Northern Arizona Audubon Society upcoming events

Bird Walk | Wilson Meadow (12 Sep 2026)

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Enjoy a September morning exploring Wilson Meadow as birds begin their fall movements through northern Arizona. Look for Mountain Chickadees, warblers, sparrows, and other birds using the meadow and surrounding forest.

Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Time: 7am until approximately 11am
Location: Wilson Meadow, Flagstaff AZ

Meeting Point: Basha's supermarket parking lot on Beaver St (just south of the hospital).

What to Bring: Binoculars, sturdy shoes, hat, water, snacks, and weather-appropriate clothing.

About the Location: Wilson Meadow is a high-elevation meadow surrounded by forest habitat, offering a mix of open and wooded areas for birding. September can be an especially interesting time to visit as resident birds are joined by species moving through the area during fall migration.

Leader & Contact Information: Tom Linda email roughlegged@gmail.com 928-864-9047

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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 | Tuzigoot River Access Point (16 Sep 2026)

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Explore the Verde River at Tuzigoot River Access Point during fall migration, when resident birds and migrating species come together along the river. Keep an eye out for Abert’s Towhee, Ladder-backed and Gila Woodpeckers, Yellow Warblers, Bewick’s Wrens, hummingbirds, tanagers, and hawks.

Date: Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Time: 7:30–10:00 AM
Location: Tuzigoot River Access Point

Meeting Point: Tuzi RAP River Access Point parking area at 7:30 AM.

Directions: Follow Broadway Street out of Old Town Cottonwood. Turn right onto Tuzigoot Road, then turn right at Tuzi RAP to park. There is a $10 fee or use an Arizona State Parks pass. A portable toilet is 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, creating habitat that attracts a variety of resident and migrating birds. We hope to see Ladder-backed and Gila Woodpeckers, Abert’s Towhee, Bewick’s Wren, Yellow Warbler, a tanager, hummingbird, or hawk.

Leader & Contact Information: Kristen Rothrock
Questions: bkrothrock@gmail.com

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Bird Walk | Sedona Wetlands (17 Sep 2026)

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Join us for a visit to Sedona Wetlands during fall migration, when the preserve can be especially active with birds. We’ll look for waterfowl, shorebirds, and other migrants while enjoying a relaxed walk through the riparian habitat.

Date: Thursday, September 17, 2026
Time: 9:00–10:30 AM
Location: Sedona Wetlands

Meeting Point: Sedona Wetlands parking lot.

Directions: The turnoff for Sedona Wetlands is approximately 4 miles west of Sedona High School along Highway 89A.

What to Bring: Water, snacks, binoculars, camera, scope if you have one, sturdy shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, hat, sunscreen, and anything else you need for a comfortable morning outdoors.

About the Location: We will walk a 0.5-mile loop through riparian habitat, with a longer stop at the Big Pond overlook pavilion. The trail is completely flat and well maintained, making this an easy and accessible birding outing.

Leader & Contact Information: Mark Philippart
(928) 300-9713
markotus@yahoo.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 | Ashurst Lake (19 Sep 2026)

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Return to Ashurst Lake in late September to look for birds taking advantage of the lake and surrounding habitat during fall migration. Shorebirds, lingering waterfowl, Grace’s and Townsend’s Warblers, and Cassin’s and Plumbeous Vireos are all possibilities.

Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Time: 8am until approximately 12pm
Location: Ashurst Lake

Meeting Point: Meet at Basha's supermarket parking lot on Woodland's: 2700 S Woodlands Village Blvd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001. Meet at the side parking area on the street side of the building.

What to Bring: Binoculars, scope if you have one, sturdy shoes, water, snacks, sun protection, and weather-appropriate clothing.

About the Location: Ashurst Lake provides a mix of open water, shoreline, shrubs, and grassland that can attract migrating birds. We will drive to the far end of the lake and look for shorebirds, lingering waterfowl, and migrating warblers. There is no shade, and participants should be prepared to walk through shrubs and grasses. There are no official restroom facilities.

Leader & Contact Information: Tom Linda roughlegged@gmail.com, 928-864-9047

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Bird Walk | Woods Canyon Trail (21 Sep 2026)

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Join us for a leisurely three-mile walk through riparian and pinyon-juniper habitat during fall migration. We’ll look for year-round residents such as Black-throated Sparrows and Canyon Towhees, along with migrating warblers and sparrows.

Date: Monday, September 21, 2026
Time: 7:00–9:30 AM
Location: Woods Canyon Trail

Meeting Point: Red Rock Ranger Station lower parking lot.

Directions: The ranger station is approximately 1.2 miles south of the Village of Oak Creek along Highway 179.

What to Bring: Water, snacks, binoculars, camera, sturdy shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, hat, sunscreen, and anything else you need for a comfortable morning outdoors.

About the Location: The trail is approximately three miles and fairly flat and well maintained. It begins in a small riparian area before continuing through mostly pinyon-juniper habitat. Year-round residents include Black-throated Sparrows, Canyon Towhees, Crissal Thrashers, Rock Wrens, and others. During fall migration, we hope to find a mix of warbler and sparrow species.

