Northern Arizona Audubon Society upcoming events

Bird Walk | Frances Short Pond (2 May 2026)

Sat, 02 May 2026 15:30:00 GMT

In collaboration with NAU, we’re marking the Choral Department’s performance of The Lost Birds with a bird walk—connecting the music to the birds around us. Enjoy a relaxed morning of birding right in the heart of Flagstaff! This beginner-friendly walk offers great opportunities to see waterfowl and other charismatic birds up close without traveling far.

Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026
Time: 8:30–10:30 AM (approx.)
Meeting Point: Frances Short Pond parking area
Directions: Located between Thorpe Park and Flagstaff High School. Access parking by turning onto N Aztec St from W Cherry Ave.

What to Bring: Binoculars, water, hat, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, and warm layers

About the Location: This small urban pond provides excellent close-up views of birds such as Northern Shovelers, Mallards, Ring-necked Ducks, Northern Flickers, Red-winged Blackbirds, and Great-tailed Grackles. Other species like Redheads and Common Mergansers may also be present. Flat, easy walking trails with bathrooms available nearby.

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This bird walk is hosted by the Northern Arizona Audubon Society, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting birds and the habitats they rely on across Northern Arizona. Everyone is welcome! If you enjoy our events, please consider supporting our work by becoming a member, making a donation, or signing up for our newsletter.

Bird Walk | Mingus Mountains (4 May 2026)

Mon, 04 May 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Experience the height of spring migration in the Mingus Mountains, where colorful warblers and forest birds are active and abundant. Don’t miss this chance to catch a dazzling variety of species during one of the best birding windows of the year! Expect Hermit and Townsend’s Warblers, along with Painted Redstart, Grace’s, Red-faced, Olive, Virginia’s, and Black-throated Gray Warblers. Other species may include Western Flycatcher, Western Wood-Pewee, Mountain Chickadee, and Pygmy Nuthatch, with possible surprises like Band-tailed Pigeon or Zone-tailed Hawk.

Date: Monday, May 4

Time: 7:00–11:00 AM

Meeting Point: Tractor Supply in Cottonwood at 7:00 AM - we will carpool to birding locations on Mingus Mountain.

What to Bring: Water, snacks, binoculars, camera, scope, sturdy shoes, and weather-appropriate clothing

About the Location: Mingus Mountain offers excellent high-elevation habitat during peak migration.

Questions: Janie Ward-Langley – footballmom27@gmail.com

Register so we can notify you directly of any updates, including cancellations, delays, or weather-related changes. Not mandatory to attend. Plus get reminders

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Bird Walk | Windmill Park (6 May 2026)

Wed, 06 May 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Join us for a relaxed morning exploring Oak Creek and surrounding fields, where vibrant desert and riparian birds are easy to spot. It’s a great outing for seeing iconic Verde Valley species up close!

Date: Wednesday, May 6
Time: 7:30–10:00 AM
Meeting Point: Windmill Park in Cornville at 7:30 AM
Directions: Meet directly at Windmill Park in Cornville.
What to Bring: Water, snacks, binoculars, camera, scope, sturdy shoes, and weather-appropriate clothing
About the Location: This mix of creekside and agricultural habitat attracts a variety of birds. Expect Cliff Swallows, Vermilion Flycatcher, Abert’s Towhee, Common Black Hawk, and more.
Questions: Janie Ward-Langley – footballmom27@gmail.com

Register so we can notify you directly of any updates, including cancellations, delays, or weather-related changes. Not mandatory to attend. Plus get reminders

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Bird Walk | Cave Springs Campground (6 May 2026)

Wed, 06 May 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Join us for a beautiful morning of birding in Oak Creek Canyon, where towering canyon walls, flowing water, and lush vegetation create one of the most diverse bird habitats in Northern Arizona. May is an excellent time to visit, with spring migrants and breeding birds filling the canyon with color and song—making this a rewarding outing for birders of all experience levels.

Date: Wednesday May 6
Time: 7:30-10am

Meeting Point: Parking lot immediately to the right of the entrance road.
Directions: From Sedona, drive north on Highway 89A into Oak Creek Canyon. Turn into Cave Springs Campground (look for signage)

What to Bring: Water, snacks, binoculars, camera, sturdy shoes, and weather-appropriate clothing

About the Location: Cave Springs Campground sits along Oak Creek in a shaded canyon setting with a mix of riparian habitat and canyon forest. This combination attracts a wide variety of species, especially during spring migration. Expect birds such as warblers, tanagers, vireos, and flycatchers, along with year-round canyon residents. We will walk approximately 1.5 miles on relatively easy trails.

Questions: Kay Hawklee kay@birdnaas.org

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Bird Walk | Meteor Crater RV Park and other I-40 migrant traps, Flagstaff (9 May 2026)

Sat, 09 May 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Meteor Crater RV Park is one of Northern Arizona’s top “migrant traps,” where birds stop to rest at the only trees for miles on their journey north. This area has produced rare and unexpected species for decades, making it a must-visit spot for adventurous birders.

