Experience the beauty of butterflies at Rockin’ River Ranch State Park. Join Becky Hardy for the last in a series of citizen science butterfly counts as she shares fascinating insights about the species we encounter.

Date: Sunday, October 5, 2025
Time: 9:00–11:00 AM
Meeting Point: Rockin’ River Ranch State Park, 4513 S Salt Mine Rd, Camp Verde — meet at the Shady Acres parking lot

What to Bring: Water or electrolyte drink, sturdy close-toed shoes, binoculars, hat, sunscreen, snack, and a camera (optional)

About the Location: This state park is home to diverse butterfly and bird species. We’ll walk about 0.5–1 mile on mostly flat trails. A vault toilet is available. Entry requires a State Park pass or $10 fee. Carpooling recommended.

Questions: Email Becky at azbutterflygirl@outlook.com

Register so we can notify you directly of any updates, including cancellations, delays, or weather-related changes.

Join the Flock!

This butterfly 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.

Spend a lovely late afternoon and moonrise while birding Buffalo Park with Northern Arizona Audubon.

We will stick to the main trails and plan to get to the point where the best view is in time to see the Harvest moon rise. We'll be looking and listening for birds with an attention to the wonderful fall evening. Possible species are Western Bluebirds, White-breasted Nuthatch, Mountain Chickadee and the last of the fall warblers are possible. This is a great trip for beginning birders!

Meeting Point: Left of the main entrance to the park. Look for people with binoculars.

What to wear: It will be important to add layers as the evening progresses. Bring sturdy walking shoes, walking poles and a flashlight if you need them.

About the location: The trail descends in the beginning with a gentle rise to flat trails for the remainder of the approximately 1 mile to the meadow with the best view of the moon. We will be walking back in the dusk.

Any questions: Contact Kay Hawklee by text: 432-703-0007, or email kay@birdnaas.org

The bird walk is led by Northern Arizona Audubon Society. We're a nonprofit protecting birds and habitats across Northern Arizona. If you enjoy these events, please support us by becoming a member, donating, or joining our newsletter.

Spend an hour exploring the Sedona Wetlands, one of the area’s best spots for shorebirds and fall migrants. This is a great trip for beginners, with excellent scope views provided.

Date: Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Time: 9:00–10:15 AM
Meeting Point: Sedona Wetlands parking lot

What to Bring: Binoculars, sturdy shoes, water, hat, sunscreen, snack
About the Location: The Sedona Wetlands provide critical habitat for shorebirds and migrating species during the fall season. Easy walking with lots of opportunities for close-up looks.
Questions: Contact Rich Armstrong at richarmstrong47@gmail.com or 928-282-3675

Register so we can notify you directly of any updates, including cancellations, delays, or weather-related changes.

Join the Flock!

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.

Pinyon Jays & Community Scientists – You!

Become a Community Scientist and help Pinyon Jays thrive for future generations. Join us for a webinar on Pinyon Jay natural history and community science--help out with your smart phone! Zoom link provided upon registration.

Because Pinyon Jays use large territories and move seasonally according to food availability, citizen observations are crucial. Volunteers help detect their presence in places and years where formal surveys might not reach.

You can contribute by recording sightings on your smartphone using a free app. No birding or survey experience is needed.

Date: Wednesday October 8, 2025

Time: 6pm

Location: Zoom. A link will be provided upon registration.

Register now - Learn more 

Other Pinyon Jay events

You see a flash of blue. Is it a Stellar Jay? A Woodhouse’s Scrub Jay? No — it’s a Pinyon Jay.

This brilliant blue bird can be found across the West, including northern Arizona, living in pinyon-juniper woodlands. Unfortunately, over the past five decades, the Pinyon Jay has seen its population decline by 83.5%.

This steep decline has led to the Pinyon Jay being listed as Vulnerable and currently under review by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for potential protection under the Endangered Species Act.

