Join expert bird guide, David Simpson, on an exploration of the Chiricahua Mountains, May 6 – 8.

We will start with Cassin’s and Botteri’s Sparrows in the prairies at the base, then climb into the pine-oak woodlands to search for Arizona Woodpecker, Dusky-capped Flycatcher, and Bridled Titmouse. Entering the coniferous forest, we’ll look for Virginia’s, Grace’s, and Olive Warblers along with Greater Pewees, Red-faced Warblers, Pygmy Nuthatch and Steller’s Jay. A Chiricahua specialty is the Mexican Chickadee, not found anywhere else on public lands within the entire United States.

We have two nights at Portal Peak Lodge at the mouth of majestic Cave Creek Canyon. There we will explore sycamore-laced South Fork for Elegant Trogon, Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher, Painted Redstart, and Hepatic Tanager. The many hummingbird feeders in the area host colorful Rivoli’s, Blue-throated and Broad-billed Hummingbirds. On a pre-breakfast excursion into the desert below Portal we’ll try for Bendire’s and Crissal Thrashers and adjacent foothills harbor Juniper Titmouse and Black-chinned Sparrow.  A night run up Cave Creek may net us Whiskered Screech-Owl and Elf Owl, along with calling Mexican Whip-poor-will.

This trip includes all meals and two nights accommodation at the Portal Peak Lodge. This trip is best suited for intermediate birding skills. Bring hat and sunscreen, camera, pocket flashlight, and wear sturdy hiking boots. With birding stops en route, this trip may get back after 4 pm.

Hiking Difficulty: 3 moderate.  Guide: David Simpson

Price is for double occupancy. Single supplement is no longer available

​Meeting place: The south-east entrance of The Mall at Sierra Vista, 2200 El Mercado Loop, Sierra Vista. Turn west onto Calle Mercancia from Highway 92, by the Wells Fargo bank, and the entrance is straight ahead. Map link

Southwest Wings Birding and Nature Festival is Arizona’s oldest birding festival. Since 1991 we’ve been offering small group trips through monsoons and droughts … and even a global pandemic. 

​The Southwest Wings Spring Fling will run from Wednesday May 6 to Saturday May 9, 2026.