Tucson Bird Alliance: Southeast Arizona Birding Festival – Florida Canyon and Adjacent Mesquite-Grasslands Field Trip

We’ll spend the early morning exploring the Florida Canyon area on the west slopes of the Santa Rita Mountains. There, we will hike along the local Florida Canyon Trail as well as birding at local areas in the canyon as well as in the adjacent Santa Rita Experimental Range grassland operated by University of Arizona, with some sites not usually accessible by birders. Birds more likely to be encountered in Florida Canyon include Gray Hawk, Acorn Woodpecker, Bridled Titmouse, Rufous-crowned Sparrow, Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet, Black-headed Grosbeak, and Varied Bunting. This canyon has also had several rare birds in the past such as Nutting’s Flycatcher and Rufous-capped Warbler, and while we should not expect to see these birds, it’s always fun to dream. Afterwards, we are planning on exploring some of the adjacent grassland areas of the Santa Rita Experimental Range on our way out. Species that we might expect to see in these grasslands include Botteri’s and Cassin’s Sparrows, Crissal Thrasher, Scaled Quail, and Chihuahuan Meadowlark. Drive time to initial meeting location from festival venue is about 60 minutes, specific meeting instructions will be emailed beforehand.  Limited to 8 participants.

Difficulty: Hard. Trail that has some inclines and uneven slopes with soft, rocky or uneven terrain for about one mile total. Bring 1-2 liters of water.

Drive Yourself Field Trip*

Part of the Tucson Bird Alliance’s Southeast Arizona Birding Festival.

There is a $35 non-refundable registration fee for all festival participants that are attending fee based activities: field trips, workshops, and evening programs.

*Van field trips include van transportation, but “Drive Yourself” field trips do not.  A packed lunch, snacks, and drinking water are provided on full-day field trips. A light snack and drinking water are provided on half-day field trips. All Van Trips depart from the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at Reid Park. “Drive Yourself” field trips will meet on-site at birding locations and you will received detailed directions.