Newsletter of the Northern Arizona Audubon Society
/ Winter 2010
January Meetings
Population Status
of Northern Leopard
Frogs in the Southwest
Against the broad, gray backdrop of widespread losses
of biodiversity, declines in amphibian species might be seen
as no different than the losses among many other species of
plants and animals. However, beginning about 20 years ago,
there has been much-increased concern over substantial,
unexplained declines and losses of frogs and toads in areas
around the world. A recent compilation found that one-third of
the world’s amphibian species are threatened, and that nearly
170 species have become extinct over the last two decades.
Although there have been references to “worldwide amphibian
decline,” the losses are neither worldwide, nor do they involve
all amphibians. Declines are concentrated and severe in several
parts of the world, including southern Australia, Southeast Asia,
Central America and parts of South America, and the western
part of North America. In other areas, like eastern North
America, amphibian populations are not suffering unexplained
losses (although they are still affected by known causes like loss
of habitat and pollution).
The leopard frogs (Rana spp.) are among the amphibians
that have experienced marked declines in the western United
States, and particularly in the Southwest. The relict leopard
frog (R. onca) was thought to be extinct until recently, and still
remains on the brink of extinction. The Chiricahua leopard frog
(R. chiricahuensis) is Federally listed as Threatened, and other
leopard frog species have declined in the Southwest to greater or
lesser degrees. Even the western populations of the widespread
northern leopard frog (R. pipiens) are currently under review
for Federal listing.
Charles Drost, a research zoologist with the U.S.
Geological Survey’s Southwest Biological Science Center, will
give presentations on the Center’s research on the status of
the leopard frog at the January 20 and 21 meetings. Using
literature and museum records of past occurrence of the species,
the Center’s researchers are conducting extensive population
and genetic surveys of northern leopard frogs throughout their
range in northern Arizona and southern Utah. In northern
Arizona, the previously widespread distribution has been
reduced to four strongly isolated populations. Genetic analyses
reflect a high degree of genetic isolation among the remaining
populations, and three of the four populations have low genetic
diversity and evidence of recent bottlenecks. The remaining
population, in the central Mogollon Highlands of Arizona,
is the only population that is spread out over more than one
local site. This population has relatively high genetic diversity
and is, in fact, is increasing in numbers and is expanding its
distribution. However, this population also has extensive
genetic influence from eastern R. pipiens, evidently from an
Volume XXXIX • Number 3 • Jan.-Feb.
introduction of captive frogs. This eastern genetic contribution
is probably partly responsible for the higher genetic diversity in
this population. In turn, it is possible that the increased genetic
diversity and eastern genetic contribution is linked to the local
population increase -- in contrast to the declines seen elsewhere.
If this is the case, it may present somewhat of a dilemma for the
conservation of the species in the Southwest.
Preservation of local native genetic diversity is the goal of
most species conservation plans. But if remaining small, isolated
populations of northern leopard frogs continue to decline, could
they - and should they - be supplemented with ‘non-native’
genetic sources?
Drost has studied declining and rare amphibians in the
western United States for nearly 20 years. He and co-workers
resurveyed areas in Lassen National Park in northern California
and in the Sierra Nevada through Yosemite National Park, which
had originally been surveyed in the early 1900’s. These surveys
provided some of the first clear data that widespread amphibian
declines in the West were a serious problem, with some species
suffering local extirpation. For the past seven years, Drost and
co-workers have surveyed amphibians in northern Arizona and
southern Utah, focusing on northern leopard frogs. Northern
leopard frogs are distributed across nearly all of north-central
North America, but even this species has experienced substantial
declines. Except for a handful of locations, the species is now
largely gone from its former range in Arizona.
February Meetings
Feature Roadrunners
and Other Cuckoos
Susi MacVean, Nongame Biologist
for Arizona Game and Fish Department, will
be the speaker for our February 17 and 18
meetings. Susi will talk about cuckoos with
emphasis on the two cuckoos that breed in
Arizona, the Greater Roadrunner and the
