SOUTHWEST WINGS
Birding and Nature Festival in Sierra Vista, Arizona
Greatest Little Birding Festival in the United States - since 1991
Our mission is to promote nature-based tourism and environmental awareness in southeastern Arizona
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TUESDAY APRIL 28, 2020
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FREE WELCOME KICK-OFF FIESTA
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
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Early Bird arrivals are invited to join us Tuesday 4:30pm – 5:30pm at Cochise College Student Center which is next door to the Library and early registration location. Come early and be our guest at our new exclusive festive Kick-Off gathering and enjoy food and refreshments! Meet and mingle with your fellow Southwest Wings participants, guides and the faces behind “The Greatest Little Birding Festival in the United States!”
Wednesday, April 29, 2020
W1 Sonora Desert Sampler - Jeff Babson
Wed, April 29, 6:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Join professional bird guide and environmental educator, Jeff Babson, on a trip to explore the saguaro forest and other habitats of the Arizona Upland subdivision of the Sonoran Desert. We will visit locations that are stunningly beautiful and rich in biological diversity. We will be seeking species such as Gilded Flicker, Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet, Purple Martin, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, Lucy's Warbler, Black-throated and Rufous-winged Sparrows, and more. It will be hot, so bring plenty of water, sunscreen, hat, and lip balm.
Lunch provided. Difficulty: 2 easy. Guide Jeff Babson.
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W2 Chasing Rarities - Laurens Halsey
Wed, April 29, 6:00 AM - 4:00 PM
This is a day long excursion to see what's new or unusual in Southeast Arizona. This trips destinations will be based on recent bird reports in the area and what you folks on the trip need to see. With no pre-planned destination your professional guide, Laurens Halsey, will be free to chase after what's available in any direction or location. The trip may include any of the areas covered by our regular trips or may try a new location to see what is available.
Lunch is provided. Hiking Difficulty: 3 to 4 moderate to difficult. Guide Laurens Halsey.
PLEASE NOTE: All participants must obtain a Security Clearance ID in advance for access onto the Fort. details here
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W3 Carr Canyon - Rob Woodward
Wed, April 29, 6:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Enjoy a spectacular road trip to the top of the Huachuca Mts. We will stop in the lower canyon at the Carr Canyon House Nature Center to check out the feeders. The Carr Canyon Road is the only road into the upper reaches of the Huachuca Range off Fort Huachuca. This scenic narrow, winding road was built at the turn of the century to open up the Carr Reef to gold and silver mining. It was reconstructed in the late 1930's by the Civilian Conservation Corps. At 7,400ft elevation, the spruce/fir forest here offers unique birding opportunities. We will drive to the upper campground in Carr Canyon. Along with the birds, this trip offers some of the area’s most spectacular views, from lichen-covered cliff faces to the San Pedro River valley off in the distance. After exploring the campground, and depending on conditions, we can hike in several directions, either upward toward Carr Peak, or down to Comfort Springs, one of the area’s only water sources. Birds we will be looking for include: Arizona Woodpecker, Greater Pewee, Buff-breasted Flycatcher, Pygmy Nuthatch, Grace's, Red-faced, Virginia’s and Olive Warblers, Painted Redstart, Hepatic Tanager and Yellow-eyed Junco. The trail to Comfort Springs is moderately steep and at this elevation, the return can be taxing.
Lunch is provided. Hiking Difficulty: 3 moderate with elevation. This trip is best suited for intermediate birders. Wear comfortable sturdy shoes. Guide Rob Woodward.
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W4 Ash and Miller Canyons - Kirsty Gallo
Wed, April 29, 6:00 AM - 3:00 PM
On this Canyon tour, we will start at the entrance to Miller Canyon, where we will look for Botteri’s and Grasshopper Sparrows, Bell’s Vireo, Hooded Oriole and other lower elevation species. We will then drive up to the end of Miller Canyon Road and hike up the canyon. Be prepared for a two-mile slow walk with a 750 to 1,000ft elevation gain, uneven terrain with rocks and boulder hopping. A hiking stick is recommended. On our hike we will look for higher elevation species like Arizona Woodpecker, Buff-breasted Flycatcher, Greater Pewee, Hepatic Tanager, Painted Redstart, Red-faced Warbler and 'Mexican' Spotted Owl. After conquering the canyon, we will have lunch then make a stop at Ash Canyon Bird Sanctuary for some well earned restful backyard birding with the chance of a Lucifer Hummingbird.
