Newsletter of the Northern Arizona Audubon Society
/ Spring 2009
March Meeting
Guest Speaker - Dave Smith
Native pollinators in our yards or
better yet, what am I going to do
with all of these vegetables?
Honey bees polli-
nate approximately $15
billion worth of crops
in the U.S. each year.  Dave Smith is a wildlife biologist with the U.S. Fish
The value of pollination
services provided by
native pollinators,
such as birds, bats and
insects is even greater.
It is estimated that
honeybees only pollinate Monarch butterfly at the Neal Smith
National Wildlife Refuge in Iowa (Credit:
15% of the most common U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service).
food crops worldwide.
Our March 18 (Sedona) and 19 (Flagstaff) meetings
will feature Wildlife Biologist and NAAS Board Member,
Dave Smith, who will inform us about the importance
of native pollinators and how we can attract them to our
gardens.
A recent study of pollinator status in North America by
the National Academy of Sciences found that populations
of honey bees (which are not native to North America)
and some wild native pollinators are declining.  Honey
bee decline across the world has been in the news for the
last few years. Colony Collapse Disorder, better known
as CCD, has been documented in 22 states; it threatens
the production of crops that are dependent upon bees for
pollination as well as honey production. Declines in wild
pollinators may be a result of habitat loss and degradation,
and pesticide use.
We often think of native pollinators only as crop
pollinators, but pollinators are equally important as
“keystone mutualists” in natural habitats in the United
States and around the world. Not only do we depend
upon native pollinators for the service they provide our
food, but birds and other wildlife also depend upon native
pollinators. Fruits and seeds are a major food source for
many bird species (no bees, no sunflower seeds!) Many
birds, such as flycatchers and warblers, feed upon native
pollinators and time their spring migration to follow
flowering plants and their pollinators northward.
Some plants today are in danger of extinction because
their pollinator host is becoming rare. Some plants and
animals develop such a close evolutionary relationship
that one can not live without the other. Some flowers
depend upon insects or hummingbirds with just the right
Volume XXXVIII • Number 4 • Mar.- Apr.
length of tongue or shape of mouthparts for pollination to
occur. If something happens to the pollinator, the plant
disappears. Likewise, if the pollinator can visit only one
plant, if the plant goes, so does the pollinator.
Homeowners can benefit native pollinators in their own
backyards. Landscaping with native plants not only saves
money on your water bill, but also provides important food
for native pollinators. Better yet, if you are also a vegetable
gardener you can experience higher yields by attracting
more native pollinators to your yard. The presentation will
discuss and demonstrate numerous ways to provide food
and shelter to this important group of organisms.
and Wildlife Service in Flagstaff, Arizona. He is currently
working with Neil Cobb of the Merriam Powell Center for
Environmental Research at Northern Arizona University
on studying native pollinators at high elevation sites in
Northern Arizona.
April Meeting
Guest Speakers - Bea Cooley and Jim Logan
Potluck and Birding fun!
Dinner at 7:00
At our April 15 (Sedona) and 16 (Flagstaff)
meetings, join us for a potluck meal; dinner begins at 7:00.
Share  with everyone the fun you  have experienced  while
birding;  watching your backyard feeders, going to some of
the birding hotspots of the world or anywhere else you have
been birding. We  also will spend some time  on what the
birds eat at our feeders, sharing ideas about bird feeders,
bird seed, water features – all those things that attract birds
into our yards.  Bring your questions about attracting birds
to your yard and what to feed them. We’ll try to provide
answers.  
Please bring a dish to share (hors d’oeuvres or “hot
dish” or salad or dessert) and table service (cup, plate and
eating utensils). We will provide drinks, hot and cold.   
Also, bring your bird lists and your stories – your life
list, your international list, your ABA list, your yard list,
your road-kill list, your county list – any bird list you keep. 
There will be “prizes” for most birds on a particular list or
the best bird anyone of us has seen or the most outrageous
tale of chasing after a rarity.  Or maybe one of us has been
birding for an outrageous number of years.  What is your
nemesis bird? What is your most embarrassing/most
rewarding birding moment? 
Bea Cooley and Jim Logan have volunteered to be the
ring-leaders and prompt whatever goofiness occurs. This
will be a social meeting focusing on birds and birders.  We’ll
be having fun and education all at the same time.
 Page 2 Working Together ...