Yellow-billed Cuckoo.
Cuckoos are members of one of the largest and most diverse
families of birds, the Cuculidae. The name comes from the call
of the Common Cuckoo, an old World species, and gives rise to
the family name. Cuckoos and their allies are cosmopolitan in
distribution, but by far most species are Old World. Six species
occur in the U.S. Most cuckoos are also tropical and arboreal.
However, the Greater Roadrunner, a local species and one of the
best known family members, is temperate and terrestrial. Many
cuckoos are brood parasites and a few are cooperative breeders
but most species are monogamous.
Most cuckoo species are mainly solitary but some are
gregarious and build communal nests. Most eat insects, a
variety of other animals and some fruit. Many have distinctive
vocalizations. They are generally medium-sized, slender and
Continued on page 2 Roadrunners
 Page 2 Information ...
– President’s Corner –
Zackery Zdinak
Winter 2010
Happy 2010! Happy Winter! I know the Mt. Chickadees,
House Finches, Juncos, Pine Siskins and woodpeckers have
been appreciating the sunflower seed at our window feeder
during the chilly, snowy December days in Flagstaff! From
reading the Sightings forum online, I see some of you have been
enjoying your winter birds at your houses, too. How goes bird
activity for the rest of you, above or below the rim?
I have some sad news to report: though the NAAS Board
voted in Kay Clark and Susan Shaw-Minger as Secretary and
Educator as we reported in the last newsletter, both have had to
step down for unforeseen personal reasons. We thank them for
their willingness and enthusiasm, and we wish them well.
Looking forward, we’ll start our long slide back to springtime
with the first two months’ programs on our local Leopard Frogs
and the next on our Yellow-billed Cuckoos and Roadrunner.
Both make me think of warmer times. By mid-March, I check to
Continued Roadrunners
long-tailed birds, with powerful legs and but zygodactyl feet (two toes
point forward, two point backward).
Roadrunners have probably inspired more affection and folklore
than any other desert dweller. Legends include trapping sleeping
rattlesnakes, confounding evil spirits with their footprints, and
portending safe journeys. Paisano, Chaparral Cock, Snake Killer, and
Medicine Bird are a few of the names bestowed upon this conspicuous
terrestrial cuckoo. Slender and leggy, roadrunners would rather run
than fly. Their short wings are only suitable for abbreviated glides, but
on the ground they can easily travel at 15 mph, the pace of a 4-minute
mile. Roadrunners are not picky eaters, consuming venomous and
spiny foods including insects, spiders, snakes, lizards, bats, small
rodents and even birds they can run down or snatch out of the air.
The Yellow-billed Cuckoo, also known as the “raincrow,” is found
in multi-storied native riparian woodlands. Its distinctive stuttering
call is heard much more often than the bird is seen. In Arizona, the
Yellow-billed Cuckoo is the latest neotropical migrant to arrive on its
breeding grounds, with most arriving in mid-June and some breeding
is apparently correlated with an abundant local food supply. These
cuckoos eat insects, berries, frogs and lizards. The breeding cycle only
takes 17 days from egg-laying to fledging. Bursting feather sheaths
allow nestlings to become fully feathered in two hours!
Although these arboreal cuckoos can still be found across most
of their Arizona historical range, today they are much more local in
distribution. As with many species that depend on riparian habitat in
the arid southwest, Yellow-billed Cuckoos have declined dramatically
in the past 80 years, primarily due to habitat loss through degradation
and fragmentation. The loss or decline of many native amphibians, an
important part of their traditional food supply, also may be affecting
their population levels.
Susi MacVean has worked for the AZ Game and Fish Department
for 17 years, with most of that time serving as the Nongame Biologist
in Flagstaff. This entails working with an almost overwhelming
diversity of species, from bats and prairie dogs to frogs and snakes
to songbirds and raptors. Prior to working for the Department, Susi
was a wildlife biologist with the Forest Service on the North Kaibab
Ranger District where she focused on population monitoring and
habitat management of northern goshawks. Susi worked with pied-
BlackH awk W atch
see if the ephemeral pond in Buffalo Park daily to hear the local
frogs (Chorus Frogs in this case). Those birds remind me of the
time in July at the Montezuma Well picnic area watching the
cuckoos foraging in the trees above. I hope you’ll come enjoy
these speakers as much as I will. Sharing stories with fellow
birders at our meetings is always fun (and we always have
good cookies and drinks, too).
