Newsletter of the Northern Arizona Audubon Society
Close Encounters of the
Reptilian Kind
Are you a birder, hiker, outdoor enthusiast or
just like to spend time outdoors? If you answered
yes, then you frequently enter the realm of rep-
tiles. Join Dennis Jex at our January meeting as
we take a fun and educational trip into the world
of snakes.
You will learn about some common myths and
facts about snakes. You will also learn about how
to treat a snake bite or better
yet, how to avoid a bite. Learn
about the benefits of having
snakes around.
Dennis will present a pow-
er point show covering some
common snakes that live here
in Arizona. There will also be a
live non-venomous snake dis-
play (oh my!) for you to have
an up close and personal ex-
Polar bears in Hudson Bay. Photo Harold and Paula Ables. bears, foxes, arctic hares, wil-
perience with one of nature’s
most fascinating and beneficial creatures. Don’t be
surprised if Dennis brings out a snake and wants
you to hold one! Tens of thousands of people have
had this unique experience and he will want to add
you to that list.
There will be a question and answer period
at the end of the show. So bring all those questions
you wanted answered about snakes. After this pre-
sentation, birders may occasionally glance to the
ground as enthusiastically as they scout the trees
and skies to find birds during the warm weather
See snakes, page 7
January & February Meetings
“Close Encounters of the Reptilian Kind ” “Polar Bears of Churchill”
Dennis Jex
Sedona - January 16 (Wed)
Jewish Community Center of Sedona
100 Meadowlark Drive (off Hwy 79)
Flagstaff - January 17 (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 7:15 pm in Flagstaff and 7:30 in Sedona.
Volume XXXVII • Number 3 • Jan/Feb 2008
Polar Bears of Churchill
At our February meeeting, Harold and Paula
Ables will describe in words and pictures their one
week trip to view polar bears and other critters near
Churchill, Manitoba, Canada between 28 October
& 4 November 2006. Churchill is located at the
southwest corner of the Hudson Bay some 675 miles
north of the USA (Minnesota) border.
The region between the edge of the boreal forest
and the Hudson Bay coastline just east of Churchill
is probably the best place in
the world to watch and pho-
tograph polar bears. Hudson
Bay’s polar bear population is
the southernmost and most
accessible to viewing in the
entire Arctic. Harold and
Paula spent three days in a big
tundra buggy exploring this
area and were rewarded with
outstanding sightings of polar
low ptarmigans, several other
critters and absolutely spectacular scenery.
Their knowledgeable tundra buggy driver and
wildlife guide with nine years experience assured
them on more than one occasion that the polar
bear population in this area is healthy and thriving
and that the time of the year for ice formation is un-
changed in the last 10 years. Other studies, however,
have found that the spring ice breakup is some two
weeks earlier than it was 20 years ago and that the
birthrate and adult bear weight are about 10% less
See bears, page 7
Harold and Paula Ables
Sedona - February 20 (Wed)
Jewish Community Center of Sedona
100 Meadowlark Drive (off Hwy 79)
Flagstaff - February 21 (Thurs)
Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church
1601 N San Francisco St
 Page 2 BLACKHAWK WATCH

Tuzigoot IBA Monitoring 2007 - Celia Holm

This year’s monitoring program in the Tuzigoot The upland transect had the fewest numbers of
Important Bird Area (IBA) has been productive and species and individuals, not surprisingly since it
successful, thanks to the time, effort and enthusiasm runs mostly through mesquite and chaparral, but
(even very early in the morning!) of many excellent four of the species that were listed as declining in
volunteers. Tuzigoot IBA consists of three locations numbers in the Fall 2007 issue of Audubon Ari-
along or adjacent to the Verde River: Dead Horse zona, verdin, black-throated sparrow, loggerhead
Ranch State Park (DHRSP)/Verde River Green- shrike and phainopepla were seen on this transect.