– President’s Corner –
Zackery Zdinak
During a snowy week in Flagstaff in January, a feeder
outside an office window at Northern Arizona University
was regularly visited by a flock of Lesser Goldfinches, and
a European Goldfinch. The office staff, while not an ardent
birder, told me she enjoyed the splash of color on those grey
and white days. Although undoubtedly an escaped cage bird
(they’re in the finch trade), it is fun to see something out of the
ordinary.
So it’s been with birds not normally seen in northern
Arizona. Several years ago I did get to see the White-eyed
Vireo that John Prather found in a blooming crab apple tree
at the north end of NAU campus. Ironically, I didn’t catch
a glimpse of a Mississippi Kite while it hung around my
downtown Flagstaff neighborhood for a couple weeks. We’ve
had a Dickcissel at a Sedona feeder, Sandhill Cranes at the
Kachina Wetlands, Scissor-tailed Flycatcher and Wood Duck
in Flagstaff, Ruddy Ground Doves and all sorts of eastern
warblers turning up above and below the rim, and the list goes
on. And if I look to records and reports from further afield
– Grand Canyon, the seeps at Cameron, Holbrook reservoirs,
and all over the Verde Valley – I’m surprised by all the birds
Cheers to Former NAAS Directors!
By Zack Zdinak, current president and Phyllis Kegley, president 2003 to 2007
As with all duties of the Northern Arizona Audubon Society,
we have enjoyed years with the help of an all volunteer Board of
Directors. Several long-time directors stepped down from their
positions in 2008. To each of them, we are forever grateful.
Each is a hard act to follow. The next time you see them, please
acknowledge the time and effort they gave to all of us.
Jodi Griffith, Field Trip Chair, Above the Rim
Since 2002, Jodi would invite and cajole member birders to lead
our weekend Field Trips north of the Verde Valley. Five times
a year, she would help write descriptions and directions, then
submit the information to the newsletter on time. From Oak Creek
Canyon to the Peaks, many of us have enjoyed the fruits, and the
birds, of her organization and logistics. In addition, Jodi’s surveys
contributed to the establishment of the Rio de Flag IBA.
Marcia Lamkin, Education Chair
If you attended our members meeting, you know all too well the
passing of the coffee can for educational donations. In one of her
duties as Education Chair, Marcia collected requests from local
school teachers for Audubon Adventures since 2002. With your
generous donations and Marcia’s dedication, she purchased these
curriculum kits for local teachers who wished to use them with their
students. She also organized programs and represented NAAS at
the Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival, Flagstaff’s Science
in the Park, Coconino County Fair, Willow Bend Environmental
Education Center and others..
Betsy Feinberg, Publicity, Birdathon and Regional Trips
Below the Rim
For those local birders who like to migrate in search of additions
BlackHawk W atch
that just don’t read the field guides. I’m sure many of you have
your favorite unusual sightings, and ones you missed, too.
In the late 80’s during biological fieldwork in the Verde
Valley, I made several unintentional donations to local blood-
sucking Cone-nosed Kissing Bugs (gross!). Ten years later as we
slipped into drought conditions and unusually warm winters, I
had a red bite mark and found one such insectivorous vampire
in my Flagstaff house. Then another, and another (though
mostly dead in household spider webs; good job!). I also recall
those first few years hearing the screeches and squeals of Great
tailed Grackles up here in the summer. Now they’re here year
round, too; at least they don’t need my blood.
Are some new sightings due to more people out there
looking, or to climate shifts, or other reasons? When I look
up past sightings on the Great Backyard Bird Count website,
all sorts of movement is being recorded. This year, I’ve once
again added to that database. Once again this year’s snapshot
of species’ presence, or lack, will aid those biologists studying
species range changes.
Whether you watch birds in the field, your yard or at your
window feeder, consider submitting your list to our local
network on the NAAS Sightings online forum, nazaudubon.
com/sightings. I enjoy learning about unique sightings. Tell
me about yours the next time we meet! Back to watching my
feeder. Now, where are those Cassin’s Finches this winter?
to their life lists, Betsy came to their aid. From 2004 to 2008,
Betsy coordinated (5 as of 2008) NAAS birding trips to Mexico,
Belize, California and New Mexico. Her skills of logistics and
administration, and work with tour leader Mark Pretti, received
rave reviews from attendees, and repeat attendees. She also
handled the publicity below the rim. In her efforts with our
Birdathon Fundraisers, she raised much money, helped get prizes
and hosted cookouts. She organized the Jerome CBC for the last
three years.
