Arizona Field Ornithologist
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AZFO FIELD EXPEDITION

 

7-9 November—Lake Mead waterbird survey

Leaders: Eric Hough and Theresa Hyde
Contact: expeditionsATazfo.org

OVERVIEW:
High numbers of waterfowl are moving through the state in late fall, with constant potential for finding rare loons, waterfowl, and gulls on large bodies of water. Lake Mead, the large reservoir between Arizona and Nevada that holds water from the Colorado, Virgin, and Muddy Rivers behind Hoover Dam, is one such water body that is likely an important stopover point for migrating water birds. However, this area of Mohave County in northwestern Arizona is largely under-birded, so the relative usage by water birds on the Arizona side of this reservoir is not well known. On this expedition, AZFO will be joined by southern Nevada’s Red Rock Audubon Society on this expedition to survey for aquatic bird species at several access points on the Arizona side of Lake Mead. In addition to counting water birds, we will also keep an eye out for wintering Bald Eagles, late migrant shorebirds, resident Le Conte’s Thrashers, and wintering sparrows (including possible Bell’s and Sagebrush Sparrows) in the surrounding desert. Due to the remoteness of this area, we will find somewhere to camp out each night near the access points that we visit. If interested in participating in this expedition, email expeditions@azfo.org to register and receive additional details.

 

ITINERARY:

Registered participants will meet up on Friday afternoon (Nov. 7th) at a pre-determined location to find a camping spot and bird around an access point on Lake Mead. On Saturday (Nov. 8th), we will split into teams to survey various vantage points on the reservoir and meet together in the late afternoon/evening to find another camping spot. For Sunday (Nov. 9th), we will count more water birds on the lake before parting ways by late morning/midday to allow time for participants to return home.


THINGS TO KNOW/BRING

--Scopes will be very helpful for scanning the large reservoir for water birds, so please bring them if you have them.
--High-clearance, 4WD vehicles will most likely not be necessary for most of the roads we will travel on, but are desirable for checking out any rougher roads and more remote areas that could be surveyed (especially if any erosion has occurred from this summer’s monsoon storms).
--You will need to bring your own food and water for the weekend. A gallon of water per day per person is recommended.
--You will need to bring your own camping gear (tent, sleeping bag and pad, lantern or flashlight, camping chair, etc.). There are a couple of established campgrounds at Bonelli Landing and Temple Bar, but we may opt to camp at primitive sites (especially at the eastern end of Lake Mead).
--Bring layers of clothing. Although we should have warmer weather at the low elevations here, fall weather could bring cooler weather and night-time temperatures could be chilly.
--Hiking on this trip will be light as we will mostly be scanning the lake from the shoreline or overlooks, but you should probably bring sturdy footwear (hiking boots recommended) given the rocky, desert terrain. Also bring sunblock and a wide-brimmed hat.
--Bring binoculars, cameras, extra batteries.
--Please bring an Arizona road atlas/gazetteer and topographic maps if you have them.
--If you have two-way radios, please bring them as well so we can communicate between teams, as cell reception could be poor here.
--Since we may be doing primitive camping, make sure to bring toilet paper, a small shovel, and other necessary toiletries.
--Bring garbage bags. Pack it in, pack it out!


CARPOOLING, MEETING PLACE/TIME:
Upon registering via email with the expedition leader, details on meeting time and place will be arranged. Carpooling can be organized among interested participants from different areas of Arizona and Nevada.

 

 

 

 


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