way (VRG), Tavasci Marsh within Tuzigoot NM, In fact verdin and black-throated sparrows were
and Peck’s Lake. This year monitoring focused on observed on all but the January trips, and usually
DHRSP/VRG and was done in three places, one per in the same locations each time suggesting they
each volunteer team: a riparian were breeding there. Phaino-
transect along the Verde River pepla were also observed in
in the Verde River Greenway, large numbers along the ripar-
an upland transect along Lime ian transect throughout the
Kiln Trail, and a circuit around summer. All the data collected
the three lagoons in the park. have been sent down to Tucson
Monitoring began last January Audubon for compilation and
and aside from June, was done analysis. In 2008 we plan to do
roughly once a month through marshbird surveys on Tavasci
August in all three locations, Marsh, and also hope that we
then just the lagoons in Sep- can census Peck’s Lake, which
tember and October. is privately owned.
January 28th trip: Jim Logan, Jean Tierney, Bea
Altogether 133 species of Cooley, Sherry Lewis. Finally an undertaking of this
birds were observed, 14 of magnitude would not be accom-
which were new to the DHRSP plished without the assistance
and VRG Bird List, eg lesser of a great number of people for
scaup, peregrine falcon, Vir- which I am very grateful. First I
ginia rail and Eurasian col- wish to thank the 19 volunteeers
lared-dove. Nine more species who gave up at least one Sunday
were listed as “hypothetical” morning to count birds in the IBA,
on that list (“possible in the in particular Elaine Morrall,
area but not yet recorded”), Bob Yaussy, Jim Logan, Bill
eg gray flycatcher, ruddy duck Blume, Bea Cooley, Trisha
and Scott’s oriole., and 12 spe- Travis, John Kinnamon and
cies were seen that were listed Dennis Jex who gave up way
as uncommon, most notably September 9th trip : Jim Logan, John Kinnamon, more than one morning. Next I
Lawrence’s goldfinch, black- Celia Holm, Trisha Travis, Gisela Kluwin, Jean would like to thank the following
Tierney, Elaine Morrall, Cheryl Bader, Bob Yaussy.
crowned night heron and people:- Ed Juarez, ABCI Co-
brown-crested flycatcher. As might be expected ordinator, AZ. Game and Fish, for providing us with a
the number of species was highest in late April and grant to cover mileage costs; Les Bovee, Dead Horse
May in all locations, but the number of individu- Ranch State Park, for providing us with entry permits
als was highest on the January and early March and his encouragement; Max Castillo, Verde River
trips, sometimes spectacularly so, eg in January, Greenway, AZ State Parks, and Ken KingsleyKingsley, his
584 individuals were counted on the riparian former volunteer assistant, for ably setting the stage in
transect, of which 300 were white-crowned spar- 2006 for our efforts this year, and for their enthusiasm
rows! Great-tailed grackles, red-winged blackbirds thereafter. Lastly, thanks also go to Tice Supplee, AZ
and American coot were also seen in large num- Audubon, and Scott Wilbor, Tucson Audubon, for all
bers along that transect and around the lagoons. their information, assistance and forbearance!
 JAN/FEB 2008
UPCOMING FIELD TRIPS ...
Echo Canyon
Sun, January 27 - Dena Greenwood, leader
W e’re going to head south into the warmth of
the Verde Valley and make our way to Echo
Canyon along lower Oak Creek. We’ll also stop at
the confluence of Dry Creek and Oak Creek. Meet
at the Sedona Safeway shopping center facing 89A
(next to McDonald’s with the teal green arches) at
8:30 am. Bring binoculars, spotting scopes, bird
books, water, snacks/lunch. Call Dena for more
details and to confirm, 928.567.3007.
Sedona Wastewater Treatment Plant
Sun, February 17 - Dottie Hook, leader
M eet at 8 am in the parking lot of the Sedona
Public Library. We’ll carpool from there.
Bring water, snacks and lunch . . . it takes a good
bit of time to thoroughly scour the marshes and
do justice to the holding ponds. Great habitat for
song sparrows, marsh wrens, and there should be
a good variety of ducks on the ponds.Plan for any
kind of weather and dress in layers. Bring spotting
scopes if you have them, and of course, binoculars.
RSVP to Dottie at 928.204.1894 with your name
and phone number and how many in your party.
See you there.
