This area just southwest of Tucson has some of the highest biological diversity in the state but is little visited by birders. Amidst the amazing rolling landscape of Sonoran Desert and grassland we’ll hope to find numerous species characteristic of this rich desert habitat including Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl, Gilded Flicker, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, Black-throated and Rufous-winged Sparrow,...
Join Sabrewing Nature Photographer Jamie Cunningham to experience the photography blind at Battiste’s Bird Garden! This exciting new opportunity gives photographers the chance to photograph up to 8 species of hummingbirds and a variety of songbirds, all from the comfort of a newly designed photo blind. Limited to 6 participants. Difficulty: Easy. Most of the...
Located south of Tucson on the west side of the scenic Santa Rita Mountains, the habitat of Agua Caliente Canyon is typical of mid-elevation canyons in the Sky Island mountain...
The San Pedro River is one of the single most important biological features in the arid Southwest and serves as a migratory corridor for an estimated 4 million migrating birds...
This tour will focus on Arivaca Lake, which is an interesting 90 acre impoundment built by the Arizona Game & Fish Department that attracts some interesting species, especially in fall migration. We’ll be on the forefront of migration so we’ll look for all sorts of possible rarities as well as more likely such as Mexican...
This tour combines the best of the riparian habitat and cottonwoods along the Santa Cruz River and the madrean-oak habitat of Madera Canyons and its beautiful sycamores. We’ll start early...
Have you ever experienced the thrill of a “Big Day?” This is a fun, and somewhat competitive, way to see a wide variety of species and locations throughout the Tucson...
Have you ever experienced the thrill of a “Big Day?” This is a fun, and somewhat competitive, way to see a wide variety of species and locations throughout the Tucson...
While Madera Canyon has long been the most visited spot in the Santa Rita Mountains, this adjacent canyon to the south is deserving of more birders’ attention. Join Wesley Homoya of Natural Selections Tours on a half-day exploration of Montosa Canyon, which supports some hackberry thornscrub habitat as well as a nice drainage with scattered oaks and...
Join Tony Figueroa, Director of the Invasive Plant Program, to hear how Tucson Bird Alliance is constantly working to restore and preserve these places for future generations of people and...
Join award-winning photographer Paul Bannick to explore Madera Canyon in search of woodpeckers. Author of “Woodpecker: A Year in the Life of North American Woodpeckers”, Paul will share the natural history of the woodpeckers we see and we’ll try to get some good photos too. We’ll especially look for Gila, Ladder-backed, Arizona, and Acorn Woodpeckers...
Las Cienegas is a 45,000-acre national conservation area with high desert grasslands, riparian strips and perennial streams, marshes, and juniper-oak woodlands. Here we can find grassland breeders such as Cassin’s, Botteri’s and Grasshopper Sparrows, Chihuahuan Meadowlark, and Loggerhead Shrike, as well as riparian-associated species including Gray and Zone-tailed Hawks, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Blue Grosbeak, Yellow Warbler,...
Patagonia Lake is the top eBird hotspot in the state thanks to its mix of waterbirds and great riparian habitat. Mexican Duck, Ruddy Duck, and Neotropic and Double-crested Cormorants should be readily seen on the lake along with raptors, flycatchers, and tanagers along the Birding Trail. As one of the few “large” bodies of water...
Harshaw Creek is lined with Sycamores making it a great location for woodpeckers, flycatchers, tanagers, and more. We might catch a look at one of the Elegant Trogons that breed through here and Mexican Jays are common in the oaks. After exploring the Harshaw area we’ll head over to the Paton Center for Hummingbirds to...
Rising over 6,000 feet above Tucson, Mount Lemmon is the highest peak in the Santa Catalina Mountains at 9,157 feet, and a popular escape from urban life and the Arizona’s dry early-summer heat (before the relief of the cooling monsoon rains). It is also an incredible birding experience and biology lesson. Traversing six life zones,...