The reasons for this decline are not fully understood, but it is likely linked to long-term drought, increasing temperatures, and other climatic shifts affecting pinyon trees. Research suggests these changes are causing pinyon pines to produce fewer nuts. Pinyon Jays appear to be ranging further from historic colony sites and may be relying more heavily on alternative food sources, such as juniper berries and insects.

Explore Woods Canyon Trail near the Village of Oak Creek in peak fall birding season. We’ll look for late migrants and resident species like Crissal Thrasher, Canyon Towhee, Rock Wren, and Black-throated Sparrow.

Date: Saturday, October 11, 2025
Time: 7:30–10:00 AM
Meeting Point: Red Rock Ranger Station lower parking lot (1 mile south of Village of Oak Creek on Hwy 179)

What to Bring: Water, snacks, binoculars, sunscreen, wide-brimmed hat, sturdy walking shoes
About the Location: The 3-mile round-trip trail is fairly level and well maintained, winding through diverse desert and riparian habitat. Restrooms at the visitor center open after the hike.
Questions: Email Mark Philippart at markotus@yahoo.com or text 928-300-9713

Register so we can notify you directly of any updates, including cancellations, delays, or weather-related changes.

Join the Flock!

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.

Expert-led Pinyon Jay Awareness Walk

Join us in Flagstaff for a bird walk looking for Pinyon Jays. Location and time will be provided closer to date depending on where Pinyon Jays have been spotted.

Date: Saturday October 11, 2025

Time: TBD

Location: Flagstaff area - we will be following the birds

Register now and we will send you details to inbox when the time and location is decided. We are monitoring the Pinyon Jay's movements to find the best location

Other Pinyon Jay events

You see a flash of blue. Is it a Stellar Jay? A Woodhouse’s Scrub Jay? No — it’s a Pinyon Jay.

This brilliant blue bird can be found across the West, including northern Arizona, living in pinyon-juniper woodlands. Unfortunately, over the past five decades, the Pinyon Jay has seen its population decline by 83.5%.

This steep decline has led to the Pinyon Jay being listed as Vulnerable and currently under review by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for potential protection under the Endangered Species Act.

The reasons for this decline are not fully understood, but it is likely linked to long-term drought, increasing temperatures, and other climatic shifts affecting pinyon trees. Research suggests these changes are causing pinyon pines to produce fewer nuts. Pinyon Jays appear to be ranging further from historic colony sites and may be relying more heavily on alternative food sources, such as juniper berries and insects.

Discover the birdlife of the Tuzigoot River Access Point. From woodpeckers and hawks in towering cottonwoods to verdins, hummingbirds, and phoebes along the river, there’s always something exciting to see.

Along mostly flat paths with a short climb to desert may have some river rocks. Our sightings may include woodpeckers and hawks in large cottonwoods. Along the river, we’ll look for song sparrows and phoebes. Throughout the walk, verdins, towhees, hummingbirds and fall surprises may be seen. 

We will have a reflection time for your thoughts and images, so bring a notebook, colored pencils, pens, pencils, etc. 

Date: Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Time: 8:00–10:30 AM
Meeting Point: Tuzigoot River Access Point (follow Tuzigoot Rd off Broadway and turn right at the sign)

What to Bring: Binoculars, water, snacks, sturdy shoes, notebook or sketching materials for reflection time
About the Location: Flat trails with some river rock; pit toilets available. A mix of desert and riparian habitats provide a rich diversity of bird species.
Questions: Text Kristen Rothrock at 928-634-3633

Register so we can notify you directly of any updates, including cancellations, delays, or weather-related changes.

Join the Flock!

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.

Wintering ducks are showing up in Kachina Wetlands, and October is a great time to enjoy their plumage. Potential sightings include Ring-necked Ducks, Gadwalls, three species of teals (do you know how to differentiate the females?), and perhaps the first fall Buffleheads. Some waders could still be present, as well as a variety of raptors. All this, in addition to the permanent residents.

Join Harry Jones, one of the county's highly skilled birders, in this 2.5-hr walk sponsored by Northern Arizona Audubon.

Date: Wednesday, October 18, 2025
Time: 8:00–10:30 AM

Meeting point: Meet at the entrance to Kachina Wetlands at 8:00 am.

