AZFO Field Expedition to the Mogollon Rim Drainages, Gila Co.: April 26-27, 2008  

OVERVIEW:  

Perhaps because it is too far for a day trip from most of Arizona's major population centers, the forested drainages below the Mogollon Rim are scarcely visited by birders and even fewer bird reports are received from this area. There are numerous perennial creeks and streams between the community of Pine and east to the Gila and Navajo County line. Many birds use these drainages as migratory paths to the northern Arizona plateaus, but there are also a fair number of birds for which this area marks either the northern or southern extent of their breeding range. Biologists and volunteers for the Arizona Breeding Bird Atlas briefly explored several areas in this region, but some key species and drainages were missed. We will seek to fill in these knowledge gaps, while enjoying a pleasant weekend during the peak of migration! 

Will we find singing Winter Wrens and MacGillivray's Warblers which were discovered nesting very locally in this region during the atlas? What nocturnal species will we detect? Whip-poor-wills, Flammulated Owls and N. Saw-whet Owls were noted during the atlas in this region. Could we find an American Dipper foraging along a cascading creek? The Dipper historically nested along these drainages, but could not be found breeding here during atlas surveys. Will the expedition team rediscover such nesting activity? Be there to find out! 

See you there,

John Yerger

Field Expeditions Chair

 

Please register with John Yerger by email (jyerger24@yahoo.com) or phone (814-308-4078) by Friday, April 18^th.

 

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY / WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE FIELD:

-This trip will require moderate hiking over broken terrain in mixed conifer-deciduous forest and along boulder-filled streams and small creeks. 

-Two early mornings and at least one afternoon of surveying; also possible nocturnal surveys from our base camp 

LODGING:

-We will establish a base camp, as the Expedition will take place primarily within the Tonto National Forest

-Lodging is also available in Payson, 15-20 miles from most survey sites; ask Expedition Chair 

OTHER PREPARATIONS:

-Food (plan to supply your own meals and snacks) and water (1 gallon per day per person always recommended!)

-Please bring sunscreen and a hat, long pants, and sturdy hiking footwear

-Two-way radios will be useful; if you have some to lend, please bring them 

CARPOOLING, MEETING TIMES/PLACES:

-carpooling to be arranged by Expedition Chair and coordinated with registered participants

-Meeting time/place: TBA to registered participants