I love birds and I love meeting the people who attend the trips that I lead for Tucson Audubon. I'm not an expert birder, I don't keep a life-list, and I don't chase rare birds, but I observe birds pretty much every day. I'm fascinated by bird behavior and the connections between birds and native habitats. I'm on a quest to become proficient at birding by ear in southern Arizona.

Birding gets me outside and slows me down. It's a spiritual practice. An early morning bird trip with people who are interested in learning about our local birds is my idea of the perfect way to start the day.

The Chip'In Sparrows will enjoy the morning of April 17 "social birding" at Sabino Canyon looking for migratory birds, nests and other signs of spring in the desert. Our goal is to have fun and meet some new birding friends while raising money for Tucson Audubon's important mission.

Team members: Sirpa, Milly, Ally, Paula, Cynthia, Colleen, Karen

This is where we will go birding -

Pledges:

• Allyson Geller: $1/species
• Marcia Grand: $10/species and
  • $150 if you get all four (all must be ID’d and actually seen not just heard): snake, lizard, ground squirrel, rabbit
  • $150 if you see a coyote
  • $150 if you see five different types of waterbirds: ducks, cormorants, shore birds, grebes, herons, etc – anything that swims or is comfortable in the water.
• James FitzGerald: $1,000 for birding and having fun. Look for rock wren nests