AZFO Field Expedition to the lower Gila River/I-8 vagrant traps: Nov 21-22, 2009

OVERVIEW:

In the vast expanses of desert and agricultural land stretching across southwestern Arizona, there are a number of very small patches of habitat where wayward birds might find some food and shelter.  We will simply travel from one patch of habitat to another, much like the vagrant or late migrant birds we hope to encounter.  We will also keep notes on the composition of the flocks utilizing these areas.  Most locations will be within easy reach of Interstate Highway 8, and are concentrated around the lower Gila River.

Warning: this trip may involve long stretches of (relative) birding boredom punctuated by moments of extreme excitement!  While much of this area is covered annually by only 2-3 avid birders, they often stumble upon very interesting species.  With a larger team of field ornithologists dedicated to surveying these spots, we will almost certainly find something that is of local interest.  We should also be able to cover a lot of ground!

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, Nov 13^th.

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY / WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE FIELD:

-This trip will require some walking “off-trail,” but most spots can be surveyed by road

-1.5 days of surveying patches of habitat attractive to migrant or vagrant bird species

LODGING:

-Several hotels are clustered along I-8 in Gila Bend (Fri night) and Yuma (Sat night)

-For those with tight budgets, we are currently researching camping options

OTHER PREPARATIONS:

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

-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

-Spotting scopes may also prove useful in some areas, but one or two will suffice (leader has one)

CARPOOLING, MEETING TIMES/PLACES:

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

-Meeting time/place: TBA to registered participants.

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