Bryan Cooperrider, BlackHawk Watch, Editor
While many members may not have joined a field trip or donated
to school educational supplies, all NAAS members have been
touched by Bryan through his professional work as the NAAS
Newsletter Editor from 2003 to 2008. Juggling submissions from
various members, Bryan performed an incredible job of getting
the layout perfect before going to print. Thank you for producing
and delivering our newsletter five times a year. Bryan continues
serving us by handling the marketing and distribution of the
NAAS birding guides above the rim.
Celia Holm, Director-At-Large
Celia Holm joined the Chapter Board in 2005 as Director-at-Large
and served until June 30, 2008. She took on the important task of
organizing the bird monitoring at Tuzigoot IBA for which teams
conducted monthly bird surveys at Dead Horse Ranch State Park,
Verde Greenway and Tavasci Marsh. We are grateful for her time,
enthusiasm and know-how in the overseeing of and participating
in this important fieldwork.
 BlackHawk W atch
News ...
Birding Events in Arizona,
Winter & Spring 2009
Arizona Audubon Conservation Summit

Saturday, February 28

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Tucson, Arizona
www.tucsonaudubon.org/conservation/summit.htm
Cooper Ornithological Society
April 16-18
Tucson, Arizona
www.birdmeetings.org/cos2009/
“The River is the life of the Valley”
Verde Valley Birding & Nature Festival
April 23-26
Dead Horse State Park
Cottonwood, Arizona
www.birdyverde.org
Migratory Bird Festival
Coconino Community College’s 2nd Annual
Saturday, May 2 from 9 am - 3 pm
Flagstaff, Arizona
BIRDS and CLIMATE
CHANGE-ECOLOGICAL
DISCUSSION in MOTION
By Anita MacFarlane
On February 10th the National
Audubon Society released a new report
that reveals that global warming is
having serious effects on natural systems
right here in the continental U.S., right
now, and calls for urgent action.
The report analyses forty years of Christmas Bird
Counts data to see how populations of birds have shifted
in response to a warming climate. The findings show
that 58% of bird species in North America have moved
significantly north over the past four decades, a sign that
global warming is already disrupting ecosystems. You can
read the full report and its finding on the Audubon website.
Or better yet, visit www.birdandclimate.org an Audubon-
linked site containing a petition you can sign about global
warming. They would appreciate your help in getting the
word out.
Join the new Facebook group, Holy Shift! What Birds
Tell Us About Global Warming, and invite your friends to
join, too. Take part in some of the Citizen Science efforts.
The recent Great Backyard Bird Count was one of those
efforts. Volunteer at a local IBA. By keeping our ecosystems
healthy, birds and wildlife will be better able to adapt to the
effects of climate change.
Page 3
Show Need for Policy Change
Bird Movements Reveal
Global Warming Threat
by Tice Supplee, Audubon Arizona Director of Bird Conservation
PHOENIX, AZ, February 10, 2009 – A new analyses by Audubon
scientists provides powerful evidence that global climate change
is having an impact on natural systems and signals the need
for dramatic policy changes to combat pervasive ecological
disruption.
Analyses of citizen-gathered data from the past 40 years of
Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count (CBC’s) reveal that 58 percent
of the 305 widespread species that winter on the continent shifted
significantly north since 1968, some by hundreds of miles. Movement
was detected among species of every type, including more than 70
percent of highly adaptable forest and feeder birds.
Like North American birds, many Arizona birds are moving
north and southern species are populating Arizona. However, only
38 percent of grassland species mirrored the trend, reflecting the
constraints of their severely-depleted habitat and suggesting that
they now face a double threat from the combined stresses of habitat
loss and climate adaptation. Arizona continues to lose fragile desert
grasslands and species dependent upon this habitat are becoming
more limited in where they can be found. “Birds are an early warning
of changes occurring in the balance of nature and should command
our attention,” said Audubon Arizona Director of Bird Conservation
Tice Supplee. “We should take note of the increasing number of
rare birds once seen only in Mexico that are now becoming regular
residents of our state. The time to act is now to curb the causes and
impacts of global climate change to the extent that we can.”
Movements of species—including those not reflecting the
40-year trend—averaged approximately 35 miles of northward
movement during the period.
