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Roger Tory Peterson Field Guides On Sale

January 7, 2012 By RRAS Info

Submitted by: Marilyn Mackett

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RRAS has recently received 44 copies of the 50th Anniversary Edition of Roger Tory Peterson Field Guides from Ed Conti. They are beautiful unused copies, leather bound with gilt edging. Fourteen copies will be placed on a side table for a Silent Auction at the next three general meetings.

The titles available are: Advanced Birding, Animal Tracks, Atlantic Coast fisheries, Atlantic Shells, Atmosphere, Birds of the American West, Birds of Britain and Europe, Birds of Texas, Hawks, Hummingbirds, Beetles, Edible Wild Plants, Eastern Bird Nests and Mammals.

Filed Under: RRAS Las Vegas Activities

Jan. 9th, 2012: Breeding Birds of Amargosa Valley

January 6, 2012 By RRAS Info

RRAS – Las Vegas

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Our next meeting will be January 9th, 2012.  Len Warren, our Education Chair, will present on the Breeding Birds of Amargosa Valley.  He will share experiences, photos, and video about the breeding biology of migratory and year-round desert songbirds and display photos of eggs, nests, and baby birds.

For the past three years, Len has been employed as an “all species” nest searcher for the Amargosa Canyon Songbird Project during breeding season.  2011 completed the 7th consecutive year of this PRBO Conservation Sciences (Point Reyes Bird Observatory) project.

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All Red Rock Audubon Society meetings are FREE and open to the public – COME JOIN US!

When:  The 2nd Monday of every month.  Social time begins at 6:30pm. Programs/presentations begin at 7:00pm.

Where:  NV Energy, 6226 W. Sahara Ave, Las Vegas, NV -  in the Wengert Room.  1 block west of Jones, on the north side of the street.  Enter on Steve Rigazio Court (west side of the building) and park in the north lot.

Meeting Dates: 2012 – Jan 9th, Feb 13th, Mar 12th, Apr 9th, May 14th, Sep 10th, Oct 8th, Nov 12th

Filed Under: RRAS Las Vegas Activities, Things To Do Tagged With:

Nevada Christmas Bird Counts

December 16, 2011 By RRAS Info

It’s that time of year again!  The annual Christmas Bird Counts are fast approaching and YOU are invited to join.  You don’t need to be an expert birder to participate – you just have to be able to help spot birds, count, check a field guide, etc. wreath2

Each of the citizen scientists who annually braves snow, wind, or rain, to take part in the Christmas Bird Count makes an enormous contribution to conservation.  Audubon and other organizations use data collected in this longest-running wildlife census to assess the health of bird populations – and to help guide conservation action.

There will be a fee of $5 for each person per Bird Count that you participate in to cover the cost of compiling data and printing your name in the next CBC issue of American Birds.  Reservations are required so we can plan ahead to cover the CBC areas properly.  Contact the Leader for reservations or if you have any questions.

Bring food & snacks, water, wear layered clothing, and bring extra clothes to keep warm.  Please take pictures and please send us a write-up of your day for our website & newsletter!

  • Henderson Christmas Count:  12/14/11, Wednesday
    Leader:  John Taylor please call (702) 419-6041 for reservations.  Meet at the Denney’s on the corner of Warm Springs and Marks (southwest corner) at 6:00 am.
  • Ash Meadows:  12/16/11, Friday
    Leader: Sam Skalak (GBI Biologist).  Individuals can sign up by emailing Sam Skalak (samuel_skalak@fws.gov) or calling the Refuge at 775-372-5435 and leaving their names and contact info.  Meet at 6:30 am at the Ash Meadows Visitor Center.
  • Corn Creek Christmas Count:  12/17/11, Saturday
    Compiler: Christiana Manville.  Please call (702) 672-1411 for reservations and meeting place.
  • Elko:  12/17/11, Saturday
    Those wishing to bird in the Elko portions of the circle are to meet at the home of Mark and Lois Ports, 1050 Sewell Dr., Elko, NV.  Those wishing to bird in the Spring Creek portions are to meet at the home of Lance and Jo Dean, 556 E. Charlwood Ct. Please arrive between 7:20 and 7:30.  For further information contact Lois Ports at 775-738-4270.
  • Death Valley National Park:  12/17/11, Saturday
    Contact: Linda Manning, linda_manning@nps.gov (760) 786-3252
  • Shoshone, Tecopa, China Ranch, Amargosa Canyon:  12/18/11, Sunday
    Contact: Len Warren, birdman88.com@gmail.com (760) 852-1001
  • Snake Valley, NV and UT: 12/19/11, Monday
    Contact: Melissa Renfro melsyurt@gmail.com or (775) 234-7154.  Meet: We will meet at the new Great Basin Visitor Center, Resource Building on the north end of Baker at 7:00 am.  At dusk, we will meet at a local restaurant for a hot meal and a quick tally.  This count is sponsored by the Western National Parks Association at Great Basin National Park.
  • Red Rock Canyon NCA Christmas Count:  12/28/11, Wednesday
    Call Jeanne Tinsman at (702) 515-5356 for reservations and times.  This will be a new CBC!  The meeting location is the Red Rock Canyon Visitor’s Center and entrance fees will be waived for pre-registered participants.
  • Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge: 12/28/11, Wednesday
    Contact refuge staff at 928-667-4144 or kathleen_blair@fws.gov
  • Havasu National Wildlife Refuge and adjoining areas:  12/29/11, Thursday
    Contact: DeeDee DeLorenzo at poncho@citlink.net or 928-758-2707
  • Muddy River:  01/01/12, Sunday
    Compiler: David Syzdek. Please call (702) 714-0003  for reservations, meeting place, and times.
Filed Under: Facebook Feed, Nevada CBC, RRAS Las Vegas Activities, Volunteer Opportunities