Leader & Contact Information: Mark Philippart
(928) 300-9713
markotus@yahoo.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 | Garland Prairie & Scholz Lake (22 Sep 2026)

Tue, 22 Sep 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Explore the open habitats and water of Garland Prairie and Scholz Lake as fall migration gets underway. This area can offer a mix of grassland, woodland, and wetland birds, so you never quite know what might turn up.

Date: Tuesday, September 22, 2026
Time: 7:30 AM
Location: Garland Prairie & Scholz Lake

Meeting Point: Meet at Parks store: 12963 Old Rte 66 Ste 50340, Parks, AZ 86018

What to Bring: Binoculars, water, snacks, sturdy shoes, and weather-appropriate clothing.

About the Location: Garland Prairie and nearby Scholz Lake offer a combination of open prairie, forest, and wetland habitat that can attract a variety of birds. The area provides opportunities to look for both resident species and birds moving through northern Arizona during fall migration.

Leader & Contact Information: Debbie McMahon, contactus@birdnaas.org

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Bird Walk | Sedona Wetlands Preserve (23 Sep 2026)

Wed, 23 Sep 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Join us for a relaxed morning primarily exploring the Big Pond on the viewing platform. After we’ve identified all the waterfowl and migrants, we can spend some time looking for other songbirds throughout the preserve. With a species list over 250, the preserve is THE place for seeing migrants before they head to Central and South America.

Date: Wednesday, September 23
Time: 7:30–930 AM

Meeting Point: Sedona Wetlands Preserve at 7:30 AM
Directions: 7500 AZ-89A. 4.6 miles south of Red Rock High School in Sedona, and app. 10 miles north of Cottonwood on west side of 89A.

What to Bring: Water, snacks, binoculars, and weather-appropriate clothing. I will bring a spotting scope for the group; feel free to bring your own.

About the Location: A wastewater treatment plant with marshlands and a large pond with waterfowl and (hopefully) migrants

Questions: Tim Weber – BirdingNorthernArizona@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 | Elden Spring (28 Sep 2026)

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Explore the slopes and spring habitat around Elden Spring during the transition into fall. The combination of water, vegetation, and surrounding forest can attract a variety of resident and migrating birds.

Date: Monday, September 28, 2026
Time: 8am
Location: Elden Spring

Directions: From Flagstaff, take Matterhorn Drive and turn onto Lugano Way. Follow the road to the cul-de-sac where we will meet.

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

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 (30 Sep 2026)

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Join us for a relaxed morning exploring the ponds, Oak Creek, and surrounding fields, where riparian birds are easy to spot. September migration can add even more variety to this already productive Verde Valley birding location.

Date: Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Time: 7:30–10:00 AM
Location: Bubbling Ponds

Meeting Point: Bubbling Ponds parking lot at 7:30 AM.

Directions: Bubbling Ponds is located approximately 2.3 miles down Page Springs Road from Highway 89A.

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

About the Location: This mix of ponds, creekside, and agricultural habitat attracts a variety of birds throughout the year. Expect Abert’s Towhee, Common Black Hawk, Osprey, Black Phoebe, Wood Ducks, possible shorebirds, and more.

Leader & Contact Information: Janie Ward-Langley
Questions: 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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Program Meeting | An Unlikely Ornithologist—a Change of Career at 40 (30 Sep 2026)

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 01:00:00 GMT

What happens when you decide to change careers at 40—and that new career takes you around the world working with birds? Join Donna O’Daniel as she shares the fascinating story of her journey into ornithology, from returning to graduate school to working with birds in some of the world’s most remote places. Donna will share stories from her career, illustrated with large maps of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and a poster of Johnston Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, along with selected passages from her memoir, Reflections of a Redeemed Rebel: The Bird Lady’s Memoir. Discover how a career with birds can be exciting, rewarding, and sometimes surprisingly dangerous!

Date: Wednesday, September 23, 2026

Time: Doors open 5:30pm, Program starts 6pm

Location: Community Library Sedona, 3250 White Bear Road, Sedona AZ

Presenter: Donna O’Daniel

Presenter Bio: Donna O’Daniel is the author of Reflections of a Redeemed Rebel: The Bird Lady’s Memoir. Originally from Arizona, Donna began her career in administrative and legislative work before making a major career change at age 40. She returned to school at the University of Texas at Austin, earning a master’s degree in Biological Sciences and beginning a career that would take her around the world.

Her work with birds has brought her to remarkable places including the Falkland Islands, Aleutian Islands, Northwest Hawaiian Islands, Johnston Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, the Northern Marianas, Madagascar, Antarctica, and throughout the United States. Donna has also volunteered with several National Wildlife Refuges, including Loxahatchee and St. Marks in Florida and Imperial National Wildlife Refuge in Arizona.

In 2025, Donna was part of a successful effort to prevent the establishment of a military rocket base on Johnston Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, helping protect an important site for approximately one million nesting seabirds and wintering shorebirds.

Join the Flock!

This program 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.