Begin with birding at the Stransky home, where warm mugs and fresh pastries accompany the quiet flutter of birds at the feeders, viewed from the comfort of indoors. For those drawn outside, a meander to the creekside may reveal ducks on the water or the clear song of a passing migrant.

The morning continues at Wild Heart Farm, with birds along the road and a leisurely walk through Kate’s garden. Her property is considered riparian woodland includes sustainable and native pollinator gardents.  Enjoy time among flowers, orchards, and bird song. Settle in with a cup of tea brewed from herbs gathered moments before, and close the morning with an unhurried lunch at a Rimrock Coffee Shop.

Rating: 2
Cost: $105
Transportation: Vans
Meal: Coffee and pastries, possibly a light brunch

PPart of the Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival

Join us 100 miles North of Phoenix in North Central Arizona’s Verde Valley for the Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival. Experience birding during the peak Spring migration season at Dead Horse Ranch State Park on the banks of the Verde River. Close proximity to the Verde, Oak Creek, Sycamore Creek, and other perennial waters offers a wide selection of guided tours, hikes, and workshops in one of Arizona’s richest birding habitats.

Our experienced guides have extensive knowledge of birds and the unique habitat that makes this region special. The festival, presented each April by Friends of the Verde River, is a purpose-driven community benefit organization and 501(c) 3 non-profit working to preserve one of the last perennial flowing rivers in the American Southwest.

Festival site is at Dead Horse Ranch State Park.