Chapters’ Corner, October 2026

Twelve independent chapters operate within the Audubon Southwest region. Consider joining a chapter near you to participate in bird-related events near you and engage on local issues. Read on for current chapter highlights!

Bird Alliance of Southwestern New Mexico Completes First Bird Survey Season  

The Southwest New Mexico Bird Survey, launched in January by the Bird Alliance of Southwestern New Mexico, conducts monthly monitoring at seven habitat sites to track bird populations and environmental changes. Volunteers conduct standardized 15-minute counts at two census points at each site, including locations near City of Rocks, San Vicente Creek, and the Gila River. This new citizen-science project brings together local naturalists, university researchers, and students to establish baseline data on regional bird populations. Survey data include weather, vegetation changes, and species presence. Organizers plan to compare findings with broader databases such as eBird. Click here for more information and updates.

Desert Rivers Audubon Partners with Audubon on Burrowing Owl Events in San Tan

Ready to roll up your sleeves and help owls? Join Desert Rivers, Audubon Southwest, and Wild At Heart this fall in the East Valley to help build burrows (November 7), release tents (November 15), or remove the tents (December 12). Expect to spend three to four dusty morning hours per day. No experience is needed, and we provide tools and instructions.  Sign up here and learn more about the relocation process here.

Maricopa Bird Alliance Hosts Photographer Dawn Kish in South Phoenix on October 13

Dawn Kish, an award-winning conservation photographer and filmmaker, seamlessly intertwines art with adventure and advocacy. Her most recent film, Tad’s Emerging World: Glen Canyon Exposed, premiered at the prestigious Banff Film Festival. A special screening will take place at 7 p.m., along with a Q&A afterward with co-curator Richard Jackson. Admission is free, but space is limited, and RSVP is requested. The venue is South Mountain Park and Preserve Conference Room, 10919 S. Central Ave., Phoenix, and the event runs from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  Sign up here.

Sonoran Audubon Society Celebrates 6th Year of Yellow-billed Cuckoo Survey Interns

Sonoran Audubon Society long ago adopted the Agua Fria National Monument, a stronghold for the Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo, as a conservation activity focus. This summer, the chapter supported five interns to assist permitted Audubon biologists with monitoring efforts on the monument, and two individuals logged enough hours to be added to Audubon’s federal permit, thereby increasing Audubon’s capacity to survey this listed species while providing early career biologists with vital field experience. Survey results are forthcoming, but initial data suggest the birds fared better in 2026 than 2025.

Tucson Bird Alliance Native Plant Sale October 1-13

Fall is the best time to plant, and bird-friendly native options can be hard to find! Tucson Bird Alliance has an excellent reputation for high-quality plants and knowledgeable staff to provide advice. There is an online ordering option—with online orders needing to be picked up on October 16 and 17 from the Tucson Nature Store. Shipping is not available. Make this the year you plant for birds!

Welcome Audubon Southwest’s Newest Campus Chapter

Today we welcome the newest Audubon Southwest campus chapter to the flock: Western New Mexico University in Silver City! Hats off to Bird Alliance of Southwestern New Mexico for their outreach to the Wildlife Society and for being able to join forces! Learn more about this well-established and respected school here.