Lunch is provided. Hiking Difficulty: 4 difficult. Guide Kristy Gallo
W5 Madera Canyon - Jennie MacFarland
Wed, April 29, 6:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Join professional guide, Melody Kehl, on this trip to Madera Canyon via Box Canyon and the Santa Rita grasslands. We will explore the many habitats this famous birding area has to offer - grassland, riparian, and canyon woodland. Target species include Rivoli's Hummingbird, Elegant Trogon, Black-capped Gnatcatcher, Lucy's Warbler, Painted Redstart, Hepatic and Summer Tanagers, Botteri’s Sparrow, Yellow-eyed Junco and Scott’s Oriole.
Lunch is provided. Hiking Difficulty: 3 moderate. Guide Jennie MacFarland.
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W6 Huachuca Canyon and Fort - Julie Michael
Wed, April 29, 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM
We explore this active military base that is rich in both American West history and Southeast Arizona avian specialties. In Huachuca Canyon, we hope to find Elegant Trogon, Dusky-capped Flycatcher, Plumbeous Vireo, Painted Redstart, migrant warblers, Hepatic Tanager, and more. This a fairly easy hike with a nice picnic area. The old veterans cemetery offers good birding in the trees with a chance of Eastern Bluebird as well as a nice rest stop with running water bathrooms. This half-day trip is appropriate for all levels of birders. Comfortable tennis shoes or light hiking boots and sun protection (hats) are recommended.
Hiking Difficulty: 2 easy. Guide: Julie Michael.
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WF1 Overnight Santa Cruz Valley - Richard Fray
Wed, April 29, 6:00 AM - Fri, May 1, 4:00 PM
The rugged canyons of the Atascosa Mountains and Pajarito Wilderness are some of the most celebrated birding spots on the Arizona/Sonora border. This double-overnight tour, with professional guide Richard Fray, will focus on the search for the area’s most famous specialty birds, among them Rose-throated Becard, Montezuma Quail, Buff-collared Nightjar, and Five-striped Sparrow. This tour also provides excellent opportunities for seeing a good cross-section of southeast Arizona’s many specialties, including Elf Owl, Gray Hawk, Elegant Trogon, Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet, Tropical Kingbird, Painted Redstart, Botteri’s, Rufous-winged and Rufous-crowned Sparrows, and Scott’s Oriole. We begin in Patagonia, where we will hit prime locations for Violet-crowned Hummingbird, and other exciting possibilities. After lunch our route takes us directly to California Gulch, where we will look for the rare Five-striped Sparrow, Black-capped Gnatcatcher and other species. We will remain in the area until the end of the day to look for Buff-collared Nightjar, which breeds there, as well as the chance of other night birds. We will have a 'picnic' dinner and be late back to our accommodation. The next morning, after a little sleep in and a home-cooked breakfast, we will explore the “birdy” Santa Cruz Valley, where we hope to spot Rose-throated Becard, Thick-billed Kingbird and others. Sites around Rio Rico and Nogales could produce Black-bellied Whistling-Duck and Elegant Trogon. The final day, we'll head back to Sierra Vista via Box Canyon, which could produce Five-striped Sparrow and Lucifer Hummingbird, and the grasslands of Las Cienegas.
Most of our birding will be from the vehicle or on level, sometimes rocky paths. This trip includes all meals and lodging at the Rancho Santa Cruz B&B. Hiking Difficulty: 3 moderate. This trip is best suited for intermediate birding skills. Bring binoculars, camera, sunscreen, and insect repellant. Guide Richard Fray.
Price is for double occupancy, however, if you are interested in single occupancy please contact admin@swwings.org.