I know many of you participated in our pre-snow Field
Trips or joined the Christmas Bird Counts irregardless of the
weather, so I can’t say it’s time to get out and enjoy the out of
doors. But I will say it time to continue! Terry and Dena have
lined up some winter outings for all of us. Keep a tab on the
Local Field Trip listing online as new trips are added between
newsletters. We’ll see out on the trails! Whether on the trail
or in your yard, I encourage you to join with birders across
Arizona by participating in the upcoming Great Backyard Bird
Count in February. Read the article in this issue for details.
Happy New Year, everyone!
Zack Zdinak
billed grebes for her Master’s degree and up until her current position
in Flagstaff had mostly worked with birds. But over the last 10 years
Susi has focused more and more on our native riparian reptiles and
amphibians, spending much of her time working with gartersnakes
and leopard frogs. But she also spends considerable time monitoring
peregrines, golden eagles, and conducting marsh bird and riparian
bird surveys.
NAAS Supports Willow Bend’s
Bird Programs to Schools
This 2010 spring semester, Willow Bend
Environmental Education Center will provide
bird programs to Flagstaff schools supported by
a donation from Northern Arizona Audubon Society. We had
already budgeted money for a National Audubon program we
formerly provided Flagstaff teachers, but a survey showed little
use. At a time we continue without an NAAS Educator, shifting
$500 to Willow Bend enables us to act in a small way on our
mission to educate the public about birdlife.
While supporting this reputable community organization,
NAAS will receive exposure to new audiences and potential
members through WB’s email list serves, flyers and website. Last
year Willow Bend taught 34 classes to over 850 students across
northern AZ. Our funds will support their effective education and
excite students about Arizona birds.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
SEDONA AUDUBON MEETINGS LOCATIONS
The meetings in Sedona are going to be held in two different places
this year. Please be sure to check your newsletter each month for the
correct meeting place. In January and April 2010 we will meet at
the Jewish Center of Sedona. In February 2010 we will be at
the Sedona Public Library, also we’ll be there in March and May
2010. Mark your calendars! The speakers will be as interesting and
stimulating as usual.
 BlackHawk W atch
Field Trips ...
UPCOMING Field trips
Prescott
Saturday January 30th
Mike Nicosia, leader
Last January Prescott boasted Red-breasted Sapsucker, Varied
Thrush, Eastern Phoebe, Swamp Sparrow and Fox Sparrow while this
winter a Red-shouldered Hawk seems already to be in place. On this
trip, Prescott Audubon’s Mike Nicosia will lead us to some of Prescott’s
best birding locations in hope of finding similarly good species. We
will meet at 7:00am at the southwest corner of the Target parking lot
in Flagstaff, and at 8:00 in Camp Verde to rendezvous with Mike at
8:30 for 3-4 hours of birding. For more information call Terry Blows
at 928-774-8028 or e-mail him at Terence.Blows@nau.edu
Snow Birding by CC Skiis and Snowshoes!
Saturday, February 20
Zack Zdinak, leader
OK, all you snow and bird lovers, time for another fun morning
shushing into the snowy forest seeking our high country resident
birds. The target sites will be the Watchable Wildlife pull off in
Kendrick Park or one of the other snow play areas on Hwy 180. I’ll be
checking the week before for how well areas are plowed for parking.
Besides our usual forest species, birds I hope to find are Northern
Goshawk, Three-toed Woodpecker, Williamson’s Sapsucker, Downy
Woodpecker, Goldencrowned Kinglet, Red Crossbill and wandering
Clark’s Nutcracker. I’ll have spare binoculars for new birders. Dress
for the weather (layers) and bring water, food and sun gear. Check in
with me for a report on snow/ground conditions; we could be walking
if it’s dry! We’ll meet to car pool at 8:30 am in the Basha’s Parking lot
at the north end of Humphreys Street in Flagstaff. Contact: 774-4229,
wildlife@lifedraw.com.
Page Springs Winter Birds
Saturday, February 20
Dena Greenwood, leader
Meet at the Bubbling Ponds Parking lot 8:30 am. We will focus
on migratory ducks and waterbirds wintering for the season on the
ponds. Dress warm, bring water, snacks to keep you going through
the morning hours until noon. Please call Dena Greenwood, 567-3007
to confirm. Should there be inclement weather we will go to plan B.
Utah Sage-Grouse
Sunday & Saturday, March 13 & 14
Zack Zdinak, leader
Anyone interested in joining Red Cliffs Audubon out of St. George,
Utah, to visit a local Sage-Grouse lek (display area). Last year we
were treated to over 50 male grouse strutting and “booming” to the
