Tucson Bird Alliance: Southeast Arizona Birding Festival – Raptors of Las Cienegas & Sonoita Creek Field Trip

Southeast of Tucson near the town of Sonoita are the Las Cienegas grasslands and Sonoita Creek.  The grasslands are host to breeding raptors and possible early migrants, including American Kestrel, Red-tailed and Swainson’s Hawk, White-tailed Kite, and Northern Harrier. The riparian corridor through the grasslands and along Sonoita Creek provide tall cottonwoods for nesting “Southwest Specialty” raptors such as Gray, Zone-tailed and Common Black Hawk. Other common species we could see along the riparian corridor include Turkey and Black Vulture, and Cooper’s Hawk. Enjoy a scenic day with Homer Hansen looking for raptors and other species on this field trip. Lunch included from Gathering Grounds in Patagonia. Limited to 9 participants.

Difficulty: Moderate. Some walking on mild slopes and possibly rocky/uneven surfaces. Drive time to locations about 75 minutes on paved roads.

Van 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.