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WT2 Overnight Chiricahua Mountains - Brad Sulentic
Wed, April 29, 6:00 AM - Fri, May 1, 4:00 PM
The Chiricahua Mountains are the largest and highest of the 'sky islands' that tower over the desert grasslands of SE Arizona. Join professional guide Brad Sulentic, to explore this ecological layer cake, starting with Cassin's and Botteri's Sparrows in the prairies at the base, climbing into the pine-oak woodlands and search for Arizona Woodpecker, Dusky-capped Flycatcher, and Bridled Titmouse, and as entering the high coniferous forest we'll look for the so-called "women warblers": Virginia's, Grace's, and Olive. Here, too, are Greater Pewees and Red-faced Warblers from the Sierra Madres living in conjunction with Rocky Mountain species like Pygmy Nuthatch and Steller's Jay. A Chiricahua specialty is the Mexican Chickadee, on public lands not found anywhere else within the entire United States.
We have two nights in the village of Portal, giving us enough time to explore sycamore-laced South Fork for Elegant Trogon, Zone-tailed Hawk, Painted Redstart, and Hepatic Tanager. At Portal Peak Lodge feeders, Rivoli's, Blue-throated, Broad-billed, Broad-tailed, and migrating male Rufous Hummingbirds are all expected, with possible Calliope, Violet-crowned, and Lucifer Hummingbirds. A pre-breakfast excursion to the nearby desert below Portal will look for Scaled Quail and Bendire's and Crissal Thrashers. Adjacent foothills harbor Juniper Titmouse and Black-chinned Sparrow. A night run up Cave Creek may find Whiskered Screech-Owl and Elf Owl, along with an advertising Mexican Whip-poor-will.
All meals and two nights accommodation at the Portal Peak Lodge included. Suited for intermediate birding skills. Bring binoculars, camera, pocket flashlight, sturdy hiking boots, hat and sunscreen. Hiking Difficulty: 3 moderate. Guide: Brad Sulentic.
Price is for double occupancy, please contact admin@swwings.org to see if single occupancy is available.
WP1 Owls of the Huachuca Mountains - Jeff Babson
Wed, April 29, 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
The Huachuca Mountains are home to several sought-after nocturnal birds, including Whiskered and Western Screech-Owls, Common Poorwill, and Mexican Whip-poor-will. On this trip, professional bird guide Jeff Babson will target these birds with the possibility of seeing many other nocturnal creatures. Please wear darker or khaki clothing and a soft material fleece or jacket; avoid light and bright clothing hats and anything that makes a lot of rustling noises, such as crinkly nylon.
Owl trips are conducted only at the spring event and, like all birding, there are no guarantees except that we will have a good time. Bring a flashlight or headlamp and field guide. Cameras are okay. Best suited for intermediate to advanced birders. Hiking Difficulty: 2 easy, Darkness. Guide Jeff Babson.
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WP2 Owls of the Huachuca Mountains - Jennie MacFarland
Wed, April 29, 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
The Huachuca Mountains are home to several sought-after nocturnal birds, including Whiskered and Western Screech-Owls, Common Poorwill, and Mexican Whip-poor-will. On this trip, professional bird guide Jennie MacFarland will target these birds with the possibility of seeing many other nocturnal creatures. Please wear darker or khaki clothing and a soft material fleece or jacket; avoid light and bright clothing hats and anything that makes a lot of rustling noises, such as crinkly nylon.
Owl trips are conducted only at the spring event and, like all birding, there are no guarantees except that we will have a good time. Bring a flashlight or headlamp and field guide. Cameras are okay. Best suited for intermediate to advanced birders. Hiking Difficulty: 2 easy, Darkness. Guide Jennie MacFarland.
thursday, April 30, 2020
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T1 Ramsey and Brown Canyons - Jeff Babson
Thu, April 30, 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Join professional guide Jeff Babson on a trip around Brown Canyon Ranch, ponds, and grasslands early, then heading up to Ramsey Canyon Preserve. From there we will hike two miles up into upper Ramsey Canyon onto Forest Service land where Flame-colored Tanager and Tufted Flycatcher have been seen in recent years. The lower canyon yields Gambel's Quail, Gila and Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Rufous-crowned, Chipping and Botteri's Sparrows, Blue and Black-headed Grosbeaks, and other canyon outlet species. The canyons are home to Arizona and Acorn Woodpeckers, Hepatic Tanager, Scott’s Oriole, Painted Redstart, and Red-faced Warbler. Be prepared for a slow steep hike up the stairs on the Hamberg trail in Ramsey Canyon. There are nine rest benches along the trail in Ramsey.