camouflaged hens, along with Mountain Bluebirds and Western
Meadowlarks.
We are invited back this year, but the number of people may be
limited. I will help NAAS birders with logistical information (travel
and hotel), car pooling and coordinating with our hosts, but you will
be responsible for your own meals and hotel in Panguitch, Utah. We
will drive up on Saturday, March 13, stopping to bird once or twice,
and regroup for dinner. We will be meeting the Red Cliffs Audubon
birders before sunrise on Sunday, March 14, as early at 5 or 6 am,
then visit the lek until 9 or 10, and driving back to Flagstaff that
afternoon or evening. Some details will be subject to change per our
BLM biologist leader. Contact me, Zack, if you are interested,
774-4229, wildlife@lifedraw.com.
Page 3
Red Tank Draw
Saturday, March 20
Randy Miller, leader
We will see what the Spring Equinox has in store - resident
cactus wrens, upland and riparian birds, perhaps some early
migrants - all in a beautiful red canyon setting. Meet at the
I-17 & 179 intersection, southeast side, 8:00 am. Bring snacks
and water, prepare to walk off-trail on uneven terrain Please
call Randall Miller 567-3007 to confirm.
Great Salt Lake
Birding Festival
May 13-17/2010 is the date of Utah’s “Great Salt Lake
Birding Festival” If you are interested in attending, please
contact Elaine Morrall 526-1022 for information about hotels
and to arrange car pooling. Many excellent field trips will show
off large numbers of shorebirds and local specialties as Sage,
Dusky and Ruffed Grouse, Gray Partridge, California Quail,
Chukar and Black Rosy-finch. Please visit the festival website at
http://www.greatsaltlakebirdfest.com/ for detailed information
on all aspects of the event.
FIELD TRIP REPORTS
Beginners Birding at Walnut Road Lakes
On Saturday, November 7th, a great group met to improve
birding skills this morning, and the birds didn’t disappoint us! Ten
people gathered for a wonderful morning learning how to identify the
convenient waterfowl and other birds. Most people were not current
members of Northern Arizona Audubon; they came due to the listing
in the AZ Daily Sun’s Community Almanac this weekend. One boy in
the group was particularly into birds!
Of the 21 species we saw and identified, most were expected species
but no large numbers. Waterfowl included: Western Grebe, Canada
Goose, Mallard, American Wigeon, Northern Shovelers, Ruddy Duck,
Bufflehead and female Common Mergansers. We were also treated to
a lone White-fronted Goose dropping in as we were keying out ducks.
A little later at the south pond, a circling Bald Eagle spooked all the
ducks up to the north pond, and four Lewis’ Woodpeckers flew over
from the forested ridge to the pond’s cottonwoods.
Gardening for Birds Field Trip (Nov. 14)
Bad weather the previous day and a poor forecast overnight kept
some interested folks away from the visit to the award winning gardens
of Master Gardener, Pam Koch. In fact the four in attendance were
treated to a beautiful northern Arizona fall morning! Pam’s hospitality
and gardening/bird information was well appreciated and her blend
of native plants and bird feeders attracted 16 species including Lewis’s
Woodpecker and American Goldfinch. Thanks again to Pam for letting
NAAS invade her privacy.
Winter Birding Field Trip to Bill Gray Rd. (Dec. 5)
A group of 10 people spent 3 hours birding along the first 5 miles
of Bill Gray Road, an area of Verde Valley desert grassland. A total of
16 species were seen in this time. Highlights included a mixed flock
of Sage and Black-throated Sparrows as well as double-digit numbers
of Sage Thrashers along the road and at Dutch Kid Tank. Loggerhead
Shrikes posed atop bushes throughout the drive providing great
views.
 Page 4 News & Information ...
ANDERSON MESA IBA
RECEIVES GLOBAL STATUS
The Anderson Mesa Important Bird Area (AMESA
IBA), nine miles south of Flagstaff on the Coconino National
Forest, has recently been designated as a Global site by Bird
Life International an alliance of conservation organizations
working in more than 100 countries that together are the
leading authority on the status of birds and their habitats.
The Important Bird Areas (IBA) Program is a global effort
to identify and conserve areas that are vital to birds and other
biodiversity. The Arizona Game and Fish Department, Tucson
Audubon Society, and Audubon Arizona are the IBA partners
in Arizona. To date, 37 sites have been identified as a state
IBA. Designation confers no legal requirement; the global
recognition is intended to motivate and encourage voluntary
conservation actions by government and other organizations
to assure long term protection of these sites.
An area rich in wetlands, Anderson Mesa was previously
named as a state Important Bird Area for waterfowl and
water birds. The area qualified as a global IBA because of its
