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