We’ll get an early start from Tucson to explore the east flank of the Huachuca Mountains. We’ll start by visiting the Nature Conservancy’s beautiful Ramsey Canyon and walk underneath the...
Come for a hike to see and hear many songbirds unique to the Southwest in the cactus forests of Saguaro National Park East which is designated an Important Bird Area....
We’ll spend the early morning exploring the Florida Canyon area on the west slopes of the Santa Rita Mountains. There, we will hike along the local Florida Canyon Trail as well as birding at local areas in the canyon as well as in the adjacent Santa Rita Experimental Range grassland operated by University of Arizona,...
The McNew Lab studies disease ecology of birds and their parasites and pathogens, and this will be your chance to see this work in action. This research specifically investigates associations...
We’ll take a leisurely stroll through the riparian forest along the Santa Cruz River following the historic De Anza Trail. We’ll be looking for Green Kingfishers, Thick Billed, Tropical, Cassin’s...
Rose Canyon Lake in the Catalina Mountains is the top destination for birding on Mt. Lemmon. The oak and pine habitats contain many Madrean species normally found only south of...
Enjoy birding where Tucson residents escape the summer heat in the high elevation areas of Mt. Lemmon and the small mountain hamlet of Summerhaven. Birding hotspots will include Incinerator Ridge Road, Bear Wallow, and Mt. Bigelow Road. We’ll look for mixed warbler flocks which may include Red-faced, Orange-crowned, Virginia’s, Townsend’s, Hermit, Wilson’s, and Grace’s Warblers....
Lakeside Park in southeast Tucson is a great place to get to know your urban birds and it’s possible to get some early fall migrants as well. Join the fabulous...
Learn about simple ways to use spotting scopes to take beautiful images of the natural word with Jeff Bouton of Kowa Optics! Today, birders have a wealth of excellent spotting scopes available to them, and the state-of-the-art in smartphone computational photography means that birders can take photographs that are near-DSLR quality in a portable, easily shareable...
This major wash flows west from creeks that drain from the northern side of the Rincon Mountains and provides diverse riparian vegetation for a variety of bird species. We will head downstream along the north side of the wash, first checking the brush for Lark Sparrow, Abert’s Towhee, Lazuli Bunting and more, then continuing to...
To extend the classroom portion (which you have to sign up for separately), join Krisztina Scheeff in the field for a hands-on, real action photography lesson to put those skills you learned to work. The two hour field portion will truly test your patience and birds in flight photography skills but it will be a...
We’ll bird Sabino Canyon Recreation Area walking a loop that includes both Sonoran desert upland and Sabino Creek riparian area. Gila Woodpeckers, Purple Martins, and Cactus Wrens should be readily seen with other desert and riparian birds. Meet at the ramada by the Visitor’s Center at 5700 N Sabino Canyon Road. $8 parking fee. Return...
This city park on the west side of town hosts two lakes, Silverbell and Archer Lakes, that provide habitat for herons, Neotropic and Double-crested Cormorants, a resident Snow Goose, hummingbirds, kingbirds, Lazuli Buntings, and more. Vermilion Flycatchers are all over the place and the water resources bring a variety of other bird species to the...
Explore this nature preserve area just northwest of Tucson in Marana along the Santa Cruz River which is also part of the historic Juan Bautista de Anza Trail. You’ll enjoy the view from the overlook where you’ll be able to scan for a variety of birds including waterfowl, shorebirds, and flycatchers. A walk around the lake trail...
This artificial wetland is the premier birding hotspot in the Tucson Valley, offering a stunning variety of species that can be found here at any time during the season. Green Heron, Common Gallinule, Tropical Kingbird, Common Yellowthroat, and Abert’s Towhees are some of our prime targets. Drive time to meeting location from festival venue is...
We’ll walk in the shaded riparian forest along the Santa Cruz River which is a fantastic location for three types of kingbirds (Cassin’s, Tropical, and noisy Thick-billed) along with a wide variety of other desert riparian species like Inca Dove, Gray Hawk, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Bell’s Vireo, and Blue Grosbeak. Drive time to the meeting location...