Great Backyard Bird Count 2008
The next Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC)
will be held February 15-18, 2008. The GBBC is
an annual four day event to engage bird watchers
of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time
snapshot of where birds are across the continent.
Anyone can participate, from beginners to ex-
perts. It takes as little as 15 min. It’s free, fun
and easy – and it helps birds.
How to Participate :
• Plan on counting birds for at least 15 min.
during February 15-18, 2008. Count birds at as
many places and on as many days as you like
– just keep separate lists of counts for each day
and/or location.
• Count the greatest number of individual
species that you see together at any one time, and
write it down.
• Enter your results through Audubon’s web-
site @ GBBCwebsite, select “submit your bird
check list.”
Page 3
Montezuma Well
Sun, February 10 - Barbara Hirt, leader
M eet 8:30 am in the picnic area at Montezuma
Well. We will be hopping back and forth
across the irrigation ditch so you may want to bring
a walking stick. Those who do not wish to do that
can remain in the picnic area until we return. The
Well is wheelchair accessible but it is a long, and
at times steep, way uphill. If it is pleasant, bring
lunch if you wish and we’ll eat in the picnic area.
Bring water. Call Barbara at 928. 284-3367 if you
have questions.
Page Springs Work Day - Jan 12
The next work day at the Bubbling Ponds
trail will be January 12, 2008 at 9 am. We will
be performing all the usual work including trail
maintenance and pulling out non-natives. You
should bring a hat, gloves, water and equipment
such as heavy rakes, loppers, shovels etc. Not
everyone needs to bring all, just one or two.
NAAS provides lunch so I need to know if you
are coming by the 10th to order food. Also, if the
weather should be bad enough to cancel I need
to have your email or telephone. Contact Anita
MacFarlane, 928.282.4063 or ajmac@sedona.
net. We have had some good times and made
some good friends on these work days. Please
come and join us and help the birds.
Calling all NAAS Volunteers!
(past & present)
We will be hosting a Volunteer Appreciation
BBQ at our brand new ramada at the Page
Springs Fish Hatchery on Sunday March 2,
2008. We felt it only appropriate that our
volunteers be the first to use this beautiful
new facility. If you’d enjoy helping to plan
this event, please contact me, Kathie Satter-
field, at k.satterfield@yahoo.com or give me
a call at 928.522.0375.
If you can’t make this BBQ, don’t despair;
we intend to host another in September,
hopefullay at Hart Prairie. If you can make
both, so much the better!
For more information and to see a power
point presentation go to www.birdcount.org.
 Page 4
NEWS BLACKHAWK WATCH

Have You Purchased Your 2008 Shroufe Ends Remarkable Caareer

Duck Stamp? - Phyllis Kegley as Head of AG&F Dept
After almost 20 years of leading the Arizona
“Why should I purchase a Duck Stamp ?,” you
Game and Fish Department, Director Duane
ask. “I thought they were for hunters.” There are
Shroufe has announced his retirement for the
several good reasons. One is that 98% of every
end of March 2008. Shroufe, who has received
dollar generated by the sales of Federal Duck
numerous awards for his accomplishments with
Stamps goes directly to purchase or to lease wet-
the agency, is the second-longest-tenured state
land habitat for protection in the National Wildlife
wildlife director in the U. S.
Refuge System. Waterfowl are not the only wildlife
During Shroufe’s remarkable tenure at the
to benefit from the sale of Federal Duck Stamps.
helm of AG&FD, the agency has been routinely
Numerous other bird, mammal, fish, reptile, and
recognized as one of the top and most innovative
amphibian species that rely on wetland habitats
wildlife agencies in the nation; the number of per-
have prospered. Further, an estimated one-third
sonnel has grown from 230 to 650 and the budget
of the Nation’s endangered and threatened species
increased from $20 million to $80 million.
find food or shelter in refuges established using
Highlights of Shroufe’s accomplishments are:
Federal Duck Stamp funds.
establishment of the state-based Heritage Fund
Birders and other frequenters of National
in 1990 to support projects to enhance and pro-
Wildlife Refuges purchase a $15 Federal Duck
tect wildlife and habitats; Chairmanship of the
Stamp each year in order to gain free admission
North American Wetlands Conservation Council;
to refuges. Conservationists buy Federal Duck
advancement of state-based collaborative initia-
Stamps because they know that the stamps are,
tives to aid in the recovery of endangered species;
dollar for dollar, one of the best investments one
creation of partnerships with wildlife concerns in
can make in the future of America’s wetlands.