Date: Saturday, May 9, 2026

Time: 7:30–11:30 AM

Meeting Point: North side of Harkins theater parking lot. We will combine cars and caravan from there to Meteor Crater

Directions: 4751 E Marketplace Dr; Flagstaff, AZ 86004

What to Bring: Binoculars, cameras, scope, water, hat, comfortable walking shoes, and sun block. Appropriate clothing layers for comfort. Walking poles if you need them. Most of our walking will be flat; except for a few places around PJ Oasis.

About the Location: The best migrant bird trap in our area where we have chances to see anything! There’s been an Eastern Kingbird, Varied Thrush, Cassin’s Sparrow and man other vagrants. The only trees for miles around are watered by the RV park. The owners of the RV park ask that any birder check in at the office and ask for permission to go birding. We are very respectful of that rule and usually purchase something at the store out of respect. There are bathrooms available inside the store. Who knows what birds that come up from Central and South American may be there waiting your arrival?

Effort: We will drive a lot and walk approximately one mile. It may get hot. If you are shaky off trail, consider hiking poles for the PJ Oasis portion.

Facilities: Thankfully provided at the RV park.

Questions: Kay Hawklee; kay@birdnaas.org

Register so we can notify you directly of any updates, including cancellations, delays, or weather-related changes. Not mandatory to attend. Plus get reminders

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Bird Walk | Sedona Wetlands 1 Hour (10 May 2026)

Sun, 10 May 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Explore the Sedona Wetlands looking for ducks and spring arrival and migrant shorebirds and more. For all skill levels, but is a great trip for beginners as we will look through a good scope.

Date: Sunday May 10, 2026

Time: 8:00–9:15 AM

Meeting Point: Sedona Wetlands parking lot

What to Bring: Binoculars, camera, water, sun protection

About the Location: The Sedona Wetlands is an excellent spot for ducks, spring arrivals, and migrating shorebirds. This trip is especially beginner-friendly, with opportunities to view birds through a scope.

Questions: Kay Hawklee, kay@birdnaas.org

Register so we can notify you directly of any updates, including cancellations, delays, or weather-related changes. Not mandatory to attend. Plus get reminders

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Bird Walk | Bubbling Ponds Preserve, Page Springs (11 May 2026)

Mon, 11 May 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Explore Bubbling Ponds as spring migration begins. The ponds and surrounding riparian habitat provide excellent opportunities to see a variety of species.Look for Western Tanagers, Yellow Warblers, and Yellow-breasted Chats among other early migrants. Bubbling Ponds Preserve is one of the Verde Valley’s most productive birding areas, featuring ponds and lush riparian vegetation. May is one of the best times of the year to bird here. Since migration is early this year, we may have the bright Western Tanagers, Yellow Warblers, even a Yellow-breasted Chat may already be here. The birds that come up from Central and South America are here.

Date: Monday, May 11, 2026

Time: 7:30–10:30 AM

Meeting Point: Dirt parking lot at Bubbling Ponds Preserve

What to Bring: Binoculars, water, hat, comfortable walking shoes, sun block

About the Location: Flat trails through lush riparian habitat. Porta-potty onsite.

Questions: Kay Hawklee, kay@birdnaas.org

Register so we can notify you directly of any updates, including cancellations, delays, or weather-related changes. Not mandatory to attend. Plus get reminders

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Bird Walk | Bignotti Picnic Site (13 May 2026)

Wed, 13 May 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Enjoy a scenic walk along the Verde River while searching for migrating songbirds in a mix of riparian and desert habitats. This is a great opportunity to discover hidden gems along the river corridor.

Date: Wednesday, May 13
Time: 7:30–10:00 AM
Meeting Point: Bignotti Picnic Site parking area
Directions: Drive east on 260. At the roundabout, turn toward Thousand Trails. Take the first left onto unpaved FS 174A and continue 1.4 miles to parking.
What to Bring: Water, snacks, binoculars, camera, scope, sturdy shoes, and weather-appropriate clothing
About the Location: This area combines sandy riverbanks with riparian vegetation and desert habitat. Expect migratory birds including warblers and vireos. A picnic table and pit toilet are available.
Questions: Kristen Rothrock – text 928-634-3633

Register so we can notify you directly of any updates, including cancellations, delays, or weather-related changes. Not mandatory to attend. Plus get reminders

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Bird Walk | Little Elden Springs (16 May 2026)

Sat, 16 May 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Join us for a morning of birding near Little Elden Spring as migration begins to bring colorful warblers and hummingbirds back to northern Arizona. This scenic area at the base of Mount Elden can host a variety of species, and we’ll also scan the cliffs and slopes for raptors such as Peregrine Falcon. With a bit of luck we may encounter specialty birds like Painted Redstart, Red-faced Warbler, or even Northern Pygmy-Owl.

Date: Saturday May 16, 2026

Time: 7:00am

Meeting Point: Silver Saddle Center Gas station on 89A and Silver Saddle Road.

