AZFO Newsletter October- November 2026
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Arizona Field Ornithologists (AZFO)
AZFO is an organization of birders and ornithologists
dedicated to increasing the knowledge of the changing status, identification, and distribution of Arizona's birdlife.
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Birds, Science, and Good Company: Our 2026 Annual Meeting
Thank you to everyone who made AZFO’s 2026 Annual Meeting such a success! Held September 18–20 at Pinewood Country Club in Munds Park, the weekend brought our birding community together to share research, enjoy time in the field, and catch up with friends.
A special thank-you goes to Tice Supplee for organizing the meeting, and to the presenters, field trip leaders, and volunteers who helped make it happen. Our banquet speaker, Dr. Jeff Foster of Northern Arizona University, brought a welcome mix of science and humor to the evening.
Congratulations to this year’s youth scholarship recipients! We were delighted to welcome you and celebrate your enthusiasm for birds and field ornithology.
Looking ahead to 2027: Plans are underway for a meeting in Green Valley, south of Tucson, during the first weekend in October (October 1 to 3).
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New: Arizona Rare Bird Outlook & Summary
Wondering what unusual birds might turn up next? AZFO’s new monthly series pairs a look ahead at seasonal possibilities with a review of recent rare-bird observations. Led by Felipe Guerrero and Gary Rosenberg, the series explores patterns, habitats, and search strategies to help inform your next birding adventure.
Explore the October Outlook and past editions.
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Help Fill the Gaps in Arizona Birding
Looking for somewhere different to bird? AZFO’s eBird Gaps Project encourages exploration of five underbirded areas: Avra Valley, Cactus Forest, Chavez Pass, Hassayampa Plain, and the Santa Maria Mountains. Your observations can help improve our understanding of Arizona’s birds throughout the year. Share your eBird checklists with “AZFO gaps” to contribute.
Find maps, priorities, and participation details.
AZFO Virtual Suggestion Box
Do you have an idea for an eBird Gaps project or perhaps a Field Expedition destination? AZFO welcomes your suggestions. Just drop your ideas into this virtual suggestion box: Contact@AZFO.org.
Thanks for your thoughts!
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Gordon Karre’s Photography Featured in National Geographic
Congratulations to former AZFO board member and membership chair Gordon Karre! His photograph of a Greater Roadrunner alongside a coyote was featured in National Geographic’s September 10 article, “The Truth About Roadrunners and Coyotes, According to an Ecologist.” The story explores the real-life relationship behind the famous cartoon rivalry.
Read the article and see Gordon’s photograph.
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A Friendly Reminder: Renew for 2027
AZFO memberships renew January 1! Thank you to everyone who renewed for 2027 when registering for the annual meeting. If you haven’t renewed yet, we hope you’ll join us for another year of exploring, learning, and supporting field ornithology in Arizona.
Renew your membership.
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Gale Monson Research Grants: Deadline Extended to November 15
There’s still time to apply! The application deadline for AZFO’s Gale Monson Research Grants has been extended to November 15. The program supports field research that advances our knowledge of Arizona’s birds, with students and non-students welcome to apply.
View application requirements and submission instructions.
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Arizona Birds: Our Online Journal
Species of the Month
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September:
Buff-breasted Sandpiper
Photo by Tony Shrimpton
With its warm buff coloring, short bill, and delicate appearance, the Buff-breasted Sandpiper is a distinctive shorebird that favors grassy habitats. It breeds on Arctic tundra and winters in South American grasslands, traveling thousands of miles between the two. A rare visitor to Arizona, it has appeared at sod farms and other agricultural sites during fall migration. Males have an unusual courtship strategy, gathering in loose display groups to attract females. Loss of grassland habitat along its migration route has contributed to population declines, making protection of its stopover and wintering areas especially important.
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October:
Common Grackle
Photo by Scott Olmstead
Despite its name, the Common Grackle is an uncommon sight in Arizona. Smaller than the familiar Great-tailed Grackle, it has a shorter bill and tail, with males showing a distinctive bronze sheen across the back and wings. Females are dark overall, unlike the brown female Great-tailed Grackle. Common Grackles breed primarily east of the Rocky Mountains and appear only occasionally in Arizona, most often during spring and fall. Their continuing westward expansion raises an intriguing possibility: this occasional visitor could eventually become a breeding species in the state.
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New in Arizona Birds
“Avifauna of Vekol Valley, Maricopa County, Arizona,” by Robert W. Bowker. Surveys conducted from 2018–2025 documented 152 species in this underbirded desert landscape, adding valuable information about bird distribution and breeding activity.
Explore the birds of Vekol Valley.
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Volunteer with Great Basin Bird Observatory
Our partners at Great Basin Bird Observatory offer opportunities to support bird conservation through field surveys, bird banding, data entry, and other projects. Whether you enjoy time outdoors or contributing your skills from home, take a look at how you can help.
Explore GBBO volunteer opportunities.
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Congratulations to Southeastern Arizona Bird Observatory!
Southeastern Arizona Bird Observatory (SABO) was inducted into the Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame on August 22, recognizing three decades of education, research, advocacy, and conservation. Founders Tom Wood and Sheri Williamson accepted the honor on behalf of the volunteers, members, donors, and partners who have supported SABO’s work. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!
Read more about SABO’s induction.
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