Outdoor Expo at Ben Avery

Hey Readers!

Last Saturday, after a scouting trip for the Bendire's Thrasher Survey, my Dad and I attended the Arizona Game and Fish Department's Outdoor Expo at the Ben Avery Shooting Range.  Admission was free as was the parking.  I found it to be a very informative event and I would like to share some details of my experience there.

A captive Golden Eagle at the event

The first thing I noticed about the event was the sheer numbers of attendees!  There were tons of people there and Ben Avery provided everyone with adequate parking.  There were three main tents that housed a multitude of booths.  The first tent we visited was themed around Arizona's wildlife:

The Golden Eagle tethered to its perch

A Black-crowned Night Heron which stood very still...

A Turkey Vulture showing off its bald red head and ivory bill

Arizona's wonderful state mammal, the Ringtail

Desert Tortoises in a protected enclosure for the kids to see

The Outdoor Expo is a great event for kids especially because of the number of different animals and attractions.  It is also quite helpful to those who are interested in volunteer work (such as myself).  I was able to talk with a man who has extensive experience working with Apache Trout in Pinetop.  I also spoke awhile with an AZGFD biologist who was showcasing the California Condor booth.  She and I talked about college and the importance of work experience to the Department.  The Audubon Society was present as was the Arizona Herpetological Society.  One of my goals is to work on at least one project that benefits a bird, mammal, reptiles, amphibian, and fish.  So far, I have completed my mammal project and currently, I am in the process of completing my bird project.

                            

One of the hunting clubs that were present

                           

Check out their Bible verse!

                           

If you are interested in plugging into a hunting club or conservation group, the Outdoor Expo is your best chance to do that.  There were scores of booths dedicated to these kinds of clubs.  

A kid's kayaking pool complete with real kayaks!  I wanted to jump in there too...

                           

This just about sums up my experience at the Outdoor Expo.  Keep checking Adam's Command for new posts!  

Godspeed and good birding,

- Joshua