to pay visits.
Flocks should be estimated or counted and just
the highest number at any one time used. Count circles
are usually located around whatever attracts birds--
feeders, baths, cover, etc. Most participants establish a
count area visible from a comfortable spot near a win-
dow. Some participants select water areas or choose a
favorite birding area and make an outdoor count. The
same count circles should be used each year.
This is one bird count which can be done in com-
fort (indoors) and won’t take much time.. Last year
431 counters in the eleven Western States and Alas-
ka made 440 counts. They tallied 161 species of birds
(plus a lot of mammals and other things, too). The
top five species counted in these states were House
Sparrow (1), Dark-eyed Junco (2), House Finch (3),
Black-capped Chickadee (4) and European Starling
(5). As predicted, the Pine Siskin dropped out of the
top five last season, but should be more numerous
this year. Participants should send in a report even
if no birds were seen during the hour.
Thanksgiving Bird Counts were begun in 1966 by
Dr. Ernest Edwards and the Lynchburg Bird Club in
Virginia. Counts slowly spread to the West. When
I was asked to take over coordinating and compil-
ing this count in the Western States only a couple
of dozen counters were active here. Now, over 400
count reports are received each year, but we’d like
to get over the 500 mark. There are still many ar-
eas in the West, Alaska and Hawaii in need of more
counters and better distribution of counts.
The Count form can be downloaded from http://
www.utahbirds.org/cbc/ThanksgBirdCount.htm.
BLACKHAWK WATCH
Audubon Adventures 2006 -
Classroom Environmental Education
- Marcia Lamkin
Audubon Adventures is a nationally acclaimed,
award-winning environmental education supple-
ment based in language arts and science. It makes
learning about science and nature fun with 4 edi-
tions of a colorful newspaper(32 copies each per
classroom) on 4 different topics spread through-
out the school year and a resource guide for the
teacher with background information and many
other related activities and materials. NAAS pro-
vides this program free of charge to any teacher
who wishes to make good use of it in the hopes
that it will spark the love of nature and the envi-
ronment in many children who otherwise would
not have this exposure.
Below are some of the comments I got back
from a survey I sent out to teachers with the invi-
tation to renew:
“The teacher’s guides were great resources!”
“I will try to send you photos of the children spread
out on the floor completely engulfed in the illustra-
tions of the magazines.”
“ It provoked many comments from the children.
They wanted to know more!”
“Huge thanks to you and the Audubon Society for
providing me with this excellent resource. The stu-
dents love to “change gears” and study the nature
side of reading lessons.”
“My students enjoyed the materials and have a bet-
ter appreciation for nature.”
“ We spent some time constructing bird feeders and
bird houses. My students had a great time looking
at different birds and constructing the houses.”
“Thanks very much. We really enjoy using these!”
“The students love to get the next issues because
they are informative and colorful. Thanks!”
Many Audubon members have sponsored a class-
room in the past and if you wish to support this very
special program in this way, you may send a check
to Lyman Brainard or to me made out to NAAS and
earmarked for Audubon Adventures. The cost for
one classroom for one year is $38.50 plus $7.15 for
postage. ANY amount will help with the cost of this
important program and is tax deductible.
 NOV/DEC 2006
NEWS ...
The 107th Christmas Bird Count
- Jodi Griffith
Prior to the turn of the 20th Century, people en-
gaged in a holiday tradition known as the Christmas
“Side Hunt.” They would choose sides and go afield with
their guns; whoever brought in the biggest pile of feath-
ered (and furred) quarry won. Beginning on Christmas
Day 1900, ornithologist Frank Chapman proposed a
new holiday tradition---a “Christmas Bird Census”---
that would count birds rather than hunt them. So began
the Christmas Bird Count, or CBC.
Since then, volunteers have been conducting
counts during the holiday season. The CBC database
now contains more than a century of data on early-
winter bird populations across the Americas. This
annual event with more than 50,000 observers is an
opportunity to meet others, compare notes on what
clothing is warmest, hone your birding skills, and take
part in a tradition.
You can explore the results of all past Christ-
mas Bird Counts by going to www.audubon.org/
bird/cbc/hr/index.html. You can print the results
of the most recent years of your chosen CBC(s)
and then bone-up on what birds are likely (if you
are feeling a little uncertain of your abilities). But
birders of all experience levels are welcome; the
more eyes and ears, the better. Check the sched-
ule below and contact the compiler listed after
your CBC of interest.
Additionally, if you are an NPR listener, keep
your ears pricked to Science Friday. In years past,
Audubon members at the 2006 County
they have aired a segment on the Christmas Bird
Fair - photo Dave Lamkin
Count on a Friday during the count. This year’s
CBC runs from December 14 to January 5.
Saturday, December 16, Mormon Lake, Elaine
Morrall, (928) 526-1022
Sunday, December 17, Jerome/Cottonwood, Bet-
sy Feinberg, (928) 203-0756
Saturday, December 23, Sedona, Dottie Hook,
(928) 204-1894
Saturday, December 30, Elden Mountain, Terry
Blows, (928) 774-8028
Sunday, December 31, Camp Verde, Anita Mac-
Farlane, (928) 282-4063
2007 Audubon Celebration
The 2007 Audubon Celebration will be Septem-
ber 14-16, 2007, at the Fiesta Inn in Tempe. Plan
to attend and learn more about how we can have
a better chapter.
Page 7
Who’s Whooooooo........ - Marcia Lamkin
Many thanks to six NAAS members and two vol-
unteers from High Country Raptors for manning
tables at the 2006 Coconino County Fair on Friday,
September 1. This program focused on owls, the night
shift of the raptor world.
The star of the show was Buffy, the barn owl,
manned by Patty Holtz and later by Mike Whittak-
er, volunteers with High Country Raptors, the group
that does raptor programs at the Arboretum and oth-
er educational venues including Camp Colton. (I am
also privileged to be a volunteer with this great group
of people.) Patty, (who is also an Audubon member),
and Mike were kind enough to volunteer their time
to take turns holding Buffy on their gloved fist and
to educate the many fascinated children and adults
about barn owls and their important role in our eco-
system. (Did you know that barn owls have the most
acute hearing of any animal and can catch prey in
total darkness using
only their hearing?
Also that one barn can
consume over 1000
mice in a year?).
Another VERY
popular activity was
the owl pellet dissec-
tion, ably guided by
Celia Holm and Bea
Cooley. Many chil-
dren and some adults
were amazed to find
all the small bones in
a complete skeleton contained in the neat package of
a barn owl pellet. Roz and Rich (in a leg cast!) Clark,
Dave Lamkin, and I manned the other exhibits about
the fascinating world of the night shift of raptors, the
owls.
We braved the sometimes earsplitting musical
groups on stage, two tents down, to shout our mes-
sages at interested audiences of school groups and
other fairgoers for three and a half hours. (We finally
gave up a half hour early when a heavy metal group
took the stage and the lead singer screamed into the
already too loud microphone.) I only hope that Buffy
had her ear flaps closed!
All in all, another great Audubon program at the
Fair. Many thanks to Susan Ruble and the volunteers
with High Country Raptors for bringing and manning
Buffy, thanks to Game and Fish for the loan of some
of their posters and displays, and again, thanks to the
great group of Audubon volunteers who made this
program possible.
 Page 8
NEWS ... BLACKHAWK WATCH