Mine Claim Marker Pull-Out Event: 11/05/2011

November 2, 2011 By RRAS Info

Submitted by: Bob Wilkin

November 5th, Red Rock Audubon Society will celebrate the passage of the new law SB 108,  that makes PVC pipes illegal on mine claims, by pulling them out of the ground!  These PVC pipes are responsible for thousands of bird deaths every year!!

WE NEED AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE TO COME OUT, spend the day, a half day, or as much time as you can to help with this project.  There will be press coverage of the event so that we can focus attention on the mine claim marker issue to let everyone in Nevada know that after Nov. 1, PULL BABY PULL!

All mine claim markers that are hollow and trap our state’s birds can be pulled out of the ground and laid down (we can remove them from the landscape altogether if the claim is not active).  Christy Klinger (NDOW) will accompany us so that we know which ones are active claims and which ones are not.

We will meet at the west side of the Silverton Casino Parking lot at 8:00 am, and then we will be driving/car-pooling to Pahrump. We will meet the members of the West Branch of RRAS at 9:30am by the NUGGET sign on NV160 at the Junction with NV372 (second stop light in Pahrump).  From there we will be heading out to Crystal, NV to pull the claim markers!

If you can come out and help with this event, please let me know you are coming so we know how many people plan to help.  Contact president@redrockaudubon.org

REMEMBER:
•         Dress appropriately and wear comfortable hiking shoes.  Participants can hike as much or little as they want, but all travel will be done on foot.
•         Bring water and lunch/snacks
•         Bring Binoculars!  Not for bird-watching, but to assist in finding the mine claim markers
•         Bring a shovel and/or pick or Pulaski.  Depending on the project area/soil, some posts may require a shovel to loosen the surrounding soil for easier removal.
•         Gloves, for sifting through contents of the posts (sometimes there are spiders, etc)

This is a one-time event, so do not miss it!  Innocent birds killed by mining claim marker pipes

Filed Under: Facebook Feed, RRAS Las Vegas Activities, Things To Do, Volunteer Opportunities Tagged With: , ,

Nov. 14th, 2011: Building Habitat in Your Backyard

October 31, 2011 By RRAS Info

Talk Title: Building Habitat in Your Backyard
Robin Wilson – Nevada IBA Coordinator

At our general meeting on Nov. 14th, 2011,  Robin Wilson will present:

“Building Habitat in Your Backyard”

kramer_hummer How do you keep areas important to birds? Habitat. Every bird species has specific requirements and needs of their surroundings for their survival. Learn the basics on how to build habitat on your property and things to consider when developing your strategy to attract and sustain your desired species or groups of species. Robin will also give us an update on the recent Important Bird Area (IBA) nominations (including Corn Creek).

Robin has lead the IBA program for several years and is actively engaged with the general public conducting restoration projects and establishing IBA’s throughout Nevada. She is a wonderful asset to the State and valued member of the bird community!

Filed Under: Facebook Feed, RRAS Las Vegas Activities, Things To Do Tagged With: ,

Bird Walk: Shoshone CA. 10/15/2011

October 12, 2011 By RRAS Info

Gray Flycatcher

An earlybird bird walk will meet at 7:00 am at the Crowbar Restaurant. The Red Rock Audubon Bird Walk will be at 8:30 am and will end at Crowbar around 11:45 am.

You can also explore the trails on a self guided tour of the Amargosa river bed in Shoshone. Maps are available at the Armargosa Conservancy office in Shoshone.

Call or email for details and reservations. Leader: Len Warren (760) 852-1001 (birdman88.com@gmail.com)

Filed Under: RRAS Las Vegas Activities Tagged With: ,

Oct. 10th, 2011: Corn Creek Habitat Restoration and Facilities Construction

October 4, 2011 By RRAS Info

At our general meeting on Oct. 10th, 2011, Amy Sprunger will present:

“Corn Creek Habitat Restoration and Facilities Construction”

Amy Sprunger, Desert National Wildlife Refuge Manager, will discuss ongoing projects on the Desert National Wildlife Refuge, Corn Creek Field Station. She will provide a powerpoint presentation about 2011 and future construction activities at Corn Creek, pertinent to habitat restoration and facilities construction. Amy will update us on the new visitor center, changes made to the ponds and creeks, and the wetland habitat.

