Gwen Grace That’s a ring-necked duck? Did someone not see the white ring on the beak? It’s actually named for its chestnut collar, but it’s seldom seen. The distinctive white ring on the beak, yellow eye, and iridescent purple head make for easy identification. These medium-sized ducks have now arrived on lakes in Sun Lakes…
Have you seen white pelicans in Sun Lakes? Currently, the beautiful white pelicans are loving Arizona. There were about 35 fishing and feeding at the Gilbert Water Ranch during the recent Desert Rivers Audubon Family Bird Walk. The pelicans had visitors stunned. It’s also a delight to see them riding the thermals with a nine-foot…
Gwen Grace Beautiful Mandarin ducks were seen and photographed in Prescott, Ariz., in November. Through the Audubon network, the ducks were sighted and entered on the eBird alert so that birders could experience this once-in-a-lifetime event. Two males were seen! This is what the exciting bird migration can bring as birds come up from southern…
Gwen Grace The Desert Rivers Audubon Society (DRAS) has resumed the monthly Burrowing Owl Walks. The fourth Saturday of each month at sundown, the burrowing owls venture out to catch dinner. This event is due to a new and exciting partnership with Arizona State University! Join us from 5 p.m. through sunset to see the…
A darling bird has taken up residency at the Gilbert Water Ranch. You have a chance to find it at the next Desert Rivers Audubon bird walk on Oct 16. We love to refer to it as “Rosy,” a Roseate Spoonbill who varied off course. Bring the family, as there are loaner binoculars for the…
The Desert Rivers Audubon Society (DRAS) is the local chapter of the National Audubon Society. DRAS meets the second Tuesday of the month at the Gilbert Library at Guadalupe and Greenfield at 7:00 p.m., but only October through March of each year. You are invited to join. The fall bird migrations have started, and lakes…
The Desert Rivers Audubon Society, Sun Lakes’ local Audubon, November 13 meeting will present Rich Glinski talking about the Crested Caracara in Arizona. The bird can be found in southern Arizona in the farmlands looking for carrion. It can be seen around the Santa Cruz Flats. This bird has a 49-inch wingspread and stands two…
Gwen Grace Is your yard planted with food, shelter and water for birds? If you use native plants, flowers, shrubs and trees that attract birds, we want to hear from you! You probably already know Chuparosa brings hummingbirds, Albert’s towhees and lesser goldfinches, or that Palo Verde trees are great for nesting and for…
Gwen Grace Liberty Wildlife will present an up-close-and-personal view of raptors, owls and eagles at the March 13 Desert Rivers Audubon meeting. Children will be invited to sit up front as the handlers display the beautiful birds. The meeting is held at the Gilbert Library located at the corner of Greenfield and Guadalupe Roads…
Gwen Grace The Annual Bird Migrations are starting, and Desert Rivers Audubon Society wants you to join the fun. Desert Rivers Audubon Society (DRAS) events are as follows: Monthly Meetings: October 10, 7:00-9:00 p.m., monthly meeting. And then each second Tuesday of the month until April. Place: Southeast Regional Library in Gilbert at 775 N.…