The good news is that it is not too late to act. If you like to
watch birds, you’ll be heartened to know that citizen scientists are
responsible for collecting the world’s longest uninterrupted record
of bird population trends: the 109-year-old Christmas Bird Count
data set. Decades of volunteer observers made possible the
current National Audubon Society analysis of climate change and
its relationship to bird distribution trends.
Today, you may decide to help Audubon Arizona volunteers
and other concerned citizens assist Arizona Game and Fish
Department biologists in monitoring everything from heron rookeries
and wintering urban waterfowl to marsh and desert birds. “Arizonans
must also call on our politicians to pass laws and fund green energy
solutions, actions that will be critical to the survival of birds and other
wildlife,” said Supplee.
All of us have a role to play in reducing the worst impacts of
global warming. Here’s a short list:
• Be an Active Citizen
• Get Involved in Your Community
Visit www.tucsonaudubon.org and az.audubon.org to learn how
the Important Bird Areas program in Arizona is part of a national
network of conservation sites. And join in “Citizen Science” efforts
like the Christmas and Great Backyard Bird Counts by going to
http://www.audubon.org/bird/citizen/index.html.
• Determine your energy profile and carbon footprint, reduce
energy consumption
• Shop smarter, save gas and money
• Plant more trees and buy good wood, switch to green power
 Page 4 Information ...
2nd Annual
Migratory Bird Festival
Join Coconino Community College, Flagstaff Parks
and Recreation, Coconino National Forest, Fish and
Game, Warner’s Nursery, The Arboretum at Flagstaff and
Northern Arizona Audubon Society in celebrating bird
conservation at the 2nd Annual Migratory Bird Festival
on Saturday, May 2 at the Coconino Community College
Commons.
A free 18” x 24” beautiful colored poster will be given to
the first 100 people that come in the door.
This year’s theme is “Celebrate Birds in Culture” and
the day starts out with an 8 am bird walk with a local
ornithologist. Festivities throughout the day include
live birds of prey, art work with a wildlife theme, guest
speakers, children’s activities, lunch wraps with free shade
grown coffee and cookies, a book sale and raffle.
Admission and parking for this event is free. Donations
are welcome and will benefit Northern Arizona Audubon
Society. Call 928-526-7644 for more information.
Page Springs IBA Trail Work
There is a backlog of work to be accomplished at the
Page Springs/Bubbling Ponds area this spring. We need
to plant around the ramada, continue to remove non-
native trees and shrubs and clean up the trail. Much of
this work needs the equipment of the Game & Fish Dept.
and the assistance of some of their personnel.
Due to budget decreases and sweeps of funds for
some of the proposed projects we are not able to set firm
dates for these activities. As personnel and equipment
becomes available we may need to ask for help on short
notice. If you would like to help with any of these projects
please let Kathie Satterfield know and she will place you
on our volunteer on call list. Her email is K.Satterfield@
yahoo.com. She will notify you when the days are set and
if you can make it, we will be very glad to have you work
with us.
We anticipate some days in March and April.
Volunteer Corner
NAAS could use your help with the following:
• Education, both above and below the rim.
• Organizing field trips
• Digging thistle and trash pick up at Logan’s Crossing
• Helping with book sales & distribution in the
Sedona/Cottonwood area
For more information contact Kathie Satterfield
928-522-0375 or k.satterfield@yahoo.com
BlackH awk W atch
North American
Migration Count - May 9
The second Saturday in May is designated as the day to
count migratory birds. Please see www.azfo.org and click on
“migration count” for information on how you can participate.
Bea Cooley is the coordinator for Coconino and Yavapai
Counties. If you enjoy Christmas Bird Counts, you will find
the Migration Count to be worthy of your efforts as well.
Emily Nelson is the new
Education & Outreach Coordinator for
Grand Canyon Wolf Recovery Project
Emily Nelson is committed to working on behalf of declining
and endangered wildlife and is excited to be a part of the Grand
Canyon Wolf Recovery Project. She is currently finishing her
Master’s of Science degree at Northern Arizona University in the
Department of Biological Sciences with an emphasis in wildlife
conservation biology.  She also received her B.S. in Biology with
a concentration in Fish and Wildlife Management from Northern
Arizona University. 