Mexico, including development of the first inter-
Collectors buy both the Federal and Junior Duck
national and all-bird joint venture; and critical
Stamps because the beautiful stamps can gain
leadership in the development and evolution of the
value over the years and are an important part of
Teaming with Wildlife Initiative on the national
America’s outdoor culture. Finally, educators, con-
scene.
servationists, hunters, parents, and students alike
The Arizona Game and Fish Commission has
buy $5 Junior Duck Stamps in order to support
begun a nationwide search for his replacement,
conservation education programs in the U.S.
hoping to “attract the very best candidate of the
Although the Duck Stamp cannot be used as
wildlife leadership community to lead our state.”
postage, most post offices sell them. They also can
be purchased at sporting goods stores that sell Welcome to our new and renewing members:
hunting licenses or online.
Todd Barnell & Gretchen Arlene Goodhart
Here is a list of National Wildlife Refuges in Hornberger Edmund & Amelia Jaskulski
Arizona. Anne Berry Rita Livingston
Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge Bea Cooley & Chuck Wash- Lois Neville
Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge burn Mimi Murov
John Coons Julie Pawelak & Rick Zabor
Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge
Herbert Curl, Jr. Lori Stevenson
Cibola National Wildlife Refuge Jessica C. Feinberg Priscilla Trowbridge
Havasu National Wildlife Refuge Matthew A. Feinberg Ricky Ray
Imperial National Wildlife Refuge Orville & Alice Gilmore
Kofa National Wildlife Refuge
Leslie Canyon National Wildlife Refuge
San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge Have you visited our web site?
Also, wonderful Bosque del Apache in New
Mexico is a NWR. Wikipedia has easily accessible WWW.NAZAS.ORG
information on all the refuges.
 JAN/FEB 2008
NEWS ... Page 5

Some of the U.S.’s Most Imperiled Birds Make their Home in Arizona
New Report Identifies Species at Greatest Risk
California Condor Forty-seven of the birds that Audubon and
California Condors have been brought back from the American Bird Conservancy have identified
the brink of extinction through conservation ef- as in need of top-priority conservation attention
forts by wildlife agencies, conservation organi- to ensure their continued survival spend at least
zations and zoos. In Arizona the recovery of the part of their year in Arizona. Of these, eleven are
California Condor is led by the Arizona Game red-listed, which indicates the highest level of
and Fish Department, the Peregrine Fund and concern. They have the dubious distinction of be-
the Phoenix Zoo. ing included on WatchList 2007, the newest and
Southwestern Willow Flycatcher most scientifically sound list of America’s birds at
This Federal endangered species requires dense greatest risk. Unlike those on Audubon’s recent
habitats along flowing rivers and streams mak- survey of Common Birds in Decline, these species
ing protection of Arizona’s flowing rivers essen- are often rare and limited in range; consequently,
Arizona Watchlist Birds in Greatest Jeapordy

tial for the continued existence of this bird in our they face a more imminent threat of extinction.
state. Conservation efforts supported by the En-
Conservation efforts in Arizona as well as nation-
dangered Species Act are helping stabilize and
ally will play a critical role in determining their
increase populations.
future health and survival.
Bell’s Vireo Informed and improved by extensive scien-
Bell’s Vireo requires the thorny thickets of des- tific review, the continental WatchList is based on
ert understory vegetation mixed with willow
a comprehensive analysis of population size and
and mesquite that grow along water courses and
trends, distribution, and environmental threats.
can be found wherever riparian habitat exists in
southern and central Arizona. Threats to Bell’s The 59 species on its “red list” are those of great-
Vireo include drought, water diversions, urban est concern, while the additional 119 merit their
development and heavy grazing that results in spots on the “yellow list” due to a combination of
loss of the understory and riparian obligate tree rarity and seriously declining numbers. Species
species. found on either part of the WatchList need imme-
California Black Rail diate help while there is still time to save them.