Lunch is provided. Hiking Difficulty: 4 difficult. Bring hat, water, sun protection, and wear trail shoes. Guide Jeff Babson.
T2 Hunter Canyon - Rob Woodward
Thu, April 30, 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Join professional guide, Rob Woodward, on a hike up Hunter Canyon where the 2011 Miller Peak Wilderness fire certainly left its mark, with the result being a unique combination of habitats that are home to a nice diversity of bird species. The initial hike is dominated by successional oak-scrub with birds like Crissal Thrasher, Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay, Black-chinned Sparrow, Spotted Towhee, and Scott’s Oriole. Higher up, the trail enters a stand of soaring conifers that were spared when the fire 'jumped' the canyon; here we hope to find Band-tailed Pigeon, Buff-breasted Flycatcher, Grace’s and Virginia’s Warblers, 'Mountain' Pygmy-Owl, Montezuma Quail, and more. The pine forest wasn’t completely spared, however, and the scrubby disturbance habitat here has become home to a resident pair of Rufous-capped Warblers, which we hope will be a well-earned highlight of our hike.
Hiking Difficulty: 4 difficult. Guide Rob Woodward.
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T3 San Pedro River - Sandy Anderson
Thu, April 30, 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Flowing north from Mexico the San Pedro is the last major undammed river remaining in Arizona and was the first Globally Important Bird Area to be designated in the US. This green ribbon of life supports 100 species of breeding birds and provides a critical corridor for millions of migrants. The lush cottonwood/willow forest in May is dripping with birds including Gray Hawk, many species of flycatchers (Vermilion, empids, Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet, kingbirds, 3 species of Myiarchus), Blue Grosbeak, Summer Tanager, Lucy’s Warbler and possibly Green Kingfisher. A short 15-minute drive will bring us to Gray Hawk Nature Center, a private section of the river with great trails and a yard list of 251 species. Flat walking, plenty of shade, varied habitats and a naturalist guide guarantee a fun and comfortable morning for birders of any age or experience level, beginner to advanced.
Lunch is provided. Hiking Difficulty: 2 easy. Guide Sandy Anderson.
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T4 Sonoita-Patagonia Specialties - Laurens Halsey
Thu, April 30, 6:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Join professional guide Laurens Halsey on a search for the best birds of the Sonoita and Patagonia area. The Nature Conservancy’s Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve is one of southeastern Arizona’s best-known destinations for riparian birds. Stops will be made at the Preserve, Las Cienegas NCA, Patagonia Lake State Park, Patagonia roadside rest stop, and Paton’s Hummingbird Center in search of a wide range of riparian and brushy grassland specialty species, hummingbirds, and possible Mexican vagrants. Search birds include Gray and Zone-tailed Hawks, Violet-crowned Hummingbird, Thick-billed and Tropical Kingbirds, Varied Bunting and Rufous-winged Sparrow. Additional stops may be made in the Sonoita grasslands and oak savannah, time permitting. We will enjoy a picnic lunch in the shade somewhere along the way. This trip is best suited for beginner to intermediate birders. Closed-toed shoes and headgear are necessary for this adventure. Lunch is provided. Hiking Difficulty: 3 moderate. Guide: Laurens Halsey.
