Always ready to grab binoculars and enjoy some birdy time, ​Red Rock Audubon members recently formed wittily named teams to participate in the Great Basin Bird Observatory's 2020 bird-a-thon to raise money and birding awareness in Nevada.

​Many of us have a bit more free time on our hands while most of the state shut down due to the pandemic. It has been a good opportunity to get caught up on those projects around the house and maybe resume some hobbies that went along the wayside while we were busy with our lives or learn new skills.

​We are sad that due to current events we are not able to share our gardens with you in person.  We love  to share how we are making a difference for birds in our neighborhoods. So we made some videos for you.  Please enjoy.

This month's presentation is about birding in Cuba by Alex Harper.

On March 7th, Red Rock Audubon members and Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve staff participated in a raptor event led by Alex Harper (Biologist & Guide w/ Bird Las Vegas ) and Martin Tyner (Licensed falconer, eagle falconer & wildlife rehabilitator, founder & owner of Southwest Wildlife Foundation). 
The event was held to bring awareness to the endangered Steppe Eagle and the efforts of Champions of the Flyway to tackle its decline. Alex and Martin provided insights and education on birds of prey and how vital it is that we protect them. 

There are now more reports of COVID-19 in Las Vegas and the situation continues to worsen around the world. 
 
The World Health Organization has taken the unprecedented action – declaring COVID-19 a worldwide pandemic - pointing to the over 118,000 cases of the coronavirus illness in over 110 countries and territories around the world and the sustained risk of further global spread.
 
The Governor of Nevada have declared a state of emergency to deal with the outbreak in Nevada. The declaration will allow Nevada to more easily tap into federal relief funds. 
 
It has also become clear that our medical system is unprepared to address this pandemic. The lack of testing capability prevents us from knowing who among us are infected. However, the rapid infection rate can potentially overwhelm our medical community’s ability to treat the sick and vulnerable. 
 
Organizations around the world and locally are all working to SLOW the spread of this infection by eliminating non-essential gathering events.
 
We ALL can take these proactive actions to slow the spread of this highly infectious disease by following these tips: 

• Stay home when you feel sick. 

• Wash hands and avoid touching your face. Avoid contact with sick individuals. Use tissues to cough/sneeze. Clean/disinfect the most used surfaces and objects. 


• Practice CDC’s “social distance” recommendations.

• Keep on top of updates at the following websites:
  • CDC:   https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
  • Southern Nevada Health District:

                     https://www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org

• Here’s a great article on why we all can work to slow the infection. https://www.vox.com/2020/3/10/21171481/coronavirus-us-cases-quarantine-cancellation

 
Red Rock Audubon’s suspension ALL SCHEDULED MARCH events includes chapter meetings, bird walks, field trips, volunteer events and outreach events like the World Migratory Bird Day. Winchester Nesters and Birds N Beverage. 
 
The health and safety of our members is of great importance to us. We must do our part to create a safe environment for all of us. 

Again, this is a very fluid situation. The Board of Directors will continue to actively monitor the local conditions, take proactive decisions that are intended to protect the health and safety of all our members and guests. 
 
What a wonderful opportunity to go out and enjoy the southern Nevada spring and study up on our birds. I would highly recommend the following books:
 
What the Robin Knows by Jon Young
Hawks in Flight by Pete Dunne and David Sibley
Peterson Birding by Impression by Karlson and Rosselet
 
We'll continue to keep you updated when changes to future events (April and May) are required via email. Please feel free to contact me if you have questions. 

Doug Chang
President
Red Rock Audubon Society
email: president@redrockaudubon.com

​Our fourth annual Winter Social was a big success!  Over forty members and guests enjoyed an evening eating good food and forming stronger friendships.