Please note: Due to post surgery recovery from an elbow fracture to my dominant arm I am unable to continue production of the podcast at this time. Full recovery is expected by early 2026, but whether I can continue given other health issues is a question.

This has been a solo act from the begining in 2021. This episode was produced before the injury, includes the conclusion of a series on the extraordinary recovery of the Lesser Snow Goose in western North America, increasingly a common resident of Arizona. A report on efforts underway to have Bendire's Thrasher elevated to threatened status following surveys that show dramatic declines in recent years. Bird of the episode: Barn Owl. Birding hotspot: Dankworth Pond State Park south of Safford. Friend of wildlife: Arizona Sustainability Alliance.

I have arranged with the podcast distribution platform to keep all episodes available until further notice. Thank you all for your interest and loyalty, some of you from the very first episode.

I started the podcast as what I thought might be a brief interlude during the Covid pandemic. Nearly 10,000 downloads later to more than 70 countries, more than 700 cities/principalities on every continent except Antarctica I am overwhelmed with gratitude. I hope you have found the podcast interesting and, from time to time, perhaps entertaining.

Wishing happy birding to all wherever you are.

- Mike Ameigh

Lesser Snow Geese, once a rarity in Arizona and western North America more broadly have rebounded from the brink of extinction as a result of adaptation to modern agricultural practices. In this podcast part 1 of an article from Audubon Magazine that describes major damage to wetland ecology resulting from this rebound. Bird of the episode: the Arizona Bald Eagle. Birding hotspot: Big Horn Mountains Wilderness, Buckeye. Friend of Wildlife: Arizona Sonoran desert Museum.

A brief explanation of how birds are 'smaht.' Kettles of hawks, vultures and other large birds of prey are passing through Arizona headed for South America in migration. What is a 'kettle' and how does it form? Pinto Creek in Gila County is drying up from water extraction by mining operations destroying riparian ecology in the area. A tribute to Richard Glinski, long-time Arizona biologist and nature educator who passed away earlier this year.

A report by the Arizona Field Ornithologists on gaps in data regarding resident bird species in Arizona. These bird information 'gaps' are being addressed by volunteers and professional wildlife personnel statewide with updates posted to the AZFO website. A rare-bird-alert update for the last week in September for Maricopa County. Bird of the episode: Belted Kingfisher. Birding hotspot: Coon Bluff. Friend of wildlife: Arizona Trail Association.

A report on concerns about possible effects of aerial drones on raptors. Arizona Game and Fish Department's continuing work on installation of wildlife crossovers and underpasses along Interstate 17. near Flagstaff. A report from Tucson Bird Alliance on the Purple Gallinule wetland bird increasingly spotted in Arizona. Bird of the episode: Bell's Vireo. Birding hotspot: Borderlands Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge. Friends of wildlife: Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum, Tucson.

A report on research regarding shorebird use of the Colorado River Delta by millions of shorebirds in migration. Highlights from the Northern Arizona Audubon Society August newsletter. A closeup of the Lark Bunting, elusive winter resident of the Wilcox Playa often observed with other sparrows. Bird of the episode: Barn Owl. Birding hotspot: Beaver Dam Mountains wilderness. Friend of wildlife: Arizona Natural Plant Society.

The Crested Caracara, a desert scavenger and sometimes breeder in Arizona's Sonoran Desert, was spotted recently in Canada. Locals say it has been observed repeatedly and may be a year-round resident. The bird was scavenging in a town dump in the Province of Ontario. Wild burros, while not native to Arizona have adapted to the desert and are wreaking havoc on native plants including Saguaro cacti. Bird of the episode: American Wigeon. Birding hotspot: Blue Range Wilderness. Friends of wildlife: Arizona Master Naturalists.

A report on the release of five more California Condors at Vermilion Cliffs National Monument in northern Arizona. This is the fifth year that new endangered condors have been introduced into to the wild through a program involving the San Diego Zoo, Arizona Game and Fish Department, Hawk Watch International and the Peregrine Fund, among other partners. A report on how saline lakes are making a comeback in southern California and western Arizona following sigificant rains during the recent monsoon season. Some scientists are celebrating this turn of events as the western drought continues, albeit cautiously. Bird of the episode: American Robin. Birding hotspot: Baboquivari Peak Wilderness. Friend of wildlife: Arizona Ecological Services Field Office.