Daily Archives: March 14, 2016

Newest Game and Fish wildlife camera showcases downtown Phoenix falcons

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Phx_peregrine_camPHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department added a second wildlife live stream camera to its offerings this week. Now, anyone with a computer, smart phone or tablet can get a peek into the lives of a breeding pair of peregrine falcons living atop the Maricopa County Administration building in downtown Phoenix.

Peregrine falcons have been nesting in the downtown Phoenix area for more than a decade.

“This is a perfect example of wildlife being everywhere. We think people will be fascinated watching this pair of peregrine falcons and getting a glimpse into nesting, incubating eggs and rearing young, all in live time,” said Randy Babb, watchable wildlife program manager for the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

Maricopa County partnered with the department and is allowing biologists to monitor the birds and access the nest site when necessary.

This February, a nest box previously installed by the department was renovated and state-of-the-art streaming video and audio equipment was installed in anticipation of the falcons using the nest box again this season. Since the renovation, the birds have been spending more time at the nest box indicating they intend to nest there again this year. Peregrine falcons tend to use the same nest sites season after season for many years.

The department also launched a live feed of sandhill cranes earlier this year showing the birds wintering in southern Arizona.

“It’s a priority for the department to connect and engage the public with their wildlife. Live feed wildlife cameras are just one tool for doing that,” Babb continued. “If you check the camera and the birds aren’t present, keep checking. If they lay eggs, viewing will be more consistent and predictable.”

Both the peregrine and sandhill crane live streams can be viewed at www.azgfd.gov/livecams.

Peregrine falcons are one of the world’s most widespread raptors and are found on nearly every continent. The species nearly went extinct in North American from pesticide poisoning, but thanks to recovery efforts, the species was removed from the U.S.’s Endangered Species Act in 1999. This falcon feeds almost exclusively on medium-sized birds such as pigeons and doves, which are plentiful in urban areas.

ADEQ Ombudsman and Tribal Liaison Ian Bingham Expands Role as ADEQ Communications Director

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Karin Harris, CEO of eGreen IT Solutions, receives a certificate of achievement from ADEQ Ombudsman Ian Bingham for being an original member of the agency’s Voluntary Environmental Stewardship Program (VESP)

Karin Harris, CEO of eGreen IT Solutions, receives a certificate of achievement from ADEQ Ombudsman Ian Bingham for being an original member of the agency’s Voluntary Environmental Stewardship Program (VESP)

PHOENIX — Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) officials announced today the appointment of Ian Bingham, ADEQ Ombudsman and Tribal Liaison since 2010, to ADEQ Communications Director. This appointment expands Mr. Bingham’s current service, as he is continuing his role as Ombudsman and Tribal Liaison. In his new capacity, Mr. Bingham will counsel agency executive leadership and direct and manage strategic, proactive marketing and branding activities, internal and external communication and outreach.

Of additional benefit to ADEQ and Governor Douglas A. Ducey’s governmental transformation initiative, Mr. Bingham has designed and implemented processes that remove process waste, increase efficiency and dramatically improve performance since the mid-1990s.

“Widely admired and respected inside and outside of the agency, Mr. Bingham exhibits a true passion for and deep understanding of the value effective communication brings to furthering the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality mission of protecting and enhancing public health and the environment,” said Director Cabrera. “Mr. Bingham leads by example – his commitment to the environment and our community go far beyond his work at the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality in his service as a member of the Board of Directors for the Stewardship Action Council, Arizona Environmental Strategic Alliance Advisor, and mentoring youth by coaching basketball since 1989,” Director Cabrera added.

Now in his 25th year of agency service, his prior experience includes management positions in the Underground Storage Tank (UST) Inspections and Compliance and Corrective Action programs, Waste Programs Division Enforcement Coordinator, technical advisor for UST, Arizona Environmental Performance Track Program Administrator, and most recently, Voluntary Environmental Stewardship Program Coordinator, and Arizona Power Plant and Transmission Line Siting Committee Representative.