What to Bring: Binoculars, water, snacks, sturdy boots, and clothing appropriate for the weather. Parts of the trail can be rocky.

About the Location: Elden Spring sits along the slopes of Mount Elden and offers a mix of woodland and canyon habitat. In spring it can attract migrating warblers, hummingbirds, and raptors moving through the area.

Questions: Contact Tom Linda – 928-864-9047 | roughlegged@gmail.com

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Bird Walk | Kachina Wetlands (17 May 2026)

Sun, 17 May 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Enjoy a peaceful morning at Kachina Wetlands, one of Flagstaff’s hidden birding gems, where open water, marsh, and forest edge habitats attract a wide variety of species. May is an especially exciting time to visit as spring migration brings in colorful songbirds and a diversity of waterfowl—making this a perfect outing for both new and experienced birders alike.

Date: Sunday, May 17, 2026

Time: 8:00 – 10:30 AM

Meeting Point: Meet at the parking area for Kachina Wetlands, located at the end of Tovar Trail in Kachina Village. From Flagstaff, drive south on I-17 to the Kachina Village exit, then turn right onto Tovar Trail and follow it to the end. The parking area will be on your right.

What to bring: Binoculars, warm clothes, a hat, sunscreen, water.

About the location: Plan on walking about two miles on a flat, dirt road. A porta potty is available at the entrance to the wetlands.

Questions: Grant Pegram 520-423-7697

Register so we can notify you directly of any updates, including cancellations, delays, or weather-related changes. Not mandatory to attend. Plus get reminders

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Program Meeting | Avian Malaria and Collapse of the Hawaiian Avifauna (20 May 2026)

Thu, 21 May 2026 00:45:00 GMT

Avian malaria has rapidly expanded across Hawaiian rainforests, contributing to severe population declines and imminent extinctions of native forest birds, particularly the iconic Hawaiian Honeycreepers. This talk will explore some recent research on the ecological drivers of disease spread and implications for conservation and management of the remaining avifauna of Hawaiʻi.

Date: Wednesday, May 20, 2026

Time: 5:45 PM

Location: East Flagstaff Community Library, Suite 5, 3000 N Fourth St, Flagstaff, AZ 86004

Speakers: Jeff Foster, Professor of Biology at Northern Arizona University.

About Jeff: Jeff Foster is a Professor of Biology at Northern Arizona University. After college, he spent 5 years as a field biologist across the West and Pacific. He received his PhD from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign where he studied the ecology of introduced bird species in Hawaii. He then did a postdoc at the Smithsonian researching the evolution of disease resistance to avian malaria in Hawaiian honeycreepers. As a faculty member, he has continued with disease ecology, pathogen evolution, diet analyses and more in birds and several other taxa including bats, other wildlife, and livestock.

Bird Walk | Schultz Tank (23 May 2026)

Sat, 23 May 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Join us in the cool pines of Fort Valley for a refreshing morning of birding at Schultz Tank, where forest and water come together to attract a great variety of species. This is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy Flagstaff’s mountain birds in a scenic and peaceful setting!

Date: Saturday May 23, 2026

Time: 7:00am

Meeting Point: Silver Saddle Center Gas station on 89A and Silver Saddle Road.

About the Location: Schultz Tank is a small pond surrounded by ponderosa pine forest, making it a magnet for both resident and migrating birds. Expect species such as Mountain Chickadee, Pygmy Nuthatch, Western Bluebird, and Steller’s Jay, with chances for Red-naped Sapsucker, Hairy Woodpecker, and a variety of warblers moving through. The mix of forest and water provides excellent viewing opportunities in a relatively easy walking area.

Questions: Contact Tom Linda – 928-864-9047 | roughlegged@gmail.com

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Bird Walk | DA Ranch Estates Winery LIMITED PLACES (23 May 2026)

Sat, 23 May 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Limited to 10 participants—text to reserve your spot.

Enjoy a unique birding experience on private land featuring ponds, vineyards, and Oak Creek. With limited spots available, this intimate walk offers a special chance to explore a beautiful and bird-rich property. We will walk the grounds which include a pond, pastures, vineyards, and Oak Creek with owners Lexie and Trey Petznick.

Date: Saturday, May 23
Time: 7:30–10:00 AM
Meeting Point: DA Ranch Estates Winery parking lot (just past the tasting room)
Directions: From 89A, turn onto Page Springs Road, then left on Dancing Apache Road. Meet at the ranch parking lot just past the tasting room on the left.
What to Bring: Sturdy shoes, hat, sunscreen, water, snacks, binoculars, camera
About the Location: This 165-acre property includes diverse habitats such as a pond, pastures, vineyards, and Oak Creek. Expect a variety of riparian birds. Restrooms are available.

Limited to 10 participants—text to reserve your spot. Kristen will text back ‘confirmed’ or spaces are ‘full’
Questions: Kristen Rothrock – text 928-634-3633

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