California Black Rail is a Federal endangered For the complete WatchList and information
species and the only Arizonan populations can on how to help, visit www.audubon.org. To learn
be found in the marshes of the lower Colorado more about Audubon Arizona’s work protecting
and Gila Rivers near Yuma, Arizona. Some of the these and other species, visit http://az.audubon.
best habitat for this small, elusive marsh bird org. The full WatchList materials are now avail-
can be found at Mittry Lake, an Arizona Game able to the public online at http://stateofthebirds.
and Fish Wildlife Area north of Yuma. audubon.org/watchlist/.
“Yuma” Clapper Rail
A Federal endangered species, the Yuma Clapper Rail is a marsh bird that can be found on the lower
Colorado, Gila and Salt Rivers. A secretive bird, it is best found in the spring when its “clatter” calls can
be clearly heard in the marsh habitats along these rivers. This species nests on the Gila River west of
Phoenix and can sometimes be seen at the Arizona Game and Fish Department Arlington, “B and M”
and Powers Butte Wildlife Areas.
Gilded Flicker
Gilded Flicker is the largest woodpecker that nests in cavities of the saguaro cactus. Found only in the
Sonoran desert, the appearance of this bird on the red list is alarming. Unlike the Gila Woodpecker
and the Red-shafted (Northern) Flicker, the Gilded Flicker seems to have low tolerance for encroach-
ing suburbia. Desert wildfire fueled by exotic grasses further threatens saguaro cactus habitats that are
home for this uniquely Sonoran desert bird. Also on the WatchList, but still in the “yellow’ category, is
another cavity nester that uses saguaro cactus and riparian trees for nest sites, the Elf Owl.
list continues on page 7
 Page 6
NEWS ...
Disposal of Unwanted of Outdated Medications
Discarding your old antibiotics, Tagamet, estro-
gen, anti-inflammatory drugs and others by flushing
them down the toilet is creating a veritable medicine
cabinet on our river bottoms. A recent study of mud
at the bottom of Portland, Oregon creeks by scientists
from the US Geological Survey revealed these and
varying amounts and types of almost every kind of
pill or other medicine on the market. In total USGS
analyzed 139 streams in 30 states and found many
pharmaceuticals among a variety of contaminants.
Although the impact of this problem on humans
is unknown, the effect on aquatic life ranges from
serious to devastating. Examples include ‘gender-
blended’ fish which have been found in Oregon and
transgender trout in Colorado. The feminization of
fish has been linked to estrogen exposure. In Boulder
Creek, CO for example female white suckers out-
number males by more than 5 to 1; moreover 50% of
males have female sex tissue. Low levels of common
anti-depressants cause development problems in fish,
and metamorphosis is delayed in frogs.
Here are the new federal prescription drug dis-
posal guidelines:
• Take unused, unneeded, or expired prescrip-
tion drugs out of their original containers. Mix them
with an undesirable substance, like used coffee grounds
A Short History of the Light Bulb.....
Are you still driving your 1970 Chevy Malibu? Or
for that matter, is there any technology in your house
that you rely on that was designed 50 years ago?
How about 100 years ago? If you answered no, take
a quick look up at your light bulbs. The incandescent
bulb was first invented in 1809 by Humphrey Davy,
but the light we know was perfected by Thomas Edi-
son in 1879. The tungsten filament, the “resistor” in
the electric circuit that makes a light bulb glow, was
added in 1906. That design has remained essentially
unchanged for 100 years. Consider this – the incan-
descent light bulb converts less than 10% of the en-
ergy it uses into light. The other 90% dissipates as
heat. That may be fine on a chilly Flagstaff night, but
it’s not a very efficient use of energy in an increas-
ingly energy conscious culture.