extensive pinyon pine woodlands that support populations of
pinyon jay (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus), a species of global
conservation concern and an Audubon Society Watchlist
species. http://stateofthebirds.audubon.org/
The gregarious pinyon jays are often sighted, but are now
declining dramatically due to loss of western pinyon pine trees
and lack of pine nuts that is attributed to drought, bark beetle
infestations and indiscriminate clearing. Northern Arizona
Audubon has monitored the Anderson Mesa area for many
years by conducting annual bird counts and other surveys.
They request that all birders report sightings of pinyon jays
by date, location, and number of birds at www.eBird/org and
at http://nazaudubon.com click on sightings.
Pinyon Jay Research
Featured in Project
Feederwatch
Newsletter
Russell Balda, Regents’ Professor
Emeritus at NAU, and his researchers
are featured in the latest Focus
on Citizen Science, Winter Bird Highlights from Project
Feederwatch. Former Director of the Avian Cognition
Laboratory at the University, Balda and his research team
have been studying the flock structure and cohesiveness of
seven flocks of Pinyon Jays. They have found that the loss
of hundreds of thousands of pinyon pines, a major source of
food for the jays, has had “a huge impact on the local Pinyon
Jay population.” After studying 3700 of the birds, they have
discovered changes in the jays’ social structure and that larger
birds and males had the best survival rates.
The article also featured Pam Koch of Flagstaff who has
at least three different flocks of Pinyon Jays coming to her
feeders. Balda and crew have been banding the jays there.
BlackHawk W atch
Bluebirds at Home ...
Submitted by Phyllis Kegley
This bluebird photo by Harold Ables
won first prize at Jay’s Bird Barn
Photo Contest. Western Bluebirds
have nested in our backyard for the
past 4 years. I have provided them
with a nest box partially filled with
wood shavings, a selection of food
and fresh water all within 30 feet of
the back deck of our house among
© 2009 Harold D Ables
the Ponderosa pine trees in the
southwestern area of Flagstaff. This picture was taken while
the couple was putting the finishing touches on their nest on
19 April 2009 some 12 days before the first of 5 eggs was laid.
It was taken through an Anderson dual pane sliding glass door
some 45 feet from the nest box with a Canon EOS 50D camera,
Canon EF , 500mm f/4L USM lens + Canon EF 1.4X II extender,
1/60 sec at f/5.6, ISO 400.
Join Birders in the Great Backyard
Bird Count, February 12-15, 2010
This year’s Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) will be here before
we know it! We are promoting the GBBC as a great activity for
individuals and families that’s both free and educational, while also
getting kids outside. Are you cutting back expenses, the GBBC makes
the perfect “stay-cation” while joining birders across the USA and
Canada. The GBBC is led by the National Audubon Society and the
Cornell Lab of Ornithology,
Visit their website, www.birdcount.org, to view the birds reported
from each state or province, even by town or species, in February
2009. There you’ll also find kids activities, science reports and
photos from last year.
From window feeders to far afield, Arizona birders came up with
110,484 bird in the 2009 GBBC. Gambel’s Quail, Mourning Dove,
Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch and House Sparrow were all
reported in numbers over 5000. See how many individuals or species
you can find.
How to Join the Great Backyard Bird Count?
IT’S AS EASY AS 1, 2, 3!
1. Plan to count birds for at least 15 minutes on one or more
days of the count. You can count each day or just some of the days
and you can count in different places. Just be sure to keep a separate
list of birds for each day and each location.
2. For each type of bird you see, count the most you see at
any one time. For example, maybe you see two chickadees when you
start watching, then five chickadees a few minutes later. The number
you put on your list for chickadees is five. Don’t add two plus five; this
avoids counting the same bird twice.
3. Enter your results on the Great Backyard Bird Count
web site! Then watch the maps as more and more people enter their
reports.
Also, keep your camera handy near your window! Take some great
pictures and submit them for this year’s photo contest! Details are
online.
 BlackH awk W atch
Volunteer Opportunities ...
Our Chickadees:
Winter Survivalists and
Dashing Neighbors
Adapted from Cornell Lab eNews and www.allaboutbirds.org
Unlike many birds that make risky journeys of thousands of
miles to winter in the tropics, chickadees take their chances right
at home throughout the winter. Boreal Chickadees can survive
temperatures of minus 50 degrees Fahrenheit! To save energy at
