Maricopa Audubon Meetings and Programs

February through May 2009 

Meetings are held on the 1^st Tuesday of each month, September through May.  Our May meeting is our Annual Banquet with a location to be announced.  Please check our web site or newsletter for the location of the May 2009 banquet.

Meetings start at 7:30 p.m., and feature a general membership meeting, guest speaker, sales tables, refreshments and a chance to socialize with MAS members.  Visitors are most welcome!  Our September through April meetings are held in Dorrance Hall at the Desert Botanical Garden except December, which will be in Webster Auditorium (limited parking is accessed by taking the first right past the entrance off Galvin Parkway). The Garden is located at 1201 North Galvin Parkway in Phoenix, which is approximately ½ mile north of the Phoenix Zoo.  Dorrance Hall is located off the main parking lot and entry to the Garden.  There will be signs directing you to the meeting.  Although there is no charge to attend our general membership meetings, the Annual Banquet does require a dinner reservation and associated cost.

A pre-meeting dinner will be held at Rolling Hills (formerly Pete’s) 19^th Tee Restaurant, 1405 N. Mill Avenue in Tempe (at the Rolling Hills Golf Course) for the September through April meetings.  Come and join us at 6:00 p.m. for a delicious meal (no-host), meet our guest speaker and say “howdy” to other birders.  Meals average $5.00 to $7.00. 

Program Schedule for Fall 2009

September 1, 2009

Emily Morris Ruffs of the Netherlands. Emily Morris, the newest addition to the MAS board as the editor for The Cactus Wrendition, will talk about her time working as a research assistant in Holland where she studied the interesting and amazing shorebird—the Ruff.

Dorrence Hall

October 6

Moez Ali  Birds of Kenya. Moez Ali was born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya and has always been very interested in birds and wildlife. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Martin College in Pulaski, TN. He is an avid and experienced birder, active member and field trip leader for the Tucson Audubon Society.
Dorrence Hall

November 3, 2009

Bob Witzeman Birds of Southwestern Ecuador: Ecuador is one of the birdiest spots on this planet.  Their colors are bright and breathtaking or camouflaged depending on their ecological needs. Birds of both the east and west sides of the continental divide of southwestern Ecuador will be visited.  Knock-your-socks-off plumaged hummingbirds: Green-crowned Brilliant, Andean Emerald, White-necked Jacobin, Amethyst-throated Sun-angel, Fawn-breasted Brilliant and more are easily seen at Ecuador’s ecotourism lodges in the high Andes. The rare Jocotoco Antpitta, discovered only a decade ago, and other unique species of antpittas, aracaris, toucans, and parrots are encountered in their dense forest habitats. The endangered El Oro Parakeet, discovered in 1980, was observed preening their bright plumage. 

Dorrence Hall

December 1, 2009

Dr. David Pearson  Alaska from North to South: Birds and Wildlife From the Arctic Ocean at Prudhoe Bay down the Dalton Highway through the Brooks Range, Denali National Park, and south to Prince William Sound and finally to the herds of Brown Bears fishing for salmon at the Brooks Falls of Katmai National Park, Alaska is overwhelming with its wildlife, birds and dramatic scenery.  Tourism, oil, and politics that make Arizona's legislature look tame only add to a fascinating and educational place to visit.
David L. Pearson

Webster Hall

NOTE:  The May program will be associated with our Annual Banquet.  Check our web site, newsletter, or contact a board member for location information.