Financial Summary from the Treasurer - Lyman Brainerd

As we’ve gone about pursuing the NAAS mis-
sion our work has evolved, from a financial stand-
point, into three different branches.
First is our general work in education and
conservation which includes organizing field
trips, publishing BHW, organizing monthly mem-
bership meetings, managing the NAAS website,
being involved in the politics of conservation, and
administering general chapter activities.
Second is our “hands-on” participation in
habitat restoration and research projects.
And third, NAAS publishes and markets
two local birding books, “Birding Sedona and the
Verde Valley” and “Birding the Flagstaff area.”
These three efforts are financially disparate
and are tracked separately. Below is a general
summary of income and outgoing funds based on
the last three years of operation.
Overall, your chapter normally breaks even on
General Operations and Restoration and Research
Projects and runs a surplus on Publications.
General Chapter Operations (Annually)
Where the money goes:
$ 2,500 : 5 issues of the BHW at roughly $500/issue
$ 1,800 : 16 membership meetings (8 each Sedona
and Flagstaff) at roughly $113/meeting
$ 1,600 : Audubon Adventures enrollments/expenses
$ 1,500 : Insurance, Directors and Officers
Insurance/ Accident Insurance
$ 1,100 : Projects/general fundraising/misc.
$ 400 : Semi-annual calendars distributed to
local and national members
$ 400 : Memberships/Contributions (Az Aud Coun-
cil, Friends of Forest, Heritage Alliance, etc.)
$ 400 : Officer/Board expense reimbursements
(Retreat, copying, postage, PO Box)
$ 300 : Membership development (Printing & postage)
$ 300 : Website expense ($25/month)
TOTAL : $10,300
Where the money comes from :
$ 3,000 : Birdathon
$ 2,500 : Local Memberships
$ 1,900 : Dues split support from National Audubon Society
$ 1,500 : Major gifts/general fundraising/
in memoriam gifts
$ 1,100 : Trip Surplus
$ 300 : Audubon Adventures contributions
TOTAL : $10,300
Restoration and Research Projects
These projects are self supporting in that
NAAS is granted funds to do a specific project
and generally spends only those amounts on the
projects. Over the last 3 years NAAS has been en-
gaged in the following:
Binocular grants: $3,200 from two sourc-
es to provide “lendable” binoculars for NAAS field
trips and Red Rock State Park bird walks.
Hidden Valley Restoration: $10,000
from one source to do habitat restoration as part
of the Lower Oak Creek IBA
Page Springs Fishery Restoration:
Habitat restoration and education, including
planned construction of a 1600 square foot rama-
da for year-round nature viewing and protected
classroom space. $49,300 from three sources
Anderson Mesa : $1,400 from one source
to do bird population monitoring within the An-
derson Mesa IBA.
Tuzigoot : $1,400 from two sources to do
bird population monitor training and monitoring
within the Tuzigoot IBA.
Book Publication and Distribution
Funded by $16,000 in grants from two sourc-
es, the book program annually sells about 550 cop-
ies combined of “Birding Sedona and the Verde
Valley” and “Birding the Flagstaff Area” (both
written by NAAS members) at an average price
of between $9 and $10. The current bank balance
for the book account is about $16,000 and there
are some 6,000 fully-costed copies available for
sale. Surplus funds in this account are available
for book republication and for general NAAS pro-
grams and expenses.
The Mission of the Northern Arizona
Audubon Society:
• To educate adults and children about birds, other
wildlife, and the importance of habitat;
• To conserve and restore wildlife habitats;
• To advocate for responsible public policies that
conserve wildlife habitats;
• And to provide opportunities for members to
enjoy our natural world.
• Importantly, NAAS members have fun!
 NOV/DEC 2006 NEWS ...
Chile, from front page
Visually, Frank and John will be trying some-
thing different. They will show not only their own
photos and those digi-scoped by their brilliant tour
leader, Simon Thompson, but also pictures from
other trips that some very fine photographers have
shared on the Web.
John began birding in 1984 with a trip around
the world to see as many species in one year as he
could. Professionally, he has searched for ivory-billed