Her graduate research is focused on estimating the survival
success of translocated Gunnison’s prairie dogs in the Flagstaff
area. Emily has worked as a volunteer on prairie dog translocations
for several years prior to pursuing her current research and has
served on the board of directors for the non-profit organization
and coalition partner, Habitat Harmony, Inc. since 2007. 
She has worked as a field biological technician, researcher,
environmental educator, and volunteer with many species of
mammals and birds in Northern Arizona over the past seven years. 
One of her favorite such jobs included counting migrating hawks
over the Grand Canyon and giving the ranger talk entitled “Raptors
In Flight”, about raptor conservation, to Grand Canyon National
Park visitors. Hailing from the northeastern United States, Emily
fell in love with the biological diversity of the southwest and the
Arizona landscape she now calls home.
New & Renewing
Members
William Auberle Edmund & Amelia Jaskulski
Ron & Glo Auler Darlene Lee
Anne E. “Andy” Berry Linda Litchfield & Donna Coffin
Monty & Chris Bondurant Jim Logan & Sherry Lewis
John Coons Janis McKeone
Amber Creveling Lois Neville
Matt Crozier Margrit Novack
Jed & Ila Fulkerson Scott Olmstead & Erin Brandt
Orville & Alice Gilmore John & Sally Sanderson
Betty Girvin Edwin Schreiber
Kathy Hilton Zack Zdinak
Tom & Debbie James
 BlackH awk W atch
Field Trips...
Tavasci Marsh
Saturday, March 14
Doug Von Gausig, leader
We will meet in the parking lot at the south end of the
trailhead leading to Tavasci Marsh, leaving at 8:15 am after a
brief overview of the area, the birds, plants and ecosystems. The
trip will concentrate on the riparian and palustrine (marshy)
ecosystems, and how the water in the systems is engineered,
maintained and used by the life in them.
“Birding by ear” will be a secondary goal. More than 200
species of birds have been seen in and around Tavasci Marsh,
and the spring migration should be underway by then. Expect
to see or hear some great birds, like the Virginia Rail, Sora,
Common Moorhen, Yellow-breasted Chat, Northern Cardinal,
Marsh Wren, Common Yellowthroat and many, many more! We
often see families of river otters and occasionally catch a glimpse
of muskrats and javelina. Included in the discussion will be
wildflowers, the invasive plant species that threaten the diversity
of the marsh, as well as other threats to these delicate systems.
We’ll return to the parking lot by noon. Please carry some
water with you, and don’t forget your binoculars!
Sedona Wastewater Treatment Ponds
Saturday, March 28
Dottie Hook, leader
Saturday, March 28, 8 am-12 pm. Meet at the Sedona
Wastewater treatment ponds at 8 am. Bring water, a hat, and
binoculars. Call Dottie Hook for more details (928) 204-1894.
Beaver Creek/Red Tank Draw
Saturday, April 11
Dena Greenwood, leader
Saturday, April 11, meet on the southeast side of I-17 and
the Sedona/Hwy 179 exit. 8 am-12 pm. From there we will car
pool to Beaver Creek exploring high desert breeding birds and
riparian migrants. Bring good walking shoes, water, a hat, and
snacks/lunch. Please call Dena Greenwood to confirm you will be
meeting to carpool or if you have any questions (928) 567-3007.
West Clear Creek Water Sampling
for Insect Diversity
Saturday, April 11
Dave Smith, leader
Dave Smith is a NAAS board member and a wildlife biologist
with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. He will help us collect,
observe, and identify the aquatic insects found in the area of
West Clear Creek, east of Camp Verde. We will discuss what the
particular assemblage of insects we find implies about the water
quality in that part of West Clear Creek. Collecting gear will be
provided. Attendees are strongly encouraged to wear wadeable
shoes, or better yet, waders. (Large garbage bags and rubber
bands work in a pinch, these will be available too). Better still,
encourage kids to come along--- they seem immune to cold water
in creeks.
Flagstaff participants meet in Flagstaff at the south end of the
Wal-Mart parking lot (across from Big Five) at 7:30 am to depart
by 7:45. Sedona and Verde Valley participants, meet Flagstaffers
Page 5
at the West Clear Creek day use area near the campground (about
8 miles east of I-17 on HWY 260) at 9:00 am.
Along with waders and such, bring optics, drinking water,
snacks, and so on. Please call Dave at (928) 527-1229 ahead of
time to RSVP. If flow conditions at West Clear Creek are too high
to safely wade, we’ll need to move the location.
