Record 40,499 sandhill cranes counted in southern Arizona

[Source: Outdoor News Daily.com, 2-13-2010] — The Sulphur Springs Valley in Arizona attracted a record 40,499 wintering sandhill cranes, providing an unparalleled wildlife watching opportunity in southern Arizona this year, say Arizona Game and Fish Department biologists.  “In 2008 this agriculturally-rich valley in southern Arizona drew a record 36,708 sandhill cranes.  This year circumstances and conditions conspired for this 80-mile-long valley to attract thousands more of these magnificent large birds,” said Mike Rabe, the department’s migratory game bird program manager.

Sandhill cranes are some of the largest birds in North America and have a wingspan of six to eight feet across, allowing them to fly and soar up to 100 miles in a single day in their quest for food.  Huge V-shaped flights of sandhill cranes plying the skies provide a thrilling sight for wildlife viewers.  When standing on the ground, adult sandhills can reach six feet tall.  “Experiencing the morning sandhill crane launch at the department’s two wildlife areas, especially Whitewater Draw, is truly spectacular.  Witnessing the cranes return to roost at these wildlife areas can be equally spectacular, especially during one of Arizona’s brilliant sunsets,” Rabe said. [Note: To read the full article, click here.]

Glendale looks at next phase of park

[Source: Michelle Gingerich, yourwestvalley.com, 11-29-2009] — The Glendale parks and recreation commission will consider both budget issues and community feedback as it begins to plan the next phase of construction for the Western Area Regional Park at 83rd Avenue and Bethany Home Road.  When construction is completed, the Western Area Regional Park will be an 81-acre park with an assortment of amenities.  “The park gives a community aspect to Glendale’s sports and entertainment district,” said Bill Schwind, the deputy director of parks and recreation.

The city has plans to add a branch library, multi-generational recreation center, an aquatics complex, soccer, softball and little league baseball fields, an urban fishing park, a dog park, tennis courts and additional basketball courts to the park.  The park and all of the amenities are not expected to be completed until 2020.  “We are now evaluating what the costs will be for each additional future amenity,” said Mike Gregory, the park’s project coordinator.  “We will be evaluating not only the construction of the amenities but the costs to operate it once it’s built.”  [Note: To read the full article. click here.]

Discovery Garden starting to take shape at Esperanza

[Source: Arizona Republic, Coty Delores Miranda, 10-6-2009] — After more than two years in the planning, the Kyrene de la Esperanza Discovery Garden and Outdoor Classroom is getting underway with a pond building and tree planting set for Saturday.  Volunteers are still being sought to help all day or anytime from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

With the expert guidance of Paul Holderman, founder of Pond Gnome and creator of the Koi Pond in the Phoenix Zoo entrance, volunteers will help lay the liner on the 25-foot-long pond, install a pump to recycle water in a free-falling stream over rocks, line the edges with river rock and incorporate water plants.  If possible, small native trees will also be planted in an effort to move to the second and third phases of the Discovery Garden creation.

In 2006, the Esperanza Discovery Garden began with an application to the Arizona Game and Fish Department for a $10,000 Heritage Fund grant — monies derived from Lottery ticket sales.  They received the grant in May 2007. [Note: to read the full story, click here.]

4 condors to join wild flock at Vermilion Cliffs

[Source: Ron Dungan, Arizona Republic] — Witness the release of four California condors at 11 a.m. Saturday at Vermilion Cliffs National Monument in northern Arizona. “Arizona is privileged to be home to one of only three wild California condor populations in the world, so residents and visitors to our state have a unique opportunity to watch this release,” said Kathy Sullivan, a condor biologist with the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

Condors were added to the federal endangered species list in 1967. In the 1980s, biologists captured the remaining 22 birds and started a captive-breeding program. Condors produced in captivity are periodically released to help expand the wild populations. [To read the full article, click here].