woodpeckers in Florida with the Cornell Labora-
tory of Ornithology’s John Fitzpatrick and for willow
flycatchers in Grand Canyon with Mark Sogge. He
now birds his back yard with equal joy. Frank had
a dormant interest in birds from childhood, but “got
hooked” when his wife, Linda, suggested a visit to
an Audubon preserve on the Maine coast as one of
their first dates way back when. A subsequent USAF
assignment took him to East Anglia, England where
he first birded a foreign country. He has also birded
Trinidad, Belize, Costa Rica, Panama, Mexico, and
Ecuador. But Arizona is the best.
Forest, from front page
Forest
find out that the ATV riders did not want to ride their
vehicles everywhere in the forests and were concerned
about those that do. However, one of the other groups
had a heated discussion about ATV use.
There is a second planning that is going on, too. That
is the Travel Management Plan and Map which “will
result in a site-specific map that identifies roads, trails,
and areas open for motorized travel” in about three years,
according to Rasure.
I am concerned that this revision process not be
dominated by special interest groups.. I know that the
planners are trying to get input from diverse groups
but that can’t happen unless more people get involved.
Therefore it is important that those of us that want to
see the forest regain its health and diversity of species
do weigh in. If you cannot come to a meeting, you can
write a letter, call or send an e-mail or FAX. Here is the
contact information and Nov. meeting dates:
Coconino National Forest
- Electronic: http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/.
Chose Forest Plan Revision and then click on Contact Us.
- Mail: Coconino National Forest, ATTM: Forest Plan Re-
vision, 1824 S. Thompson St., Flagstaff, AZ 86001
- Phone: 928.527.3600
- FAX: 928.527.33620, ATTN: Forest Plan Revision
Upcoming meetings:
Coconino National Forest, Travel Management Public
Feedback Session,
Page 9
Watchable Wildlife Sites Near You
As most of you know, Watchable Wildlife Sites,
designated by road signs displaying binoculars, are
scattered across Arizona. Wildlife viewing of eagles,
osprey and other birds, elk, antelope, deer, small
mammals and plants has grown into one of the na-
tion’s most popular outdoor activities.
Arizona’s original 1992 Viewing Guide of 95
sites is being revamped to include about 200 sites.
Only 30 miles from Flagstaff, one of the most no-
table sites is the Doug Morrison Overlook at Mor-
mon Lake where a complete roster of wildlife can
be seen year round. The AZ Game & Fish hopes to
create a network of watchable wildlife sites close to
Flagstaff where they could hook up with forest trails
and the FUTS urban trail; eventually going afar to
Anderson Mesa to include some of the smaller wet-
lands that are important to migrating birds and lo-
cal mammals. Future watchable wildlife sites could
include the Rio de Flag, Pumphouse Greenway/
Kachina Wetlands, Rogers Lake, Griffiths Springs,
and many more.
A special program on this subject will be presented
to NAAS for the April 17-18, 2007 meeting by Sarah
Lantz, Urban Wildlife Planner, and Rick Miller, Habi-
tat Program Manager, AZ Game & Fish, Region II. AZ
Game and Fish will be looking for input on a watch-
able wildlife network, and will be scheduling birding
trips to some of those sites for those interested. In
preparation for the inclusion of the selected wetlands
on Anderson Mesa, a few of the closest sites have been
chosen for breeding / migratory bird surveys in the
spring / summer of 2007. Anyone interested in as-
sisting with these short surveys, please contact Elaine
Morrall, 928-526-1022. - Elaine Morrall
• Nov 4, 1-5 pm, Coconino High School in Flagstaff
• Nov 9, 3-7 pm, Cliff Castle Casino in Camp Verde
Forest Plan Revision Meetings
• Nov 13, 5:30-8 pm, Cliff Castle Casino in Camp Verde
• Nov 15, 5:30-8 pm, Sinagua High School in Flagstaff
Kaibab National Forest
- Electronic: bjhigginsAfs.fed.us
- Mail: Bruce Higgins, Forest Planner, 800 South Sixth
St., Williams, AZ 86046-2899
- Phone: 928.635.8210
More information about all these plans can
be found at www.fs.fed.us/r3/plan-revision/.
 Non-profit
BLACKHAWK WATCH U.S. Postage
Northern Arizona Audubon Society PAID
PO Box 1496, Sedona, AZ 86339 Flagstaff, AZ
Permit No. 163

