Go to the Huachuca Mountains and California Gulch with Expert Guides!
Register NOW!
Friday, August 14
Huachuca Mountains ($105) | 5AM-3:30PM | lunch included: 7 seats
We'll get an early start from Tucson to explore the madrean oak woodland and open pine forests of Carr Canyon. This scenic canyon on the east flank of the Huachucas supports species such as Arizona Woodpecker and Painted Redstart on its lower slopes, and species such as Olive Warbler, Buff-breasted Flycatcher and Greater Pewee along the upper stretches of the road. We'll spend a few hours exploring along the main road that winds up to near the peaks of the Huachucas before taking our picnic lunch and then descending to nearby Ash Canyon, where a private bank of hummingbird feeders should be buzzing with activity, including perhaps the range-restricted and very attractive Lucifer Hummingbird. We will be walking slowly along nearly level dirt roads at up to about 7,000 feet in elevation.
Sweetwater Wetlands ($25) | 6-10AM: 10 spaces. Sample high end optics from major reps who will be set up onsite! Meet at Sweetwater Wetlands.
Madera Canyon Sampler ($50) | 5:30AM – 12PM: 1 seat
Saturday, August 15
Patagonia & Rio Rico ($105) | 5:30AM-4PM: 1 seat
A Grassland Sampler of Birds and Wine ($105) | 5:30AM – 4PM: 1 seat
Sunday, August 16
California Gulch Adventure ($105)
5AM-4PM | lunch included: 2 seats
This trip sets out in search of some of the avian treasures (at the very northern edge of their ranges here) for which southeastern Arizona is renowned. The day begins with a rugged mile-long (round-trip) trek to California Gulch in search of Five-striped Sparrow, Varied Bunting, and Montezuma Quail as well as other species from south of the border. We'll also stop at Peña Blanca Lake to check for Least Grebe. Time-permitting, we may travel to the Patagonia area to look for Thick-billed Kingbird, Violet-crowned Hummingbird and more. Depending on recent reports, we may take short detours for Gray Hawk, Tropical Kingbird, and Black-capped Gnatcatcher or other border range specialties. Note: this trip includes a short but steep and rocky bird walk conducted at a leisurely pace appropriate to birdwatching. Image by Cliff Cathers.
Montosa/Florida Canyon ($85) | 5:15AM – 2PM | lunch included: 1 seat
Willcox Shorebirding ($50) | 5:30AM – 12PM: 4 seats
Workshops and Evening Programs
The festival is a chance to spend time with two world class birders: Paul Baicich and Rick Wright. Register today for their workshops and evening programs, as well as workshops with Homer Hansen and Karen Krebbs.
Family Workshops and Activities
Along with the FREE Nature Expo from 10am-6pm on Friday and Saturday, and 10am-2pm on Sunday, we have three family activities that require registration. For more information, click here.
We Need Your Help for Purple Martin Questionnaire
Tucson Audubon is partnering with researchers seeking participants for a study of Purple Martins nesting in Arizona. They are interested in the timing of their arrival, nest building date, and other important events in a martin’s life which can be recorded. The timing of these events is important when determining the effects of climate change. With your help we can gain an increased understanding of how these changes are influencing their behavior.
The Purple Martins that nest in southern Arizona are a distinct sub-species know as Desert Purple Martins. They favor saguaro cavities as their nest sites. Purple Martins nest in or near Tucson Audubon's Mason Center in the northwest Tucson area. If you want to observe martins there or if you know of any Purple Martins nesting this season in other parts of southern Arizona that you have access to, please consider filling out an online survey located here:
http://goo.gl/forms/CYd8lWegnx
Image by Henry McLin
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Listen up! If you like what you are reading now and enjoy being updated about Tucson Audubon's programs and events, did you know that we have multiple email newsletters? Make sure you don't miss timely conservation alerts or important details about specific programs by signing up for the exact news you want!
Go to z2systems.com/np/clients/tas/survey.jsp?surveyId=13 and choose your news.
Topics include:
- Green City News
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Paton Center for Hummingbirds
- Conservation Alerts
- Arizona Important Bird Areas
- Nest Boxes
- Tucson Bird & Wildlife Festival
Painted Redstart by Lois Manowitz
Give to Tucson Audubon by Using AmazonSmile
Donate while you shop! AmazonSmile is a website operated by Amazon with the same products, prices, and shopping features as Amazon.com. The difference is that when you shop on AmazonSmile, the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products to the charitable organization of your choice.
Tucson Audubon is a participating member of AmazonSmile. Just go to http://smile.amazon.com and enter "Tucson Audubon" in the search box. Thanks!
We are back in action after our week off for inventory and things are looking better than ever. One of the joys of inventory is finding lost treasures. We struck gold and want to share our abundance with you. For a limited time only we will be offering a special on the Birds of Arizona Field Guide by Stan Tekiela, originally $14.95 now only $10.00. This guide makes bird identification in Arizona easier and more enjoyable. 
New optics for the world of birding