Birding Flagstaff’s Banana-belt
April 18, 2009
Jason Wilder, leader
The south facing slopes of Mt. Elden create a warm micro
climate that supports a great diversity of vegetation and habitat
types. We’ll hike along the base of the mountain to Elden Spring
in hopes of turning up some arriving spring birds. Although we’ll
probably be a bit early for large numbers of migrants, the area is
very productive for warblers, vireos, flycatchers, and sparrows.
We’ll meet at 8 am at the Trinity Heights Methodist Church
trailhead (the church’s upper parking lot, at the very top of 4th St.
in east Flagstaff). The walk to the spring is about 2.5 miles round-
trip; trails are a bit uneven and rocky, with some minor ups and
downs. Bring binoculars and water. We’ll plan on being out for 2 to
3 hours. Call Jason Wilder for details (928) 310-4620.
Picture Canyon
Saturday, April 25
Bea Cooley, leader
Meet at 8 am in the Office Max parking lot near Flagstaff
Mall. Carpool to Picture Canyon to enjoy resident and migrating
birds in this lush and beautiful riparian setting. Learn about the
restoration project planned for Picture Canyon. Plan to be back
to your car by noon at the latest. More information? Bea Cooley
(928) 526-5069.
Tres Rios Nature & Earth Festival
scheduled for March 7-8 in Avondale, AZ
The organizers of the Tres Rios Nature and Earth Festival
are pleased to announce the date for their outstanding family
outdoor event. The 2009 festival will be held on March 7 – 8
at the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Base and Meridian
Wildlife Area (B&M Wildlife Area) in Avondale, Arizona.
Held near the confluence of the Gila, Salt and Agua Fria rivers,
the Tres Rios (three rivers) Nature and Earth Festival is held in
cooperation with the Wildlife for Tomorrow Foundation and
the local communities. The event celebrates the rivers, wildlife,
outdoors, history and heritage of the area and Arizona.
Festival hours are 9 am-4 pm on both days. Admission is free.
Event Spotlights include:
* Fishing Clinics * Bird Watching
* Wildlife Displays * Canoe Trips * Hiking Tours
* ‘Green’, Historical and Nature education displays
* Children’s Nature and Fun Zone
* Entertainment from local groups such as
the renowned ‘Back Porch Bandits’
* Food and craft items for sale.
The event is located adjacent to the Phoenix International
Raceway in Avondale, five miles south of I-10 on Avondale
Boulevard (7602 S. Avondale Blvd.).
For more information, visit www.tresriosnaturefestival.com
on the Internet or call (623)204-2130.
 Page 6 Announcements ...
Audubon Takes Wing
Conservation Summit
Saturday, February 28th, 2009
ALL DAY in Tucson!
The Arizona Audubon Council of chapters and Audubon
Arizona have assembled an informative, fun, and exciting day in
Tucson at the Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum (newly renovated
– and worth the trip alone!) for us to work on public policy,
enviromental initiatives, and communications.
We’ll hear from state experts on water concerns, national
leaders on alternative energies, and our Audubon Policy Director
on the most up-to-date DC green initiatives in Congress! BUT we
mostly want to hear from YOU – it’s a day of sharing, brainstorming,
planning and deciding our roles in how to make a difference!
We have to charge nominally for lunch and coffee breaks
($20) – but the day itself is really free. COME JOIN US!! We need
your input –and value your interest and expertise!
May is Birdathon Month
May in northern Arizona brings out the residents and migrants,
vagrants and endemics (this applies to both birds and birders). There
are lots of species to be seen so why not combine your passion
with helping to raise money for our conservation and education
programs.
Our annual Birdathon fund raising event runs all through the
month of May. If you wish, join with your friends and form a team.
If you aren’t able to join a team, then do a little birding on your own.
Solicit some pledges from your parents or children, doctor or dentist,
co-workers or customers, friends or strangers. Either way, you will
have fun by being outdoors and enjoying our feathered friends and
your sponsors will feel good about helping a worthy cause.
The event lasts the entire month of May so you can choose your
24-hour period to suit you. Just identify as many species as you can
and then collect your pledges.
Have fun creating the most outrageous team name, even if it is
just for you. Prizes will be given out at a fun event in June for the most
interesting team name, the most money collected, the most species
seen.