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T5 Carr Canyon - Jennie MacFarland
Thu, April 30, 6:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Join professional guide, Jennie MacFarland, on this tour of Carr Canyon, beginning in the lower canyon, where we will look for Gambel's Quail, Rufous-crowned, Chipping and Botteri's Sparrows, Blue and Black-headed Grosbeaks, and other canyon outlet species. We may stop at the Carr House Nature Center to check the hummingbird feeders with up to six species of hummingbirds. Venturing to the top of Carr Canyon, we may see Zone-tailed Hawk, as well as Arizona, Gila and Acorn Woodpeckers, Buff-breasted Flycatcher, Grace's and Olive Warblers, Painted Redstart, Yellow-eyed Junco, Hepatic Tanager, Scott's Oriole and other mountain and canyon specialties. We will also be on the lookout for some of the characteristic plants, mammals, and reptiles of the Huachuca Mountains. Be prepared for a slow walk covering a mile or two with a 200ft elevation gain and uneven terrain. Bring hat, water, sun protection, and wear trail shoes.
Lunch is included. Hiking Difficulty: 3 moderate. Guide Jennie MacFarland.
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T6 Sierra Vista Butterflies and Dragonflies - Rich Bailowitz
Thu, April 30, 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Join leader Rich Bailowitz (co-author of several butterfly books as well as Field Guide to the Damselflies and Dragonflies of Arizona and Sonora) as we search for some of the butterflies and dragonflies of the Sierra Vista area. The day will include stops in Escapule Canyon (near the San Pedro River) and in Huachuca Canyon, at various elevations between 4,500 and 6,500ft. A net will be used to catch and release insects for up-close species identification. This trip is best suited for butterfly and dragonfly enthusiasts of all skill levels. Wear good walking shoes, a hat, and bring along water to insure a wonderful adventure.
Lunch is provided. Hiking Difficulty: 3 moderate. Guide Rich Bailowitz.
PLEASE NOTE: All participants must obtain a Security Clearance ID in advance for access onto the Fort. details here
This trip starts at 8:00 am. You get to sleep in !
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TP1 Owls of the Huachuca Mountains - Jeff Babson
Thu, April 30, 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
The Huachuca Mountains are home to several sought-after nocturnal birds, including Whiskered and Western Screech-Owls, Elf Owl, Common Poorwill, and Mexican Whip-poor-will. On this trip, professional bird guide Jeff Babson will target these birds with the possibility of seeing many other nocturnal creatures. Please wear darker or khaki clothing and a soft material fleece or jacket; avoid light and bright clothing hats and anything that makes a lot of rustling noises, such as crinkly nylon windbreakers. Best suited for intermediate to advanced birders.
Owl trips are conducted only at the spring event and, like all birding, there are no guarantees except that we will have a good time. Hiking Difficulty: 2 easy, Darkness. Bring a flashlight or headlamp and field guide. Cameras are okay. Guide Jeff Babson
TP2 Owls of the Huachuca Mountains - Jennie MacFarland
Thu, April 30, 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
The Huachuca Mountains are home to several sought-after nocturnal birds, including Whiskered and Western Screech-Owls, Common Poorwill, and Mexican Whip-poor-will. On this trip, professional bird guide Jennie MacFarland will target these birds with the possibility of seeing many other nocturnal creatures. Please wear darker or khaki clothing and a soft material fleece or jacket; avoid light and bright clothing hats and anything that makes a lot of rustling noises, such as crinkly nylon.
Owl trips are conducted only at the spring event and, like all birding, there are no guarantees except that we will have a good time. Bring a flashlight or headlamp and field guide. Cameras are okay. Best suited for intermediate to advanced birders. Hiking Difficulty: 2 easy, Darkness. Guide Jennie MacFarland
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friday, May 1, 2020
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F1 Escapule Wash and San Pedro - Rob Woodward
Fri, May 1, 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM
The San Pedro River in May is a vibrant green ribbon of life, an avian superhighway through the desert for millions of migrants. The dense cottonwood/willow forest is alive with bird song as those species that stay to breed set up territories and get down to business. This beginning birder friendly trip will visit Escapule wash and the San Pedro House. Your guide, Rob Woodward, is especially patient with those new to the pursuit of birding. Driving times will be short and the walking flat. Intermediate and advanced birders will be happy with the array of species as we search for Gray and Zone-tailed Hawks, Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet, low elevation warblers including Lucy's Warbler, Abert’s Towhee, and many more.
Lunch is provided. Hiking Difficulty: 2 easy. Guide Rob Woodward.