We’ll explore the oaks to pines of the Catalina Mountains starting at the Gordon Hirabayashi Campground scrub oak woodlands which is good habitat for species such as Woodhouse’s Scrub Jay,...
One of the best known U.S. birding hotspots with tall cottonwoods and willows lining a perennial stream. Open fields, mesquite bosque and a cienega compound the habitat diversity that make...
Enjoy a roughly 2-mile walk on the Palm Lake, Mesquite Meander, Lions, and Willow Walkway trails. We’ll cover birding basics, from tools and equipment to bird identification tips and strategies. Trails are rated easy, although thick sand is possible in some stretches. Don’t worry if you don’t have binoculars; the Ranger will have some to borrow. Please wear sturdy closed-toed shoes and bring...
Located on the site of the historic Porter property, Tucson Botanical Gardens (TBG) is a five and a half acre collection of 20 gardens in the heart of Tucson, Arizona. A true urban oasis, Tucson Botanical Gardens was selected #4 in USA Today’s 10Best Botanical Gardens Readers’ Choice Awards, 2 years in a row. 20...
Explore the arboretum this summer with our Docents on a golf cart tour! We invite you to join us for an hour long cart ride to some of our most scenic spots of the arboretum. Our knowledgeable Docents will give you insights into our collections and take you to the best photo ops the gardens...
Join docent and bird guide, Michael Sadat, for a guided bird walk around the beautiful grounds of the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. The Desert Museum is ranked on TripAdvisor.com as one...
Join keepers at the Reid Park Zoo for a tour of the South American and Flight Connection Aviaries, as well as visits to the flamingo and Abdim stork habitats. Please...
This tour combines the best of the riparian habitat and cottonwoods along the Santa Cruz River and the madrean-oak habitat of Madera Canyons and its beautiful sycamores. We’ll start early in the morning by birding the De Anza trail along the Santa Cruz River looking for Lucy’s Warblers, Yellow-billed Cuckoos, and Tropical Kingbirds. We’ll cross...
For visitors and those new to the Sonoran Desert, Tohono Chul’s easy-walking trails and gardens provide close-up looks at many of the desert specialties. Of the more than 500 bird...
This class connects you and your child to the garden through hands-on activities, where you’ll learn where food comes from, explore nature, and create fun nature-inspired crafts. Ages 0 - 5
Join our knowledgeable Arboretum Staff for a morning walk through the gardens and explore the colorful varieties of native Northern Arizona wildflowers. Please bring water, a camera, and comfortable walking shoes. Limited to 15 participants. Pre-registration required.
Step through the gate and discover a hidden gem at the Museum of Northern Arizona—the Moore Medicinal Garden. Tucked between MNA’s administration and anthropology buildings on the east side of Highway 180 (across from the Museum building), this quiet, fenced-in space offers a unique opportunity to explore the traditional and contemporary uses of native plants...
Interact with some of our special animals, which for many people is a once in a lifetime experience. Guests will get to learn about endangered species, how we contribute to conservation of those animals, some of the considerations we must take into consideration when having these reptiles in Arizona, which reptiles are good pets for children or adults, adaptations...
Did you know that very small - often microscopic - aquatic animals can tell us a whole lot about the quality of the water in places like rivers, streams, lakes and ponds? Drop in on this Discovery Station to find out more, and to even view some water samples from the nearby Hassayampa river and Palm lake through one of our...
Bring the whole family! Friday, August 14 12:00pm – 5:30pm—Nature Expo Open Free to attend! Raptor displays with Arizona Raptor Center 4:30pm – 5:30pm—Festival Celebration sponsored by Sabrewing Nature Tours Book signing(s) Free Raffle Ticket for each person Raffle Drawings for Prizes Free Appetizers & Cash Bar Photos from participants Update on Official Festival Bird &...