night, Black-capped Chickadees lower their body temperature by 18-
22 degrees Fahrenheit. By choosing good roost holes and lowering
their body temperatures, Carolina Chickadees can conserve 50% of
their energy reserves and survive temperatures at night that would
be lethal by day.
Here in northern Arizona, Mountain
Chickadees, Poecile gambeli, flit about
our dry evergreen habitats striking our
acrobatic poses in their seemingly never
ending quest for food. Their cheery “chick-
a-dee” call is sometimes the only sound in the
snowy pine forest.
When they find a ready supply of food - such as
your bird feeder - chickadees will busily store some
for later. Energetic models suggest that a half-ounce
chickadee needs to eat about 10 calories per day to
survive. That’s equivalent to about one-twentieth of an ounce of peanut
butter. Further a field, our local outbreaks of bark beetles and other
insects provide an all-you-can-eat buffet for Mountain Chickadees.
While they nest in cavities, Mountain Chickadees can only
excavate them in very soft wood. Instead, they rely on holes made
by woodpeckers and nuthatches. They also nest in natural crevices,
nest boxes, and occasionally on the ground amid roots. Inside the
cavity, the female makes a neat cup from fur she gathers. She also
makes a fur cap that she uses to cover her eggs when she leaves the
cavity.
Mountain Chickadees incubate their eggs almost a full week
longer than their near-twins, the Black-capped Chickadees do. Some
scientists think this is an evolutionary change that’s been made
possible by Mountain Chickadees’ tendency to nest inside harder-
walled trees, which are safer from predators.
South of the Mogollon Rim, the Bridled Titmouse, Baeolophus
wollweberi, frequents mixed oak-pine-juniper woodlands and
riparian forests. In addition to a black bib and a white-and-black
patterned face, it sports a gray crest bordered with black and white
Unlike many members of its family, the Bridled Titmouse
appears not to hide food for later use. The region of the brain related
to memory of spatial location, the hippocampus, is small in this
species compared with other species that frequently hide food.
The Bridled Titmouse is the only North American member of its
family that appears to have helpers at the nest regularly. The identity
and sex of the extra birds attending nests is not yet known. Its nest
is a cup of grass, cottonwood down, flowers, fur, and cocoons, lined
with soft fibers in tree cavities and nest boxes.
The Black-capped Chickadee, Poecil atricapilla, is occasionally
found just our side of the Utah border. One was sighted in Colorado
City, AZ, in December, 2009. Others sightings have come from Tec
Nos Pas at Four Corners.
Get involved with your local chickadees and titmice. Attract
these birds to nest near your house by building a nest box (see plans
at www.birds.cornell.edu/nestinginfo). Plan now and get the boxes
up by late March. Then report information about nesting activity to
NestWatch, watch.birds.cornell.edu/nest. Have fun!
Page 5
Volunteer Corner
NAAS could use your help with the following:
• Education, both above & below the rim
• Field Trip chair, above the rim
• Membership, above the rim
• Digging thistle and trash pick up at Logans Crossing
• Trail work and invasive plant removal at Page Springs
• Working at our table at various events such as the
Science Fair; Sustainability Fair and Earth Day.
If you have a skill you think we could use for some
other project, not mentioned above, please feel free to
contact me to discuss your idea. NAAS is an entirely
volunteer based organization, so the more volunteers
we have, the better hope we have of achieving our
mission.
For more information contact Kathie Satterfield
928-522-0375 or k.satterfield@yahoo.com
New & Renewing
Members
Paula Meek
Susan Mellon
WANTED
Membership Chair Assistant
We are seeking a person or persons to assist with Membership,
preferably above the rim (ATR) but not a requirement. If some of the
duties appeal to you, this position can be subdivided. In general, it
would entail:
1. Send thank you notes for donations.
2. Store a copy of the master membership list so it is on more than
one computer. It is in Excel.
3. Provide membership information at ATR monthly meetings.
4. Greet visitors at ATR meetings and make them feel welcome.
5. Collect and send information on new and renewing members
ATR to the Membership Chair.
6. Keep the e-mail list updated and send announcements as
requested by the Board.
If you are interested in helping with any of these, please contact Barbara
Hirt, Membership Chair, 928-284-3367 or ragalyi- hirt@esedona.net.
Birders, Check the Local Field Trip forum for
updates, new field trips and trip reports!
Go to nazaudubon.com/sightings
 Page 6 Birdathon ... BlackH awk W atch

