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February 2019

Drought Contingency Plan Passed in Arizona

Arizona’s commitment to the Drought Contingency Plan is signed, sealed, and delivered! The votes were unanimous in the House, and nearly so in the Senate. The bills were signed on the evening of January 31 by Governor Ducey in the historic Senate chamber, where the Groundwater Management Act was signed nearly 40 years ago.

This is a huge victory for people and birds. Future generations of Arizonans—all of whom depend on our ability to be forward-thinking about our water—will benefit from this plan to improve the reliability of the Colorado River’s water supply.

Read more about the historic agreement, and help us thank some of the key leaders who made this possible.

A Tufted Titmouse and Carolina Chickadee perch on a Lego model designed to say "GBBC."

Tufted Titmouse and Carolina Chickadee. Photo: Gary Mueller/Great Backyard Bird Count

Great Backyard Bird Count

The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is a great community scientist project to participate in with your family and friends. Launched as the first online community science project to collect data on wild birds and to display results in near real-time, the count relies on every level of birder to contribute– from experts to complete beginners.

We invite you to participate in the GBBC between February 15 and 18! For at least 15 minutes on one or more days of the count, simply tally the numbers and kinds of birds you see, and submit your list to eBird. You can count from any location, with whoever you like, for as long as you wish!

Learn more and get involved.

Audubon Arizona in the News

Stakeholders Reflect on Deadline Passage of Arizona Drought Plan, Arizona Public Media
Audubon Arizona’s executive director Sonia Perillo weighs in alongside legislators on the DCP’s success.
La Abundancia y la Diversidad de las Aves Aumentan en el Delta del Río Colorado después del Flujo Pulso
El Acuerdo sobre el Río Colorado es positivo para las aves, el ambiente, y el río. (English version here.)
Western Rivers Action Network – Getting Ready for the Year Ahead
How to prepare for a year of action in protecting Arizona’s rivers.
Yuma Important Bird Area Dedication, Yuma Sun
Six areas near and in Yuma were declared IBAs during the Yuma Bird, Nature, and History Festival.
Western Water Highlights and Wins in 2018
Audubon’s major accomplishments in water conservation and advocacy across all western states.

Audubon's teacher/naturalist points to a bird off-screen while children look with binoculars and smile.

Photo: Morgan Moore/Audubon

Educators, the Spring Semester is Here...

...and it’s time to book your field trips!

Our diverse STEM-oriented programs cover lessons in biology, problem-solving, GIS technology, habitat monitoring, and much more.

River Pathways Field Trips and Internships
Grades 9–12 | free | land management concepts, applied STEM, internship opportunities

In-Classroom Presentations
Grades K–8 (varies) | free | Downtown Owls or Urban Hummingbird

Nature in Your Neighborhood Field Trips
Grades K–8 | $5 per student, $3 per chaperone | guided nature walk, mammal and plant lessons
(Please inquire about Title I discounts and other available scholarships.)

An Anna's Hummingbird drinks nectar from a red flower.

Anna's Hummingbird. Photo: Stephen Benzon/Audubon Photography Awards

Plants for Birds

Planting season is here! Audubon Arizona launches its native plants for birds sale on Wednesday, February 13. Growing bird-friendly plants will attract and protect the birds you love while making your space beautiful, easy to care for, and better for the environment. Make sure to stop by our center and grab one or two while supplies last, and check Audubon's Native Plant Database to find other plants for birds for your area.

Audubon Arizona Events

Through Feb. 15: Climate Watch

Saturdays at 9 a.m.: Morning Bird Walk

Feb. 8: Garden Club Workday

Feb. 9: Potluck & Presentation – Arizona Bloodsuckers, Elgin

Feb. 9: Arizona Animal Encounters

Feb. 13: Start of Native Plants for Birds Sale

Feb. 16: Conservation Workday – Salt River Restoration, Mesa | Post-Workday Celebration at O.H.S.O., Gilbert

Feb. 15–18: Great Backyard Bird Count

Feb. 21: Birds n’ Beer: River of Raptors – Millions Migrating to Veracruz

View upcoming events flyer.

Volunteer Events

March 9: Volunteer Orientation

Contact our volunteer coordinator Cindi to RSVP for the orientation or ask questions.

View our list of chapters to find an event at your local center.

Portraits of our six new fellows and interns, all looking happy.

New Faces at Audubon

Audubon Arizona has new Mackenzie fellows and interns this spring. Candaice Robetoy, Katey Linch, and Maria Rue assist in K–8^th grade education programs. Mason Wiggins and Xulia Suero are this semester’s Mackenzie fellows, and work alongside Dangermond fellow Elija Flores on our Yuma Ridgway’s Rail project, as well as assist in 9–12^th grade education programs. Kevin Lane is our ASU Decision Center for a Desert City intern, and works with our policy manager on water issues. Audubon’s internships and fellowships provide additional opportunities while increasing our capacity to deliver programs.

Visit our staff page for more information.

Clockwise, from top left: Candaice Robetoy, Katey Linch, Maria Rue, Kevin Lane, Xulia Suero, Mason Wiggins.

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View January’s Newsletter
Audubon Arizona newsletter editor: Morgan Moore

Audubon Arizona
3131 S. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85040 USA
(602) 468-6470 az.audubon.org

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