Fabulous Flagstaff

What better way to escape the summer heat of the Las Vegas Valley than to head for the hills of Arizona? Seventeen Red Rock Audubon members and guests did just that the weekend of August 16th to 18th.

The group gathered at Jay's Bird Barn on Friday afternoon to check in. The shop has a great selection of binoculars, spotting scopes, bird feeders and accessories. Eric Moore, the owner, took time to explain the features of binoculars and what a buyer should consider when purchasing a pair. Then we were off to the Willow Bend Environmental Education Center for a little urban birding. Group dinner followed at Fratelli's Pizza.

Saturday most of the group made an early visit to the Kachina Wetlands to search for waterfowl, of course! They then met up with those who spent the morning at the Museum of Northern Arizona which has an incredible collection of Native American pottery and baskets plus some beautiful contemporary art by Native
Americans. The museum is known a local birding hot spot as well. Everyone dispersed for lunch but met up at 2:00 at the Arboretum at Flagstaff for a docent led tour geared toward birds found there. The Arboretum also features an abundance of native plants.

The group dinner Saturday evening was followed by a trip to the Lowell Observatory. Besides the opportunity to view stars and planets through various telescopes visitors could attend presentations on many astronomical subjects.

Sunday morning the group met at Picture Canyon for birding. It is a peaceful, scenic site with some open areas, tall trees and a wetland below a waterfall. After two hours of birding the group decided it was time to head home.