Northern Arizona Audubon Society

09/28/2026

I was joined by 6 folks at Lower Tapco on September 10th and we spent the first 2 hours exploring the riparian habitat : plants and animals ( including tracks) along with the birds who share this environment. We found evidence of raccoon, coyote, Woodhouse toad, possible river otter and talked about this rare Willow/Cottonwood environment and how that attracts the species of birds we encountered. Our final count of 18 species of birds included a very vocal and interactive pair of Blue Grosbeak, a pair of Summer Tanagers, Abert’s Towhee, Wilson’s Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Bewick's and Canyon Wren, Song Sparrow, Black Phoebe, Common Black Hawk, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Northern Red-shafted Flicker, Lesser Goldfinch, Black Phoebe, Bridled Titmouse and others. The last 45 minutes we sat quietly and used all of our senses to soak up the day. Some wrote or drew in their journals, some just relaxed, and then we shared our writings, drawings and poetry. Everyone agreed that it was a fulfilling and relaxing morning . The group seemed pleased with the variety of experiences. And it was not too hot under those large trees. -- Trish Jahnke
[photo just for fun to get you visualizing raccoons on this trip!]

09/26/2026

5 people (including a couple from Florida) joined me at the Sedona Wetlands on September 17th. Waterfowl numbers were still low on the big pond, but we did observe 19 Ruddy Ducks, 6 Ring-necked Ducks, 4 Common Mergansers, and an American Wigeon. Other highlights included a Great Egret, an Eared Grebe, and an American White Pelican. Finally, several Western Tanagers & Phainopeplas were active all around the site. We ended up with 26 species in all.-- Mark Philippart.
Photos by Kelly Isley

09/25/2026

I was joined by 3 attentive birders for the Tuzi RAP September 16th field trip under threat of rain. We saw or heard some 20 species. Some of the highlights were a Spotted Sandpiper teetering along the shore, a Mallard pair, one balancing and preening on a rock so we could study the detail in their feathers, and a Summer Tanager likely brushing off the stinger from a bee before consuming it. There were countless seed heads on grasses and low shrubbery almost ready to explode. On the bank of the river, a Gooding willow and a Fremont cottonwood’s roots were entwined. Only when we looked up did we notice the differences in their leaf shapes. We sat on a log for a snack, to share stories, and to ask questions. --Kristen Rothrock

09/24/2026

Six people joined me on September 21st to bird along Woods Canyon Trail. Before we set off, there was a flock of around 15 crows beside the ranger station. The weather was pleasantly cool as we started our walk up the canyon. We had nice views of a Canyon Towhee, a Gray Flycatcher, a distant American Kestrel, a few Juniper Titmouse, and a lot of Scrub Jays. At about 2 miles in, we ran into a pair of Crissal Thrashers. On the way back we observed Phainopepla, Say's Phoebes, and Chipping & Brewer's Sparrows. We ended up with a total of 26 bird species, but the highlight of the trip was a very accommodating Black-tailed Jackrabbit. -- Mark Phillippart
photos by Kelly Isley

09/15/2026

REMINDER! Bird Walk | Tuzi RAP Cottonwood
Join us for a morning walk along the Verde River where resident summer birds can be seen among large cottonwoods and riparian shrubs.
Date: Wednesday, September 16
Time: 7:30–10:00 AM
Meeting Point: Tuzi RAP River Access Point Parking at 7:30 AM. There is a $10 fee or use a Az State Park pass.
Directions: Follow Broadway Street out of Old Town Cottonwood. Turn right on Tuzigoot Road. Turn right at Tuzi RAP to park. There is a portable toilet available.
What to Bring: a small sketchbook and pencil, snacks, binoculars, camera, scope, sturdy shoes, and weather-appropriate clothing.
About the Location: A diversion dam is located on this part of the river. We hope to see Ladder-backed and Gila Woodpeckers, Abert’s Towhee, Bewick’s Wren, Yellow Warbler, a tanager, hummingbird or hawk.
Questions: Kristen Rothrock [email protected]


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09/09/2026

REMINDER! Bird Walk Lower Tapco Verde River
Date: Thursday Sept. 10. Time: 8 am - 11 am
Join us as we wander along the Verde River enjoying late summer birds, riparian wildlife and time out from the hustle of the day. We will take our time and use all of our senses to really come to know a bit more about who and what inhabits this green stretch of river.
Meeting point: Lower Tapco River Access Point
Directions: Travel on Broadway St. out of Old Town Cottonwood, turn right on Tuzigoot Rd, then left on Sycamore Canyon Rd. In 2 miles turn left into Lower Tapco River Access parking area. Park by Porta potties.
What to Bring: Water, snack, binoculars, weather appropriate clothes, folding chair, art supplies, journal, a favorite nature poem to share.
About the location: This area is shaded by a Cottonwood and Willow overstory. Hope to see Black Phoebe, Song Sparrow, Yellow Warbler, Blue Grosbeak, Verdin, Gila and Ladderback Woodpeckers and some possible migrants.
We will also notice and enjoy the plant and animal residents found here. ($5 fee per car to park)
Questions: Trish Jahnke- [email protected]
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09/05/2026

Vultures may not be glamorous. They don't have colorful feathers or elaborate songs. But they're essential to healthy ecosystems.

By quickly consuming carrion, vultures help clean up the landscape and limit the spread of disease.

Healthy ecosystems need vultures.

Today, September 5, we're celebrating these often-overlooked birds—and the people working to protect them.

🖤 Happy International Vulture Awareness Day!

If you'd like to help support bird conservation here in Northern Arizona, consider becoming a member of Northern Arizona Audubon.

Raptor & Falconry Center

09/05/2026

Audubon Magazine 2026 Photography awards. Be amazed. . . .

We invite you to enjoy the winners of Audubon’s annual photo awards—featuring stunning moments with birds across the hemisphere.

09/04/2026

Bird Walk Report | Bubbling Ponds September 1

I was joined by 8 folks on September 1st at the Bubbling Ponds for the first birding field trip of the season. We had a good variety of bird species including Belted Kingfisher and 3 species of Woodpeckers (Ladderback, Northern Flicker, and Gila). The Black-crowned Night Heron was a beaut to see at close range. Bridled Titmouse and Bell's Vireo were still singing. We had a nice look at a Nashville Warbler and both male and female Blue Grosbeaks. The highlight of the trip was the Yellow-billed Cuckoo near the creek. I hope to see you next time on the Birding Trail.

✍ Janie Ward-Langley, NAAS guide

📷 Liz Brauer

09/03/2026

Meet the California Condor

The largest flying bird in North America—and one of the Southwest's most remarkable conservation stories.

California Condors once disappeared from the wild, but decades of conservation work have helped bring them back to the skies of Arizona and beyond.

That's one reason the California Condor is one of our NAAS membership birds.

Our membership birds aren't just birds we love. Each represents something we want to see continue into the future.

The Condor represents long-term conservation: what can happen when people commit to protecting a species for generations.

We're proud to include this incredible bird in our membership program—and proud to support the work that helps keep condors flying.