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Filed Under: RRAS Las Vegas Activities Tagged With: , ,

Field Trip Report: Tule Springs/Floyd Lamb (09/22/11)

October 2, 2011 By RRAS Info

September 22, 2100

Another great field trip completed.  Tule Springs — Floyd Lamb City Park –  always has surprises and this morning was no exception.  We spent a lot of time at picnic table #40 where we were busy sorting out warblers, hummingbirds, and sparrows.  We ended the  morning with 8 different species of warblers, plus one mystery warbler, 6 species of sparrows, and 4 species of hummingbirds.  The Cooper’s Hawk, Roadrunner, and Gambel’s Quail were out in back.   All too soon it was noon and time to go home.  A big THANK YOU to all 8 people who came to join me birding Tule Springs. Pied Bill Grebe

Rita Schlageter
Trip Leader

48 species of birds seen:  Pied-billed Grebe, Great Blue Heron, Turkey Vulture, Canada Goose, Mallard, Ruddy Duck, Cooper’s Hawk, Amer Kestrel, Gambel’s Quail, Amer Coot, Rock Pigeon, Eurasian Collared-dove, Mourning Dove, (3) Gr. Roadrunner, Black-chinned, Anna’s, Broad-tailed, and Rufous Hummingbirds, Belted Kingfisher, Western Wood-Pewee, Say’s Phoebe, Plumbeous Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Com Raven, N. Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin, N. Mockingbird, Euro Starling, Orange-crowned,Yellow, Yellow-rumped, N. Parula, Amer Redstart, Black-throated Gray, Com Yellowthroat, and Wilson’s Warblers, Western Tanager, Abert’s Towhee, Chipping, Brewer’s, Lark, Savannah, Lincoln’s and White-crowned Sparrows, Lazuli Bunting, Great-tailed Grackle, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch.

Filed Under: Field Trip Reports Tagged With: , , ,

Field Trip Report: Mt. Charleston (09/10/11)

October 2, 2011 By RRAS Info

Mt. Charleston Field Trip
Saturday 9-10-11, Christiana Manville

Despite the overcast weather and cooler temperatures, seven participants travelled with me to Mt. Charleston. Marilyn Mackett had the newly updated Birds of Mt. Charleston brochure to hand out to folks. We had one participant from as far away as Victoria, British Columbia. Our first stop was Harris Spring Road at about 5,000 feet in elevation. Bird activity was slow here but we saw a flock of Pinyon Jays. The only other birds at this location were some Black-throated Sparrows. Mt. Chas Field Trip

Our next stop was the visitor’s center where Joy from Mt. Charleston joined us. On the drive to this stop and at this stop we saw a Northern Flicker, Western Scrub Jay, and Dark-eyed Junco (gray-headed race). Next we traveled to Joy’s house where we got to see the following birds bathing in her yard water feature: American Robin, a flock of migrating Lark Sparrows, and a Western Tanager. We got awesome views of Steller’s Jays and Broad-tailed Hummingbirds.

Near the library we spotted the following species: Rufus Hummingbird , Common Raven, Orange-crowned Warbler, Black-headed Grosbeak and Lesser Goldfinch. Our final mountain stop was the Deer Creek Picnic Area. We saw the following species and could have seen more but the rain finally started at 11:30 am and everyone was chilled: Clark’s Nutcracker, Mountain Chickadee, Pygmy Nuthatch, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Townsend’s Warbler, Chipping Sparrow, Cassin’s Finch, and Pine Siskin.

We finished the field trip at Gilcrease Orchard where we saw two burrowing owls in the new artificial burrows. The owls were standing with their wings extended in the rain. At the Orchard we also saw Mourning Doves, Western Kingbirds, and a Northern Mockingbird. We finished the day with a total of 27 species.

Filed Under: Field Trip Reports Tagged With: , ,

Call for submissions for the Rock Wren newsletter

October 1, 2011 By RRAS Info

Hi everyone!

We’re compiling content for the upcoming editions of the Red Audubon Society Rock Wren newsletter and would love for YOU to contribute. If you’d like to send us something, we’ll try to fit in it the newsletter and/or website. newspaper3

Next Deadline is 11/01/2011

Here’s some ideas to get you going:

What’s happening at your NV refuge or organization
Migration stories
Events of partner organizations
Birding things you’ve been doing or want to do
Short story, Opinion piece, News Brief, or Trip reports
Pictures of birds or nature, etc.
Regional conservation topics
Project updates
What’s the best birdy thing you saw or did this summer

The e-newsletter letter will go out around 8/5 and snail-mail copies should be received around 8/15. If your content doesn’t make this newsletter, it may be used in any of the next newsletters.

Hope to hear from you soon!

Filed Under: Facebook Feed, RRAS Las Vegas Activities
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