The fluorescent light bulb uses electricity to excite
a mercury vapor in argon or neon gas. Interest in flu-
orescence as a light source stretches back to the mid
1800s, but Edmund Germer is widely recognized as
the inventor of the modern fluorescent light bulb
with his 1927 patent. The fluorescent light bulb has
BLACKHAWK WATCH
or kitty litter, and put them in impermeable, non-
descript containers, such as empty cans or sealable
bags, further ensuring that the drugs are not diverted
or accidentally ingested by children or pets.
• These containers may be thrown in the trash
but even better would be to return unused, unneeded,
or expired prescription drugs to pharmaceutical take-
back locations that allow the public to bring unused
drugs to a central location for safe disposal.
• Flush prescription drugs down the toilet only
if the accompanying patient information specifically
instructs it is safe to do so.
Flagstaff is working on a program to accept old
medications for disposal, but it is not currently oper-
ating. However, the city does have a hazardous waste
disposal program located at the dump site. You may
drop off automotive products (oil, antifreeze, etc),
aerosols, old paints, batteries, electronics such as old
televisions, and flourescent light bulbs. You can even
stop by and pick up discarded paints to take home
for your own projects. The hazardous waste drop off
is open Wednesdays and Fridays from 9am to 3pm,
and Saturday from 8am to 2pm.
More Americans than ever are recycling, reus-
ing, and otherwise giving careful thought to all our
‘throwaways’. Drugs and other medications should
merit our top priority for wise disposal.
- Bryan Cooperrider
continued to evolve – they are no longer the
pale white lights in your fathers shop. With
the introduction of compact fluorescent
light (CFL) bulbs, the light spectrum emitted
is now almost indistinguishable from the incandes-
cent bulbs. AND they use only 25% of the energy an
incandescent bulb uses. Congress recently passed,
and the President has pledged to sign, a new energy
bill. Among other things, like raising the MPG stan-
dards of car fleets, this new bill will all but outlaw
incandescent bulbs. According to the US EnergyStar
website, if every home in the US replaced just one
light bulb with a CFL, that’s the equivalent to taking
800,000 cars off the road. There are environmental
concerns about the mercury in spent CFLs, but pro-
ponents argue that more mercury is emitted from
dirty coal-fired powered plants in the generation of
electricity for incandescents than is found in a spent
CFL. And one other technical hurdle : your dimmer
switch won’t work with CFLs. These are solvable is-
sues. In any case, it’s about time we took a fresh look
at a 100 year old design.
 JAN/FEB 2008 NEWS ... Page 7

snakes, from page 1 bears, from page 1

months. You may find yourself keeping a life than they were 20 years ago. Not having any prior
list of reptiles! experience for comparison and having some 80 Polar
Dennis started picking up reptiles and amphibians Bear sightings in 3 days, they were in no position to chal-
long before attending school. His life long interest in lenge the local belief that the Hudson Bay polar bears are
herpetology has led him to share his knowledge and yet to be seriously threatened by global warming.
enthusiasm about education and conservation of rep- Paula is a former college chemistry teacher and Har-
tiles and amphibians. Since retiring as a fire fighter, he old is a retired astronomer. Following retirement in late
has been volunteering to assist with research projects 1995, they both became interested in birding and took Russ
to learn more about herpetology. He now resides in Balda’s ornithology course at NAU. Their birding has
Sedona, Arizona and travels statewide to present edu- taken them to several interesting parts of the world and
cational programs about snakes to all ages. Dennis is in 2001 they started photographing birds with the goal of
also a birder and member of NAAS. helping with identification. Now they photograph birds
and other wildlife just because they are beautiful and/or
interesting. Images from many of their trips can be
Scaled Quail viewed on our web site: www.IMAGESbyABLES.com
A new addition to the WatchList, the Scaled Quail is
calling a warning that southwestern grasslands are Northern Arizona
disappearing. Scaled Quail disappear when grass- Audubon Society Directory
lands become brushy or broken up by houses and
trees. Other grassland birds on the WatchList in- Officers
clude southeastern Arizona’s Rufous-winged Spar- President: open
row and Montezuma Quail. Also listed are wintering
Arizona Watchlist Birds in Greatest Jeapordy contd....

