Chapters’ Corner, Summer 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!  

Sonoran Audubon Society’s Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo Survey Interns Begin Work 
The 2026 Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo survey period began on June 15, and four new folks became trained and began their summer internship by participating in surveys at the Agua Fria National Monument in central Arizona, and in the Tres Rios area in South Phoenix. All teams reported that habitat conditions are better than last year and most transects reported observations of Yellow-billed Cuckoos. Learn more about our work here. 

Prescott Audubon Society’s Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo Surveyors Welcome New Leaders 
Many thanks to Dave Frechette for + 10 years of service coordinating cuckoo surveys in the Prescott area, mostly on the Verde River and its tributaries. This year, Dave stepped down after a long and successful tenure, and we welcome Kurt and Martha Baden as new coordinators. They can be reached regarding all things cuckoo in the Prescott area at ybcusurveyprescott@gmail.com. 

Sangre de Cristo Audubon Society Members Assist Forest Stewards with Fireshed Bird Studies 
Chapter members joined a team of eight people organized by Santa Fe’s Forest Stewards Guild to conduct bird surveys in forest areas either recently treated or scheduled to be thinned or burned. The objective of this multi-year study is to determine the effects of forest management techniques on bird diversity, primarily on nesting birds. Similar studies elsewhere have generally found a decline in bird diversity soon after forest treatments, followed by an increase in bird diversity over time. You can review a summary of preliminary data collected from monitoring efforts in 2023 and 2025 here ,or on the Greater Santa Fe Fireshed Coalition webpage.  

Audubon Chapters Nationwide Raise Awareness of Farm Bill 
Did you know that the Farm Bill is the country's single largest investment in voluntary conservation on private lands? The 2026 reauthorization is a critical opportunity to strengthen the program and ensure continued benefits to birds, and chapters nationwide are using the opportunity to engage their local communities. Many thanks to Audubon Southwest’s chapters for taking up the call to action! Check out the flyer and view an overview of what Audubon is asking for in the 2026 Farm Bill.