Arizona Bird Call

An update on the status of the imperiled Pinyon Jay of Arizona's highland pinyon pine woodlands from Charles Babbitt, Conservation Chair of the Maricopa Audubon Society. A report on detections of bird. species by the Haikubox installed at the Paton Center for Hummingbirds. A report on a sighting of an Iceland Gull in Tucson. Bird of the episode: Long-billed Dowitcher. Birding

Renowned ornithologist and Audubon field guide editor Kenn Kaufman explains why tyrant flycatchers are so difficult to identify here in the Southwest. It's not about looks; it's about vocalization, he says. A report on the world-famous 'Thrasher Spot' at Beeline and Salome Highway west of Phoenix. The site has been leveled to make way for a massive solar farm. B

A report on effects of groundwater depletion on riparian birds. Ongoing residential and industrial development across Arizona is significantly reducing surface water in key riparian zones, disrupting natural ecological patterns on which birds and other wildlife depend. A report on a productive birding field trip to the Mogollon Rim lakes region in August, 2024 by members of the Mar

A report on new research that describes how the Nightingale, an Old World flycatcher that got a mention in Homer's Iliad, William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet and countless other poetic and dramatic works over many centuries on its way to literary stardom, has a new claim to fame. It develops a capacity for mimicking the territorial songs of competing males in perfect p

A report on research indicating Southwestern Flycatchers are adapting to climate change genetically by interbreeding with individuals from diverse population clusters in the Northwest and interior western US. A profile of the colorful Northern Shoveler, often spotted in Arizona during winter months. Introduction to Tucson Audubon's Mason Center. Bird of the episode: Lesser Gol

A report on the Arizona Field Ornithologist's field expedition to Lake Havasu on the Colorado River January 27, 2024. A 'save the date' for another field expedition, this to Springerville AZ in search of breeding Mountain Plovers. White Mountain Audubon board member Rob Betasso report on a successful winter birding trip in search of Rosy Finches on Sandia Mountain ne

A report on a novel approach to increasing the stock of seeds from plants preferred by the threatened Montezuma Quail. Quail hunters are donating sublingual pouches of harvested birds from which undigested seeds are collected and stored, then planted in quail-friendly natural areas. A report on sightings of Spotted Towhee in Maine - in winter - the first ever. Bird of the week: LeC

A report on efforts by the Cocopah Indian community to restore portions of the lower Colorado River riparian zone including critical delta bird habitat. These efforts are being supported by recently awarded federal grants and corporate philanthropy. Bird of the week: Least Sandpiper. Birding hotspot: Thunderbird Conservation Park and Arrowhead Lakes in Maricopa County. Friend of Wi

A report on a recently awarded multimillion dollar grant from the U.S. Highway Administration to Arizona Game and Fish Department and Arizona Department of Transportation for construction of wildlife overpasses/underpasses along Arizona portions of Interstates 17 and 40. These structures are designed to allow large mammals and other wildlife to safely cross thoroughfares during sea

An introduction to winter waterfowl birding across North America. Millions of waterfowl overwinter in Arizona, can be observed along riparian corridors and on lakes and reservoirs statewide. An update on actions taken by several Audubon Society chapters in the Midwest that are stepping away from the Audubon name and forming a new organization. Bird of the episode: Long-billed Curle