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F2 Garden and Huachuca Canyons - Jennie MacFarland
Fri, May 1, 6:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Join professional guide, Jennie MacFarland on a full day within Fort Huachuca where destinations will include Huachuca and Garden Canyons. We will explore a variety of habitats including foothill grasslands, sycamore-lined canyon woodland, and pine forest. We will search for regional and mountain specialties such as Elegant Trogon, Arizona Woodpecker, Buff-breasted and Dusky-capped Flycatchers, Plumbeous Vireo, Painted Redstart, Grace’s Warbler and Hepatic Tanager. In the grassland areas, we may encounter Loggerhead Shrike, Cassin’s and Western Kingbirds, Black-throated Sparrow, Canyon Towhee, “Lilian’s” Meadowlark, and raptors. We will enjoy a picnic lunch in a shady spot.
Lunch is provided. Hiking Difficulty: 3 moderate. Guide Jennie MacFarland.
PLEASE NOTE: All participants must obtain a Security Clearance ID in advance for access onto the Fort. details here
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F3 Chasing Rarities - Matt Brown
Fri, May 1, 6:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Join professional guide Matt Brown, on a day long excursion to see what's new or unusual in Southeastern Arizona. This trip's destinations will be based on recent bird reports in the area and the group's desires. With no pre-planned destination Matt will be free to chase after what's available in any direction or location. The trip may include any of the areas covered by our regular trips or may try a new location to see what is available.
Lunch is provided. Hiking Difficulty: 3 to 4 moderate to difficult. Guide Matt Brown.
PLEASE NOTE: All participants must obtain a Security Clearance ID in advance for access onto the Fort. details here
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F4 Ash and Miller Canyons - Kirsty Gallo
Fri, May 1, 6:00 AM - 3:00 PM
On this Canyon tour, we will start at the entrance to Miller Canyon, where we will look for Botteri’s and Grasshopper Sparrows, Bell’s Vireo, Hooded Oriole and other lower elevation species. We will then drive up to the end of Miller Canyon Road and hike up the canyon. Be prepared for a two-mile slow walk with a 750 to 1,000ft elevation gain, uneven terrain with rocks and boulder hopping. A hiking stick is recommended. On our hike we will look for higher elevation species like Arizona Woodpecker, Buff-breasted Flycatcher, Greater Pewee, Hepatic Tanager, Painted Redstart, Red-faced Warbler and 'Mexican' Spotted Owl. After conquering the canyon, we will have lunch then make a stop at Ash Canyon Bird Sanctuary for some well earned restful backyard birding with the chance of a Lucifer Hummingbird.
Lunch is provided. Hiking Difficulty: 4 difficult. Guide Kirsty Gallo
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F5 Ramsey Canyon - Ted Mouras
Fri, May 1, 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM
On this field trip, we will visit world famous Ramsey Canyon in the Huachuca Mountains. Owned by The Nature Conservancy this area has been a hot spot for birding for decades. The lower canyon is good for Montezuma and Gambel's Quails, Gila and Ladder-backed Woodpeckers, Rufous-crowned, Chipping and Botteri's Sparrows, Blue and Black-headed Grosbeaks, and other canyon outlet species. Ramsey Canyon is a reliable location to find typical montane riparian birds, plus specialties of southeastern Arizona. It is home to Arizona and Acorn Woodpecker, Hepatic Tanager, Grace's Warbler, Painted Redstart and Red-faced Warbler. Be prepared for a slow hike covering three miles with a 600-foot elevation gain. Bring hat, water, sun protection, and wear trail shoes
Hiking Difficulty: 3-4 moderate to difficult. Guide Ted Mouras
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FS1 Overnight Madera Canyon & Santa Cruz River - Jeff Babson
Fri, May 1, 6:00 AM - Sat, May 2, 4:00 PM
Join professional guide Jeff Babson on an extended trip to Madera Canyon and the Santa Cruz River Valley. The Santa Rita Mountains with Madera Canyon at its heart, is rated the third best birding destination in the United States. With over 256 species of birds documented, it is a 'required' site for all serious birders and we will search for hummingbirds, Elegant Trogon, Black-capped Gnatcatcher, tanagers, a variety of wood warblers and Yellow-eyed Junco. The Santa Cruz River has a wide variety of birds including nesting Gray Hawks, and many lower altitude Arizona specialties. All meals and lodging at the fabulous Amado Inn are included..