Did you know there are well over 250 cacti species native to the Sonoran Desert spanning the United States and Mexico? In fact, across the U.S., you can find close to 200 cacti species. Come learn about cacti in our corner of the Sonoran Desert as we continue celebrating America’s 250th birthday year! MEETING LOCATION: Nature Center ...
Deep beneath the earth's crust, hundreds of kilometres below the surface, with no light, no air, and very little water, in pores and fissures of hard rock, scientists have found an enormous biodiversity of micro-organisms that thrive in extreme conditions. The Dark Biosphere challenges everything we thought we knew and challenges us to rethink not...
Take a rare behind-the-scenes tour of our Easton Collection Center. Explore cultural artifacts, natural specimens, and breathtaking art. Learn how the collections are cared for and used in a marvel of environmentally friendly and culturally informed architecture. Each tour is limited to 14 people for a truly personal experience. Tour fee: $15 for museum members,...
Love nature and the outdoors? Have you considered a career with the National Park Service? With opportunities in more than 400 national parks and offices—from Maine to Guam, the U.S....
We’ll travel up towards the small town of Marana just northwest of Tucson with hopes of finding Burrowing Owls. Once we find them, we’ll spend some time at a respectful...
This is a unique opportunity to enjoy the beauty of evening monsoon birding in the iconic Madera Canyon. We’ll enter the canyon just before sunset and explore the canyon for birds as they finish up their day and then try to find nocturnal birds like Elf Owl, Whiskered Screech-Owl, and Mexican Whip-Poor-Will along with other...
The tall aleppo pines and eucalyptus, along with two large ponds, create great bird habitat right next to the festival venue. We’ll look for Black-crowned Night Herons, Neotropic Cormorants, Cassin’s...
This artificial wetland is the premier birding hotspot in the Tucson Valley, offering a stunning variety of species that can be found here at any time during the season. Green...
Celebrate the spirit of America250 on this scenic sunset hike through the heart of the Sonoran Desert. We will walk among desert plant survivors, some of which have been growing since the dawn of the American story. This 2.1-mile hike follows the Service Road and Moonlight trails. The terrain is rocky with slight elevation change. Along the way,...
Sabino Canyon night hikes during monsoon season are a local favorite past-time. Bring your flashlight as we walk up in the light and walk down in the dark in search of birds, toads, snakes, bugs, and more! Good possibilities for Lesser Nighthawk and Common Poorwill at sunset and we’ll hope for monsoon rains so we...
New this summer! Twelve light installations now on view at Garden After Dark throughout the Garden trails. This brand-new shimmering display creates a playful break from the summer heat with...
The desert comes alive at night and the Pond at Elephant Head offers the perfect opportunity to catch it in action with your camera. Bat migration is happening during the monsoon season and offers an amazing experience. Join Wildlife Photographer, Dano Grayson for an evening of photographing bats and other wildlife at this private photography...
Join bat researchers from the University of Arizona on an adventure to watch thousands of bats come out of their roost at dusk. This nightly Tucson spectacle is a must-see...
66 million years ago, an asteroid larger than Mt. Everest crashed into what we now call the Yucatan Peninsula and triggered an ecological disaster that wiped out 70% of the species on Earth, or so the story goes. In this presentation, we’ll dig into the gory details of how a fringe idea becomes widely accepted,...
We’ll be on the lookout for all kinds of evening-active critters, from skunks to, spiders, snakes, fox, coyote, deer, owls and of course scorpions! Bring flashlights; black UV lights are optional. This will be about a 2-mile hike starting on the Go John trail, where we will connect onto the Claymine trail, and finally the Overton trail to...
Arizona is home to 29 species of bats, many of which live and forage right in our own backyards. Here’s your chance to see these fascinating creatures up close. This is an exciting opportunity to meet these misunderstood and fascinating creatures in person. The $25.00 registration fee is used to fund wildlife viewing enhancements and...