Join us for the November pro-

gram about the birds of Chile!

Glacier-fed lake with icebergs in Torres Del

Paine National Park, Patagonia, Chile - photo
by Frank Brandt

Have you visited our web site?

WWW.NAZAS.ORG

JOIN US! Bashas’ Thanks a Million Program

NORTHERN ARIZONA AUDUBON SOCIETY Please help us raise money for education, conser-
vation and chapter operating expenses through Ba-
Please enroll me/our household as a Chap- shas’ Supermarkets fundraising program, Thanks A
ter Member of Northern Arizona Audubon Million For Friends and Neighbors.
Society (NAAS). All you have to do is give your Thank You Card
to the checkout person and tell him/her you want
28834 to be your charity. You only have to do this
Name:
once. From then on 1% of what you spend at any
Address:
Basha’s store will go to NAAS. It costs you nothing.
City, State, Zip Basha’s will donate up to $2,500 to our chapter.
Phone: This year’s program started Sept. 1 and continues
Email: to Mar. 31, 2007. Take this number with you
(If you wish to be a part of the NAAS email list)
to Basha’s: 28834!!
Enclosed:
Check here if this is a
$12 for 1 year
change of address
$22 for 2 years
$30 for 3 years Check here if this is a
renewal • The BlackHawk Watch is published bi-monthly Septem-
ber through June , and is sent to members of the Northern
Please make checks payable to NAAS and mail to: Arizona Audubon Society as a membership benefit.
Membership Chair, NAAS • Articles are welcome from members and non-members. Send
PO Box 1496, Sedona, AZ 86339 proposed articles by email to newsletter@nazas.org Deadline
for copy is the 10th of the month.