Hiking Difficulty: 3 moderate. Guide Jeff Babson.
Same sex single participants will be paired for overnight accommodations. Price is for double occupancy, please contact admin@swwings.org to see if single occupancy is available.
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FP1 Owls of the Huachuca Mountains - Brad Sulentic
Fri, May 1, 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
The Huachuca Mountains are home to several sought-after nocturnal birds, including Whiskered and Western Screech-Owls, Common Poorwill, and Mexican Whip-poor-will. Join professional guide Brad Sulentic on a trip to target these birds with the possibility of seeing many other nocturnal creatures. Please wear darker or khaki clothing and a soft material fleece or jacket; avoid light and bright clothing hats and anything that makes a lot of rustling noises, such as crinkly nylon windbreakers.
Owl trips are conducted only at the spring event and, like all birding, there are no guarantees except that we will have a good time.
Hiking Difficulty: 2 easy, Darkness. Bring a flashlight or headlamp and field guide. Cameras are okay. Best suited for intermediate to advanced birders. Guide Brad Sulentic.
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saturday, May 2, 2020
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S1 St David and Willcox - Julie Michael
Sat, May 2, 6:00 AM - 4:00 PM
The focus of this trip will be the Benedictine’s Holy Trinity Monastery, a 132-acre site on the east side of the San Pedro River in St. David, Arizona. A popular retreat center, the grounds include a 1.3-mile birding trail, several small ponds, a pecan orchard, mesquite woodland, a working farm, and magnificent cottonwoods. Nesting birds include: Gray and Zone-tailed Hawks, Mississippi Kite (at its only nesting site in Arizona), Bell’s Vireo, Vermilion Flycatcher, Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet, Curve-billed Thrasher, Lucy’s Warbler, Summer Tanager. Tropical Kingbird, another local breeder, can usually be found here. Time and weather permitting, we will make a trip to Twin Lakes in Willcox, where we could add a number of shorebirds such as Wilson’s and Red-necked Phalaropes, Least and Baird’s Sandpipers, Long-billed Curlew, and Horned Lark.
Lunch is provided. Hiking Difficulty: 1 very easy. Guide Julie Michael.
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S2 Madera and Box Canyons - Matt Brown
Sat, May 2, 6:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Join professional guide Matt Brown on a trip which will take you to Madera Canyon via Box Canyon and the Santa Rita grasslands and explore this famous birding site. For the last couple of years Box Canyon has hosted breeding Five-striped Sparrow and we will stop to look for this rare species, also hoping to see Varied Bunting and Scott's Oriole. Moving on to Madera Canyon we will bird the many habitats it has to offer - grassland, riparian, and woodland. We will also enjoy a picnic lunch and watch feeding stations. Target species would include Rivoli's Hummingbird, Elegant Trogon, Painted Redstart, Black-capped Gnatcatcher, Hepatic Tanager, Botteri’s Sparrow, Yellow-eyed Junco and Scott’s Oriole.
Lunch is provided. Hiking Difficulty: 3 moderate. Guide Matt Brown.
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S3 Garden Canyon - Rob Woodward
Sat, May 2, 6:00 AM - 12:00 noon
Enjoy a half-day with Rob Woodward on Arizona’s largest military base, famous for over a century for its Arizona specialties. We will cover a wide range of habitats from grasslands to pine-oak woodlands. In the grassland areas, we may encounter Loggerhead Shrike, Cassin’s and Western Kingbirds and Black-throated Sparrow, and in the canyon we will hope to encounter Elegant Trogon, Arizona Woodpecker, Dusky-capped Flycatcher and Painted Redstart. Along the much gentler trails of Sawmill Canyon, we will try for high elevation species such as Greater Pewee, Buff-breasted Flycatcher, Grace’s Warbler, and Hepatic Tanager. This is one of the few trips that access the highest elevations in the Huachucas.