May is Birdathon Month

Birdathon is for everyone! It is for individuals and teams, the
young and the not so young, beginning birders and those with large
life lists. It is for you!
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 are provided below. They are also
available through our website (www.nazaudubon.com), just go there
and click on the Birdathon link on the Home Page. They will also be
available at our March, April and May meetings. If you can’t get them
then or if you have questions, contact Brent Bitz at sedonabirds@aol.
com or 928-282-5238.

NAAS BIRDATHON TEAM REGISTRATION FORM

Team Name: __________________________________(Please Submit Only One Form per Team)

Team Participants Address, City, State and Zip Phone Email

We would like some team pictures and information on our website. Please send your photo to webmaster@nazaudubon.com
Team Description: (A few fun facts about your team):

If applicable, number of species your team has counted in a past Birdathon:____ Your Team’s goal for number of species this
year:_____

Please return this form to the Birdathon chair: Brent Bitz 200 Calle Francesca Sedona, AZ 86336 Tel: 928-282-5238

Questions? Email the Birdathon chair at: sedonabirds@aol.com

Northern Arizona Audubon Birdathon Pledge Form

Name: ___________________________________________________________________________________________
Address: _________________________________________________________________________________________

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 teams 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 ______

Contact: Birdathon Chair Brent Bitz • 200 Calle Francesca Sedona, AZ 86336 • Tel: 928-282-5238 Email: sedonabirds@aol.com
 BlackHawk W atch
Information ... Page 7

Northern Arizona CBC Dates ...

January 2 – Sedona CBC Officers
NAAS Directory
compiler: Dottie Hook President Zack Zdinak 928-774-4229 naas@lifedraw.com
Previous Pres. Phyllis Kegley kegleyphyllis@hotmail.com
dothook1@aol.com Vice President Karin Slavey 928-282-9688
Secretary Open
January 3 – Camp Verde CBC Treasurer Kathie Satterfield 928-522-0375
compiler: Bea Cooley beacooley@aol.com K.Satterfield@yahoo.com
Contact: Anita MacFarlane 928-282-4063 Directors at Large
Anita MacFarlane David Smith Brent Bitz
Jan. 5 - Glen Canyon CBC
compiler: John Spence, 928-608-6267 Standing Committee Chairs and Co-chairs
john_spence@nps.gov Programs Phyllis Kegley

