The birders of Madera Reserve have decided to again conduct a pandemic safe Birdathon in wonderful neighborhood. 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. We were expecting about 50 species for last years attempt, yet we found 66 species. What does this year have in store?

Final Report

The Madera Reservists once again exceeding all expectations. The entire team from last year participated plus three additional members watched feeders and several neighbors contributed information. The team took to the washes, trails, roads, and feeders in our neighborhood on Monday 26 April 2021. It was party sunny, cool in the morning, warm in the afternoon along with a pretty stiff breeze.  Out total count for the day was 74 species, 8 species more than last year. Our team was blessed with a generous pledge, so not only was our team tallying species, we were also counting active nests, looking specifically for a Roadrunner, any Owls, and snakes. We found an incredible 74 active nests of 21 species including 18 Curve-billed Thrasher, 11 Cactus Wren, one Cooper’s Hawk, one Red-tailed Hawk, and one Great Horned Owl nests. Had we conducted our count a week earlier we may have been able to add 10-20 more Curve-billed Thrasher nests since there were recently fledged thrashers begging for food all over the place. For weeks leading up to the Birdathon, Roadrunners have been scarce in the neighborhood and we were concerned about not finding one. However, three individual Roadrunners were found by the team on Birdathon day and helpful neighbors reported a few others to us. One of our team found a Great Horned Owl nest in the neighborhood, the two other possible owl species has been absent from our neighborhood for many months. And finally, while on break one of our team members found the only reported snake stretched across a water feature, a “Red” Coachwhip. Another bonus - One of our team members was challenged with a personal pledge, this individual saw 25 species during the day. Much thanks to my valued neighbors for such a successful day. 

The Madera Reservist:

• Laurens Halsey: $1/species
• Marcia Grand: $10/species and an extra $1,000 if you spot a roadrunner, an extra $50 for every owl species, an extra $100 for every working nest (ie, bird on nest and/or eggs in nest), and an extra $10 for every snake you ID
• Cathy Beck: $1/species
• Carol & David Vleck: $1/species
• Theresa Bucher: $1/species
• David Cowan: $1.50/species
• Stanley Hart: $3/species and an extra $3/bird by team member David Cowan
• Pam Duchaine: $1/species

..PLEDGE (PAY LATER)..

..DONATE (PAY NOW)..

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. 

Birdathon donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Tucson Audubon Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

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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