Tucson Bird Alliance: Southeast Arizona Birding Festival – Looking for Owls at Catalina State Park Field Trip

This state park is on the northwest side of Tucson and sits adjacent to the western slopes of the Coronado National Forest’s Santa Catalina Mountains.

The mixture of Saguaro-Palo Verde desert scrub, mesquite bosque, and riparian vegetation makes great habitat for Western Screech-Owl, Elf Owl, Barn Owl and Great Horned Owl and other nocturnal creatures. While these species are possibilities, this is late in the season and seeing/hearing owls is not guaranteed. Be mindful that monsoon conditions could impact this outing. If clouds are minimal, the stars are fantastic! We’ll also look for any other monsoon critters that love the cool of the evening and the warmth of the road. We will go at a slow pace and be sure to bring a full water bottle and be prepared for hot weather. Drive time to the meeting location from the festival venue is about 40 minutes. Specific meeting instructions will be emailed beforehand.

Limited to 10 participants.

Difficulty: Moderate (Will include walking in the dark on paved road & wide trails. Bring a flashlight or headlamp to see where you are putting your feet.  Total distance is about 1 mile.)

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.