Registration and pledge forms will be available at our March,
April and May meetings. A pledge form is provided below. If you
have questions, contact Brent Bitz at sedonabirds@aol.com or
928-282-5238.
✁
Northern Arizona Audubon Birdathon Pledge Form
Name : ________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Address: _____________________________________________ City ________________________ State __________Zip ___________
Please choose from the following options:
A: I am pledging $ __________ to NAAS for each of the species seen by the team
B: I am pledging $ __________ per bird to NAAS for each of the total number of species seen by all team members on the Birdathon.
C: I am making a single pledge of $ ___________ to the Northern Arizona Audubon Society.
I have enclosed a check made out to Northern Arizona Audubon Society for $ _______________
I would like to receive a receipt ______
Please mail this Birdathon Pledge Form to:
Brent Bitz, 200 Calle Francesca, Sedona, AZ 86336
BlackHawk W atch
Come on out and lose
those winter blues!
We are still working hard at thistle thuggery at Logan’s
Crossing. This is an approximate one mile section of Forest
Service land, that the Rio de Flag runs through, which NAAS has
adopted and is working to remove non-native, invasive plants
and trash to improve the quality of the habitat.
This section of the Rio is just off Townsend/Winona Road
and has been nominated by NAAS as an Important Bird Area.
To date, over 150 bird species have been documented using
the area – an amazing number, as it includes very few water or
shorebirds.
Date: Saturday, April 4th
Time: 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.
(or whenever you get tired and decide to leave)
Directions:
From Flagstaff, go north on Hwy 89 toward Page, past the Mall
Turn right onto Townsend/Winona road
Go approx 4.5 miles and turn left onto dirt road.
(If you get to Slayton Ranch Rd, you’ve just passed us)
Go straight ahead and park
We will have a banner out by the road at 9:00, so we shouldn’t
be hard to find.
Please bring:
Gloves, hat, sunscreen, bug repellant, and a folding chair or
bucket to sit on for lunch. I also recommend wearing long pants,
sturdy boots and a long-sleeved shirt. If you have a sharp shovel
and/or trowel, please bring them as well.
Former County Supervisor Deb Hill provided a grant to
cover food, water and drinks for our volunteers, so please RSVP
by Tuesday, March 31st, if you’re planning to join us, and we’ll
have lunch for you.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions, and
if you can’t make this work day, but would like to help out in the
future, just drop me an email and I’ll add you to our volunteer list
so you’ll be notified of future work dates. (We generally work on
the Rio the first Saturday of the month, April – Oct).
Kathie Satterfield, N. AZ Audubon
Volunteer Coordinator
k.satterfield@yahoo.com / 928-522-0375
Tel: 928-282-5238 Email: sedonabirds@aol.com
 BlackH awk W atch
Information ... Page 7

Beginning Birding Class Northern Arizona Audubon Society WEB CHANGE!!!

Our old website was www.nazas.org
Offered through Coconino Community College
(4th Street campus) with Audubon instructors Bea it has now changed to
Cooley and Jim Logan. www.nazaudubon.com
Please make note and tell your friends
March 24, 31, April 7 and 14
Field trips April 4, 11 and 18
Fee $50
Officers
NAAS Directory
Explore the basics of bird watching with classroom President Zack Zdinak 928-774-4229 naas@lifedraw.com
instruction and field trips. Learn how to select Previous Pres. Phyllis Kegley kegleyphyllis@hotmail.com
Vice President Karin Slavey 928-282-9688
binoculars, which birding guides to use, how to identify Secretary Bea Cooley 928-526-5069
birds and where to go birding in Northern Arizona. Treasurer Kathie Satterfield 928-522-0375
Register on line at www.coconino.edu, or by calling K.Satterfield@yahoo.com
928-526-7644. Directors at Large
Anita MacFarlane David Smith Lisa Spear
Standing Committee Chairs and Co-chairs
Programs Phyllis Kegley

Friends of the Rio de Flag Field Trips

Below Rim Dena Greenwood naturalists@sedona.net
by Collis Lovely Above Rim Open
Publications
Mission: Promoting the Rio de Flag natural stream system Above Rim Bryan Cooperrider bryan@coopsmaps.com
as a unique and valuable resource,  asset, and amenity Below Rim Open
for the citizens of  Flagstaff, Arizona and the surrounding Conservation
community.” Above Rim Jim Logan
Below Rim Roger Radd webmaster@nazaudubon.com
Goal: To protect, restore, clean up and improve the Rio de Flag Education
and its tributaries to maximize their beauty, educational, and Above Rim Open
natural resource values, including the riparian habitats they Below Rim Open
provide. Membership
Above Rim Open
Several members of Northern Arizona Audubon have been Below Rim Barbara Hirt
instrumental in helping form this new coalition of individuals and Development Open
organizations that support the mission and goals stated above.
