"Wingtips"
Our Monthly Newsletter
Despite the recent cold weather, we are still finding ways to get out and get into nature with our growing community of like-minded folks who value the outdoors and fellowship. Read our newsletter to get a taste of what we've been up to lately.
Scholarship Winners Announced!
This year, we offered two Environmental Scholarships, thanks to all those who made donations in memory of Kathy Wingert, an amazing educator and one of our birding heroes. Here's a link to our newsletter article about this year's scholarship winners, Natalie (Nat) Burgeff and Katherine (Katie) Rolle. Congrats to you both!
A Caramel Raven?
Sharing another great feeder moment here in town, another leucistic (pale plumage, but not albino) bird.
Perhaps you remember our leucistic hummingbird photos earlier this fall? Contiuing the exploration, this time with a slightly larger bird. Indeed.
Thanks to our PAS contributor for sending this in.
Yes, More Leucistic Birds!
Adding this quite lovely pale Mallard to the amazing list of oddly-plumaged birds found by our members and friends around our chapter region. Who knew?
News from our Youth & Education Team
Each year, Prescott Audubon sponsors a $1000 college scholarship. For applicant requirements and for details on how applications are evaluated, click the link below.
Do you know a college-level student who could use some financial support? Let them know for next year's scholarship!
Yes, Administration is Important--
Thanks to our new Board & Officers!
During a recent Window on Nature program, we stopped a minute for our members to elect the new slate of officers and board members for the next two years. We want to thank our newly-elected officer and board members for their efforts to keep this busy & multi-dimensional team that is Prescott Audubon somewhat organized and heading in the right direction.
All the board members share all the tasks for steering this little ship, and we owe them a big debt of gratitude. They are a fine team - and, of course, they are always looking for new members, so don't be shy!
What would you like to do for Prescott Audubon?
AZ Game & Fish Release Rescued Kestrel Pairs in Prescott
In early August, AZ Game & Fish released six young male/female American Kestrel pairs at three locations in Prescott.
Kestrel Nestbox Program
American Kestrels are on the decline, and limited nesting sites are part of that declline. We have had great success with our American Kestrel nestbox installations, and the 2022 nesting season is no exception. If you happen upon a Kestrel with legband(s), please report your sighting and location to [email protected].
Cactus Ferruginous Pygmy Owls
To reuse is to recycle! In 2020, we built some hack boxes for our American Kestrel Nestbox and Release Program. Now they will help the Pygmy Owls.
Hack boxes provide a safe place for fledgling raptors to roost as well as a place to learn to fly and hunt before being released into the wild. We no longer need our boxes for the kestrels, so we are donating them the the AZ Game & Fish Dept. They will head to southern Arizona to assist the AZGFD with their efforts to help the tiny Cactus Ferruginous Pygmy Owls. Yeah!
West Willow Lake Management Planning
The City of Prescott is developing its plan for the best use of their properties on Willow Lake's west shoreline. Prescott Audubon is involved in this habitat management plan.
The operating lease for the gravel plant that operated on the west shore of Willow lake has now expired, and the City wants to use that area in a way that is more compatible with their goal to manage Willow Lake for its natural assets. We have been advising the City on the best ways to protect the birds and the habitat there, while allowing recreational access. We will continue to speak for all the sensitive wildlife in this beautiful section of the lake. Stay tuned!
Once again, our PAS team joined in the annual Prescott Creeks Clean-up!
Granite Creek Clean-up
Prescott Audubon was not only a financial supporter of the 2022 Granite Creek Clean-up, but also a few members were able to get out and pick up some trash! The Prescott Audubon Society (PAS) team joined up with another team to clean up the middle section of Miller Creek. The teams trekked about two miles, mostly along the edge of the creek. It was cool and surprisingly beautiful at the water’s edge. Birdsong and glimpses of birds helped make the morning fly by. The teams collected lots of plastic, paper and cardboard, lumber, pipe, and one tire for a total of 8 bags of trash. Meeting and making friends with other like-minded people was a bonus!