What to bring: Please bring binoculars if you have them, along with water, a hat, and sunscreen. The first hour of the morning could be chilly. The walk will be over flat terrain on level dirt and it's wheelchair accessible.

Directions: From Flagstaff, take I-17 south to the Kachina Village exit. Immediately turn right onto Tovar Trail and follow it for a mile to the end. Then, turn right into an unpaved parking area. 

Any questions, contact Harry Jones at hjones@birdpop.org.

Register so we can notify you directly of any updates, including cancellations, delays, or weather-related changes.

Join the Flock!

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.

Join us along the Jail Trail in Cottonwood for a relaxing morning of birding. We’ll look for owls, Common Black Hawks, and fall migrants along this easy, scenic stretch.

Date: Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Time: 8:00–10:30 AM
Meeting Point: Jail Trail parking lot, Cottonwood

What to Bring: Sturdy shoes, sunscreen, hat, snack, water, binoculars
About the Location: The trail is about one mile, easy, and mostly flat — great for spotting a variety of bird species.
Questions: Email Janie Ward-Langley at footballmom27@gmail.com

Register so we can notify you directly of any updates, including cancellations, delays, or weather-related changes.

Join the Flock!

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.

Come along on a photographic journey to the most remote corners of the planet with full time travel and wildlife photographer Cindy Miller Hopkins.

From Antarctica to the geographic North Pole, Cindy has a true passion for everything polar, especially penguins and polar bears! She will include information about the challenges, and rewards, of traveling in the polar regions and disclose some of her favorite birding spots! You might even pick up a few photo tips along the way. Follow her adventures during this casual and interactive evening while enjoying photographs from around the world.

EVENT DETAILS

Date: Wednesday October 22, 2025

Social time: 5:30pm

Program begins: 6:00pm

Location: Sedona Community Library - 3250 White Bear Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336

ABOUT CINDY

Cindy Miller Hopkins is a professional photographer who has spent the past 25 years roaming the seven continents and oceans that surround them. Her work spans more than 160 countries, capturing rare and remarkable moments through her lens. Among her most extraordinary images is a 2018 photograph featuring five different penguin species in a single frame—believed to be the only one of its kind in the world.

With over 10,000 images published, Cindy's photography has appeared in fine art prints, leading magazines, scientific journals, textbooks, travel guides, and consumer products. She is the North American Photo Ambassador for PONANT, teaches photography workshops and classes, and regularly serves as a professional photographer and guest lecturer aboard expedition ships. She also leads photo safaris across the globe. Explore her work: cindymillerhopkins.myportfolio.com

All Northern Arizona Audubon Society events are free and open to everyone. By joining us, you become part of our mission to inspire appreciation of birds and protect the habitats they need. Your membership and donations make these programs possible — thank you for supporting birds and conservation in Northern Arizona.

Spend another fall morning at the Sedona Wetlands, an excellent site for spotting shorebirds and migrating species. Perfect for beginners — scopes will be provided for great views.

Date: Sunday, October 26, 2025
Time: 9:00–10:15 AM
Meeting Point: Sedona Wetlands parking lot

What to Bring: Binoculars, sturdy shoes, water, hat, sunscreen, snack
About the Location: A prime birding habitat with ponds and wetlands that draw in diverse species throughout the fall migration season.
Questions: Contact Rich Armstrong at richarmstrong47@gmail.com or 928-282-3675

Register so we can notify you directly of any updates, including cancellations, delays, or weather-related changes.

Join the Flock!

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.

NAAS's Annual meeting is tonight with election of the Board of Directors, followed by Birding Into the Midnight Sun! 

Last summer Nancy and Jeni traveled through England, Scotland, Orkney, Shetland Islands, and Norway. While it wasn't a bird focused trip, they managed to do lots of birding on their cruise and land segments.

Come and hear about their adventures, from Stonehenge to Stappen Island and beyond.  

Doors open: 5:30 - come early and meet other members

Program begins: 6pm