The City of Flagstaff sits in one of, if not the most beautiful Hospitality
Above Rim Linda Hall, Winney Tanney
and scenic natural locations, in Arizona. The Rio De Flag stream Below Rim Wilma Morrison
channel is a natural wonder that traverses the length of this city.
Publicity
It enters from the Fort Valley area with its watershed originating Above Rim Phyllis Kegley
off the south and west facing slopes of the San Francisco Peaks Below Rim Open
within the Coconino National Forest. It then flows southeast Special Project Team Leaders
through old town then turns northeast through the Foxglen area Web Site Roger Radd webmaster@nazaudubon.com
then south and east again through the Continental area, finally Newsletter Editor Debbie Compton weehawks@hotmail.com
exiting the city through Picture Canyon and then flowing along
Books Sales Below Rim Open
the south west edge of Doney Park.
Books Sales Above Rim Bryan Cooperrider bryan@coopsmaps.com
The Rio flows through the city in a variety of conditions
ranging from totally open natural channel reaches, straight Historical Records Stephen Hall
channelized sections, to underground sections where it completely VVBNF Kathleen Satterfield 928-522-0375
disappears. Sections have also been rerouted from its original K.Satterfield@yahoo.com
natural location. Volunteer Coordinator / Outreach
Understandably growth of our community is, and always will Kathleen Satterfield 928-522-0375 K.Satterfield@yahoo.com
be important, but it’s not too late to preserve the sections of the Tuzigoot IBA Open
Rio, as well as its tributary streams that are still in a natural and Lower Oak Creek IBA Roger Radd webmaster@nazaudubon.com
undisturbed condition. With careful planning and design these Anderson Mesa IBA Elaine Morrall
natural resources can be preserved and protected and become Rio de Flag IBA Bea Cooley Jodi Griffith Jim Logan
an amenity for all of us. In addition we can strive to cleanup,
improve and restore various reaches of the channel that have
been neglected, disturbed, or under-grounded.
To join contact: Kathleen Satterfield (k.satterfield@yahoo.
“Audubon Arizona 2009”
com) Color Bird Calendars for Sale!
We meet the first Thursday of the month at 6:00 at the Adult Only $10 each. Call Zack at 928-774-4229, or purchase one
Center in Thorpe Park. at our members meetings in Sedona or Flagstaff.
 Non-profit
BLACKHAWK WATCH U.S. Postage
Northern Arizona Audubon Society PAID
Flagstaff, AZ
PO Box 1496, Sedona, AZ 86339
Permit No. 163

Have you visited our web site? www.nazaudubon.com

✁
March - april Meetings
Join Us! Guest Speaker - Dave Smith
“Native pollinators in our yards or better yet, what am I
Northern Arizona Audubon Society going to do with all of these vegetables?”
Sedona - March 18 (Wed)
Please enroll me/our household as a Chapter Jewish Community Center of Sedona
Member of Northern Arizona Audubon Society 100 Meadowlark Drive (off Hwy 179)

(NAAS). Flagstaff - March 19 (Thurs)

Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church
1601 N San Francisco St.
Name: Guest Speakers - Bea Cooley & Jim Logan
Address: “Potluck and Birding fun!”
✁

City, State, Zip Sedona - April15 (Wed)

Phone: Jewish Community Center of Sedona
100 Meadowlark Drive (off Hwy 179)
Email:
(If you wish to be a part of the NAAS email list) Flagstaff - April 16 (Thurs)
Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church
1601 N San Francisco St.
Enclosed:
Check here if this is a Meetings start at 7:00 pm with social time.
$15 for 1 year
change of address Formal meeting begins at 7:15 pm.
$25 for 2 years
$35 for 3 years Check here if this is a
renewal • The BlackHawk Watch is published bi-monthly September
through May, 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 Debbie at weehawks@hotmail.com
Deadline for copy is the 10th of the month.