The Madera Reserve neighborhood is nestled just off the Santa Cruz River floodplain east of Green Valley. The neighborhood is primary desert scrub habitat with three large washes with mesquite, palo verde, hackberry, as well as native-like landscaped yards. In addition to being the home of many species of desert thriving birds, it is home to several birders that love the Tucson Audubon Society. These birders are getting together, so to speak, to conduct a Birdathon. We will cover every street and trail in the neighborhood, peek into as many backyards (for feeders and water features) as we can get permission and be respectful of the non-birder residents. We will maintain social distancing by birding alone or in couples. Our territory will be the Madera Reserve neighborhood and participants will be Madera Reserve residents. A quick look at what has previously been observed in the neighborhood in the latter days of April show that if we will have a good day if we can find 50 species of birds in a 24 hour period.

The Madera Reservist took to the trails, roads, washes, and feeders throughout our neighborhood on Tuesday 4/28/2020. Temperatures were in the mid-fifties at dawn and soon climbed to the low-nineties with full sun and only an occasional light breeze. We poked at cactus, peeked under bushes, and practiced social distancing with each other and a rattlesnake.  Our tally for the dry but incredible neighborhood was 66 species. I was expecting in the range of 40-50 species. Highlights species-wise for the day were Harris’s Hawk, Gilded Flicker, Dusky & Vermilion Flycatchers, Scott’s Oriole, and Townsend’s Warbler. We expected but missed about the same number of species, most notably a Cooper’s Hawk that frequently visits.  We were fortunate with a few lingering winter visitors and well as a nice collection of migrants. A spectacular day with my neighbors, but not too close please!

Team Members:

Laurens Halsey - organizer and presently out of work birding guide
Cathy Beck
David Cowan
Heidi Doman
Carol & David Vleck
Mike Bearce
John Pestle

Pledges

• David Cowan: $2/species
• Carol & David Vleck: $2/species
• Awshee Bator: $1/species

..DONATE (PAY NOW)..          ..PLEDGE (PAY LATER)..

Birds have a unique, special, and different meaning to each of us. So, too, is each of our connection with Tucson Audubon Society personal and distinct. During Birdathon, we combine the love of bird watching during spring migration with support for bird conservation.

Birdathoners are birders and social fundraisers, joining together to make a difference for the birds and habitats of Southeast Arizona. Birdathoners continue a tradition that has held strong for over 30 years! 

Each Birdathoner's personal network of supporters is what helps makes Birdathon possible. 

Supporting a team by writing a check?

• Make checks payable to: Tucson Audubon Society
• Write the team name on memo line
• Mail to: 
  Tucson Audubon Society
  300 E University Blvd #120
  Tucson, AZ 85705

REGISTER YOUR OWN TEAM HERE
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