Vice President: open

Chestnut-collared Longspur, Brewer’s and Baird’s Recording Secretary: Bea Cooley 526.5069
Treasurer: Karin Slavey 282.7371
Sparrows.
Directors at Large
Pinyon Jay Celia Holm 774.6952
This fascinating jay is highly gregarious, typically Anita MacFarlane 282.4063
Dave Smith 527.1229
seen in flocks even during the breeding season. Lisa Spear 282.6679
Dependent upon the seeds from pinyon trees, the
Standing Committee Chairs and Co-Chairs
Pinyon Jay remains a bird of concern as pinyon
pine declines as a result of drought, wood cutting, Programs Committee Phyllis Kegley 214.0415
Field Trips - Below Rim Dena Greenwood 567.3007
wildfire and beetle infestations. Another WatchList Field Trips - Above Rim Jodi Griffith 556.0097
bird, the Gray Vireo, shares similar habitat with the Education - Below Rim Open
Pinyon Jay. Recent survey data shows populations Education - Above Rim Zack Zdindak
Conservation - Below Rim Roger Radd 646.9159
are stable for this small gray bird. Conservation - Above Rim Jim Logan 526.3244
Publicity/Pub. - Below Rim Betsy Feinberg 203.0756
Virginia’s Warbler Publicity/Pub. - Above Rim Phyllis Kegley 214.0415
Virginia’s Warbler is closely tied to pinon-juniper Membership - Below Rim Barbara Hirt 284.3367
and oak woodlands during the breeding season. Membership - Above Rim open
Hospitality - Below Rim Wilma Morrison 282.7776
Habitat alteration to improve livestock grazing and Hospitality - Above Rim Winnie Tanney 779.2163
big game habitat can disturb the Virginia’s Warbler Hospitality - Above Rim Linda Hall 213.0733
nesting and feeding grounds. The bird has a seem- Special Project Team Leaders
ingly adverse reaction to controlled burns. In addi- Web Page Roger Radd 646.9159
tion populations could be declining due to habitat Newsletter Editor Bryan Cooperrider 779.7196
Book Sales - Below Rim Judi Radd 646.9159
changes from global warming and Brown-headed Book Sales - Above Rim Bryan Cooperrider 779.7196
Cowbird nest parasitism. Historical Records Stephen Hall 282.9288
Birdathon open
Spotted Owl VVBNF Kathie Satterfield 522.0375
The “Mexican” subspecies of the Spotted Owl is a bird Volunteer Coordinator Kathie Satterfield 522.0375
of deep forest canyons, and nesting populations can be Tuzigoot IBA Celia Holm 774.6952
Anderson Mesa Elaine Morrall 526.1022
found throughout the mountains of central and east- Lower Oak Creek IBA Roger Radd 646.9159
ern Arizona. Threats facing this species are primarily Rio de Flag IBA Bea Cooley
related to loss of old growth forests and wildfires. Jodi Griffiith
Jim Logan
 Non-profit
BLACKHAWK WATCH U.S. Postage
Northern Arizona Audubon Society PAID
PO Box 1496, Sedona, AZ 86339 Flagstaff, AZ
Permit No. 163

Environmental Day at the Capitol

JOIN US! Please join us on Wednesday, February 6, 2008
NORTHERN ARIZONA AUDUBON SOCIETY for Environmental Day at the Arizona State Capi-
tol, located at 1700 W Washington in Phoenix, in
Please enroll me/our household as a Chap-
the second floor conference room of the Execu-
ter Member of Northern Arizona Audubon
tive Tower. It will be a fun and interesting day. In
Society (NAAS).
the morning, we will serve a light breakfast and
hear from some fantastic speakers including en-
Name:
vironmentally friendly legislators, and get some
Address:
tips on lobbying. There will also be opportunities
City, State, Zip
throughout the day to attend committee hearings
Phone:
and meet with legislators. No experience is needed
Email:
(If you wish to be a part of the NAAS email list) – just enthusiasm and a willingness to speak up for
environmental protection. For more information
Enclosed:
Check here if this is a or to rsvp contact Sandy Bahr at 602.253.8633 or
$12 for 1 year sandy.bahr@sierraclub.org
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.