Lesser Snow Geese, once a rarity in Arizona and western North America more broadly have rebounded from the brink of extinction as a result of adaptation to modern agricultural practices. In this podcast part 1 of an article from Audubon Magazine that describes major damage to wetland ecology resulting from this rebound. Bird of the episode: the Arizona Bald Eagle. Birding hotspot: Big Horn Mountains Wilderness, Buckeye. Friend of Wildlife: Arizona Sonoran desert Museum.

A brief explanation of how birds are 'smaht.' Kettles of hawks, vultures and other large birds of prey are passing through Arizona headed for South America in migration.  What is a 'kettle' and how does it form? Pinto Creek in Gila County is drying up from water extraction by mining operations destroying riparian ecology in the area. A tribute to Richard Glinski, long-time Arizona biologist and nature educator who passed away earlier this year.

A report by the Arizona Field Ornithologists on gaps in data regarding resident bird species in Arizona. These bird information 'gaps' are being addressed by volunteers and professional wildlife personnel statewide with updates posted to the AZFO website. A rare-bird-alert update for the last week in September for Maricopa County. Bird of the episode: Belted Kingfisher. Birding hotspot: Coon Bluff. Friend of wildlife: Arizona Trail Association.

A report on concerns about possible effects of aerial drones on raptors. Arizona Game and Fish Department's continuing work on installation of wildlife crossovers and underpasses along Interstate 17. near Flagstaff. A report from Tucson Bird Alliance on the Purple Gallinule wetland bird increasingly spotted in Arizona. Bird of the episode: Bell's Vireo. Birding hotspot: Borderlands Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge. Friends of wildlife: Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum, Tucson.

A report on research regarding shorebird use of the Colorado River Delta by millions of shorebirds in migration. Highlights from the Northern Arizona Audubon Society August newsletter. A closeup of the Lark Bunting, elusive winter resident of the Wilcox Playa often observed with other sparrows. Bird of the episode: Barn Owl. Birding hotspot: Beaver Dam Mountains wilderness. Friend of wildlife: Arizona Natural Plant Society.

The Crested Caracara, a desert scavenger and sometimes breeder in Arizona's Sonoran Desert, was spotted recently in Canada. Locals say it has been observed repeatedly and may be a year-round resident. The bird was scavenging in a town dump in the Province of Ontario. Wild burros, while not native to Arizona have adapted to the desert and are wreaking havoc on native plants including Saguaro cacti. Bird of the episode: American Wigeon. Birding hotspot: Blue Range Wilderness. Friends of wildlife: Arizona Master Naturalists.

A report on the release of five more California Condors at Vermilion Cliffs National Monument in northern Arizona. This is the fifth year that new endangered condors have been introduced into to the wild through a program involving the San Diego Zoo, Arizona Game and Fish Department, Hawk Watch International and the Peregrine Fund, among other partners. A report on how saline lakes are making a comeback in southern California and western Arizona following sigificant rains during the recent monsoon season. Some scientists are celebrating this turn of events as the western drought continues, albeit cautiously. Bird of the episode: American Robin. Birding hotspot: Baboquivari Peak Wilderness. Friend of wildlife: Arizona Ecological Services Field Office.

A recent study by the Nature Conservancy confirms that thinning of forests here in the Southwest is good for trees and the wildlife sustained by them, including birds. An Audubon sponsored project involving scores of scientists has come up with a new way to track birds in migration. A report on how dressing for desert conditions, especially in the heat of summer, is critically important. Bird of the episode: Lucy's Warbler. Birding hotspot: Chevelon Canyon Wildlife Area. Friend of wildlife: Arizona Conservation Corps.

Arizona Game and Fish Department statement encouraging the public to not feed wildlife. Doing so has the potential to spread diseases and encourage dangerous encounters with humans. Birdability update on innovative technologies designed to give disabled birders and other outdoor enthusiasts access to nature trails and other wildlife viewing opportunities. A report on the elusive Five-striped Sparrow in Southeastern Arizona. Bird of the episode: American Redstart. Birding hotspot: Aztec cattle feed lot east of Yuma. Friend of wildlife: Arizona Bird Committee.

A report on new research showing that Arizona Bald Eagles are expanding their ranges to include regions of the Northwestern United States. A description of how birds conform to Zipf's Law, a pattern of communication commonly observed in human language where a few words are used very frequently while many words are used rarely. Those words (sounds in the case of birds) are simplified to make the communication process faster and more efficient. A Western Resource Associates statement on the condition of the Colorado River. Bird of the episode: American Pipit. Birding Hotspot: Aubrey Peak Wilderness. Friend of wildlife: Arizona Chapter of the National Association of Environmental Professionals.