Tucson Bird Alliance: Southeast Arizona Birding Festival – Santa Cruz River at Trico Road Field Trip

A walk along the Santa Cruz River northwest of Tucson can produce some great riparian birds during fall migration which will be beginning in August. Possibilities include Ash-throated Flycatcher, Cassin’s Kingbird, Bell’s Vireo, Yellow-breasted Chat, Abert’s Towhee, and Lucy’s Warbler. Raptors such as Black Vulture, Swainson’s Hawk, and Great Horned Owl can be regular. This is part of the De Anza Trail and is called the Oit Par Trailhead (‘Old Town’ in O’odham). Drive time to meeting location from festival venue is about 40 minutes, specific meeting instructions will be emailed beforehand. Limited to 10 participants.

Difficulty: Moderate. Will involve around one to two miles walking on dirt paths that are “lumpy” and littered with cow pies. No bathroom on-site.

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.