Field Trips
Below Rim Dena Greenwood naturalists@sedona.net
Above Rim Terry Blows terence.blows@nau.edu
The Audubon Guide to Binoculars,
by Wayne Mones, originally Publications
Above Rim Bryan Cooperrider bryan@coopsmaps.com
published as an insert in the Below Rim Kim Fofana
Conservation
November - December issue of Above Rim Jim Logan
AUDUBON, can be viewed or Below Rim Roger Radd webmaster@nazaudubon.com
downloaded online at Education
http://audubonmagazine.org/features0911/betterBirding.html Above Rim Open
Below Rim Open

IT’S TIME TO RE-LINK Membership

Above Rim Open
If you shop at Bashas’ and have a Bashas’ Below Rim Barbara Hirt
Thank You Card, it’s time to re-link your card
with Bashas’ fundraising program. This is a Development Open
simple, painless way for you to help support
Northern Arizona Audubon. With Bashas’
Shop & Give program (formerly Thanks a Million), Hospitality
you can link your Thank You Card to our group. You only Above Rim Linda Hall, Winnie Tanney
have to do it once, and can do it at any Bashas’ checkout or service counter. Below Rim Wilma Morrison
The program begins September 1st and continues through March 31st of
Publicity
next year. With your help, we can earn up to $5000.00 from Bashas’.
So go to Bashas’ now and tell them to link your card to our group Above Rim Phyllis Kegley
identification number 28834. Below Rim Open
Tell your neighbors, family, friends, and co-workers to also link their
Thank You Cards to #28834. We can earn 1 percent of the total dollars Special Project Team Leaders
linked to our organization, up to $5000.00. WOW! This is an easy way Web Site Roger Radd webmaster@nazaudubon.com
to support Northern Arizona Audubon. Please be sure to link or re-link. Newsletter Editor Debbie Compton weehawks@hotmail.com
Or one can re-link online at www.bashas.com/charity.php. Just follow the
instructions. Books Sales Above Rim Bryan Cooperrider bryan@coopsmaps.com

Northern AZ Audubon Society - #28834 Books Sales Below Rim Kim Fofana
Historical Records Stephen Hall

n VVBNF Kathleen Satterfield 928-522-0375

Audubnoa 2010 Audubon K.Satterfield@yahoo.com

Arizo Calendars are here! Volunteer Coordinator / Outreach

2010
Kathleen Satterfield 928-522-0375 K.Satterfield@yahoo.com
Tuzigoot IBA Celia Holm
Now’s the time to pick some up for
Holiday gifts! Birds in this calendar are: Northern Lower Oak Creek IBA Roger Radd webmaster@nazaudubon.com
Cardinal, Vermilion Flycatcher, Red-shouldered Hawk, Red- Anderson Mesa IBA Elaine Morrall
faced Warbler, Flammulated Owl, Pine Grosbeak, Rufous Rio de Flag IBA Bea Cooley Jodi Griffith Jim Logan
Hummingbird, Lewis’ Woodpecker, House Finch, Pyrroloxia,
Summer Tanager, Hepatic Tanager, Flame-colored Tanager,
and Rose-throated Becard.
Northern Arizona Audubon Society
Only $10 each. For sale at our members meetings in
Sedona and Flagstaff. www.nazaudubon.com
Tell your friends
Or call Zack at 928-774-4229.
 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

✁ JANUARY-FEBRUARY MeetingS
Join Us! Guest Speaker - Charles Drost
“Population Status of Northern Leopard Frogs
Northern Arizona Audubon Society in the Southwest”
Sedona - January 20 (Wed)
Please enroll me/our household as a Chapter Jewish Community Center of Sedona
100 Meadowlark Drive (off Hwy 179)
Member of Northern Arizona Audubon Society
(NAAS). Flagstaff - January 21 (Thurs)
Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church
1601 N San Francisco St.
Name:
Guest Speaker - Susi MacVean
Address: “Roadrunners and other Cuckoos”
✁

City, State, Zip Sedona - February 17 (Wed)

Phone: Sedona Public Library - 3250 White Bear Road
Email: Flagstaff - February 18 (Thurs)
(If you wish to be a part of the NAAS email list) Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church
1601 N San Francisco St.
Enclosed: Meetings start at 7:00 pm with social time.
Check here if this is a
$15 for 1 year Formal meeting begins at 7:30 pm.
change of address
$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.