Join professional tour leader Jennie MacFarland 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 Kingbird, Chihuahuan Meadowlark, Varied Bunting and Rufous-winged Sparrow. Our exact itinerary may vary based on where the target birds are being seen. We will enjoy a picnic lunch in the shade somewhere along the way. Lunch is included – please select your sandwich filling from menu below the Field Trip descriptions on the registration page. This trip is best suited for beginner to intermediate birders. Bring hat, water, sun protection, and wear trail shoes.

Hiking Difficulty: 3 moderate. Guide Jennie MacFarland

​

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.