Hiking Difficulty: 3 moderate. Guide Rob Woodward.
PLEASE NOTE: All participants must obtain a Security Clearance ID in advance for access onto the Fort. details here
S4 Las Cienegas NCA - Richard Fray
Sat, May 2, 6:00 AM - 4:00 PM
A visit to what was formerly one of the Southwest’s largest cattle ranches with professional bird guide Richard Fray. This expansive BLM National Conservation Area is home to Pronghorn Antelope and a wide variety of birds. We will visit rolling grasslands, mesquite thickets and cottonwood-lined Cienega Creek, one of the area’s only sources of permanent water, looking for Zone-tailed and Gray hawks, Northern Beardless- Tyrannulet, Bell’s Vireo, Lucy’s Warbler, Summer Tanager, Black-headed Grosbeak, Blue Grosbeak, Abert’s Towhee, and Cassin’s, Botteri’s, Song, Lark, and Grasshopper Sparrows.
Lunch is included. Hiking Difficulty: 2 easy. Guide Richard Fray
S5 Patagonia and Sonoita - Scott Olmstead
Sat, May 2, 6:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Join Tropical Birding tour leader Scott Olmstead for a trip to the Patagonia area. Patagonia is one of southeastern Arizona’s best known destinations for riparian birds. Specialties that can be found here include Gray and Zone-tailed Hawks, Violet-crowned Hummingbird, Thick-billed Kingbird, Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet and Rufous-winged Sparrow. The worthwhile birding sites in Patagonia are numerous and our probable itinerary will include Harshaw Canyon, Patagonia Lake State Park, and the Paton Center for Hummingbirds. Our exact itinerary will be at the discretion of the leader, and may vary based on where the target birds are being seen most readily. A short visit (about an hour) to the open grasslands around Sonoita will complement the riparian habitats of Patagonia, and we should see a wide variety of species. We will enjoy a picnic lunch in the shade somewhere along the way.
Lunch is provided. Hiking Difficulty: 3 moderate. Guide Scott Olmstead.
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S6 San Pedro Sampler - Sandy Anderson
Sat, May 2, 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Flowing north from Mexico the San Pedro is the last major undammed river remaining in Arizona and was the first Globally Important Bird Area to be designated in the US. This green ribbon of life supports 100 species of breeding birds and provides a critical corridor for millions of migrants. The lush cottonwood/willow forest in May is dripping with birds including Gray Hawk, many species of flycatchers (Vermilion, empids, Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet, kingbirds, 3 species of Myiarchus), Blue Grosbeak, Summer Tanager, Lucy’s Warbler and possibly Green Kingfisher. A short 15-minute drive will bring us to Gray Hawk Nature Center, a private section of the river with great trails and a yard list of 251 species. Flat walking, plenty of shade, varied habitats and a naturalist guide guarantee a fun and comfortable morning for birders of any age or experience level, beginner to advanced.
Hiking Difficulty: 2 easy. Guide Sandy Anderson.
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S7 Carr Canyon - Jennie MacFarland
Sat, May 2, 6:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Join professional guide, Jennie MacFarland, on this tour of Carr Canyon, beginning in the lower canyon, where we will look for Gambel's Quail, Rufous-crowned, Chipping and Botteri's Sparrows, Blue and Black-headed Grosbeaks, and other canyon outlet species. We may stop at the Carr House Nature Center to check the hummingbird feeders with up to six species of hummingbirds. Venturing to the top of Carr Canyon, we may see Zone-tailed Hawk, as well as Arizona, Gila and Acorn Woodpeckers, Buff-breasted Flycatcher, Grace's and Olive Warblers, Painted Redstart, Yellow-eyed Junco, Hepatic Tanager, Scott's Oriole and other mountain and canyon specialties. We will also be on the lookout for some of the characteristic plants, mammals, and reptiles of the Huachuca Mountains. Be prepared for a slow walk covering a mile or two with a 200ft elevation gain and uneven terrain. Bring hat, water, sun protection, and wear trail shoes.
Lunch is provided. Hiking Difficulty: 3 moderate. Guide Jennie MacFarland.
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