Looking for an opportunity to learn your marshbirds? What is a secretive marshbird, anyways?  

In case you're not already familiar with the distinctive “laughing hyena” type call of the Sora rail, here's your opportunity to become involved in a citizen science project that adds to our knowledge of shy birds who like to hide in the thick vegetation of marshes and wetlands.  

Join experienced birders and learn how to conduct an official marshbird survey as part of the Arizona Bird Conservation Initiative in the White Mountains. This survey involves a short hike around a marsh or wetland area and playing the calls of the secretive marshbirds.  

During the spring when these birds are advertising their breeding territories to scare away other birds of the same species, they will readily answer calls played over portable loudspeakers. Surveyors will listen for the calls of Sora, black and Virginia rails, and hopefully American or least bitterns. Pied-billed grebes, common gallinules, as well as songbirds such as yellow-breasted chats, common yellowthroats, and marsh wrens may also be seen and heard.  

Wetland areas that will be surveyed include Big Springs, Pintail Marsh, Jacques Marsh, and Sierra Blanca Lake among other locations. Luna and Becker Lakes also have marshes on the upstream end of them so they also support these secretive marsh birds. Surveys need to be conducted at first light in the morning so if you enjoy watching sunrises, this activity could be for you. All surveys will be led by a biologist from the Arizona Game and Fish Department so no prior experience is needed. If you are interested in becoming involved please call (928) 532-2308 or email dgroebner@azgfd.gov. More information and briefing materials will be sent to those interested.