Known as the Sycamore Canyon Wilderness, it is a remote, protected, and scenic area that cuts through the Mogollon Rim, offering a stunning, less-visited alternative to the nearby Sedona red rocks, complete with a perennial creek and lush riparian habitat. You might encounter Gray Vireo, Scott's Oriole, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Brewer’s, Lark and Black-throated sparrows, Common...
BA Field Trip The Agua Fria National Monument is one of our National Park treasures managed by The Bureau of Land Management. We’ll bird along the Agua Fria River riparian corridor - an Important Bird Area dominated by an over-story of cottonwood and willow that shelter many different species of songbirds and raptors. Among these...
Learn about the birds of the Sonoran Desert on this easy, short bird walk with Ranger Eric. Join Ranger Eric on this easy guided walk to learn about the resident and migratory birds of the Sonoran Desert. Along the way we will discuss ways to identify birds by sight and sound, and about the ecology...
his trip will be taking us into a lush riparian habitat, including a shady park with a little stream and an open area good for sparrows. This location is a hidden gem! West Clear Creek is one of several perennial spring-fed streams that flow from the Mogollon Rim into the Verde River. We will walk...
In the Black Hills Range, Mingus' summit is the second highest at more than 4,000 Ft.. Birds we have encountered include the Steller’s Jay, Pygmy Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Hermit Thrush, Olive Warbler, Red Crossbill, many wood-warblers such as Virginia’s, Grace’s, Townsend’s, Hermit, Red-faced, and the celebrated Painted Redstart. Some grades are wide and gentle, others...
IBA Trip Important Bird Areas are designated for good reason, and the Upper Verde IBA is indeed special. We will have the rare opportunity to access the verdant confluence of Granite Creek and the Verde Headwaters through private property. We will walk along Stillman Lake below basalt cliffs to a collection of fascinating petroglyphs. Birds...
Ah, Willow and Watson! These two lakes are the very heart of the Willow-Watson Important Bird Area, bordered by the magnificent Prescott Dells. They are also the top two eBird hotspots for Yavapai County. This trip will be easy walking on level trails, about two miles total. We will tour Watson Woods looking for returning...
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...
This trip features the Keynote Speakers Melissa Fratello & Steven Prager and premier local guide, Lisa Grubbs. The Page Springs area is a favorite hangout for birds and birders alike. This trip will take you to one of the locals’ favorite hot spots on the banks of Oak Creek. Bubbling Ponds has been a project...
Let the birds come to you! Bring your favorite camp chair, binoculars, a little refreshment, and just enjoy birding as the time slips by. You will only have to walk a short distance on the handicapped accessible Canopy Trail to a spot where feeders bring the birds up close. A knowledgeable guide will help identify...
Join us for a peaceful and mindful walk through the Rio Salado habitat. Together, we’ll explore the trails, enjoy the sights and sounds of nature, and observe the wildlife that calls this area home. These calm, mindful walks are designed to be accessible and welcoming for all. Please reach out with any accessibility needs so...
Part art. Part engineering. Totally amazing! Add a pop of wonder and a pinch of nostalgia to your spring with Sean Kenney’s Nature Pop! Marvel at over 40 wildly creative sculptures made entirely of LEGO® bricks at this exhibition, included with Zoo admission and free for Zoo members from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily....
Every morning, a volunteer naturalist leads a guided nature walk informing visitors about the different life zones of Red Rock State Park. The subjects discussed on this walk may include geology, wildlife, history, archeology, and plant life. The naturalists welcome questions during the walk, enhancing the learning experience. Hikes are included with park entrance fees...
Learn about the April 24-27 City Nature Challenge and free smartphone apps that can help you identify plants, animals, and more, while helping contribute to science! Join Ranger Eric on a roughly 2-3 mile round trip hike on the Bajada and Goat Camp Trails while we learn about the free iNaturalist app you can use...
Chat (GPT): Not AI, but real information about this year’s featured bird: the charismatic Yellow-breasted Chat. Long classified with Wood Warblers, scientists have now assigned it to its own family. We’ll look at the natural history of this lovely bird, where it lives, what it eats, what kind of nest it builds – and how it sounds....
This presentation provides an overview of the I-17 Willard Springs Wildlife Overpass, a multi-agency project involving the Arizona Game and Fish Department, Arizona Department of Transportation, and the U.S. Forest Service. Interstate 17 serves as a critical travel corridor for people and is a significant barrier for northern Arizona’s wildlife. Using GPS wildlife movement data,...
Join Eric Moore in this two-hour class. Don't know where to start birding or what equipment you'll need? What should you be looking for? Eric will point you in the right direction. Start with a short lecture followed by time in the field. Bring binoculars if you have them, otherwise loaner pairs are available. Eric...
Bearizona is home to many rescue North American river otters. Come learn about these amazing species and how Bearizona uses a scientific approach to their behavior, welfare, and nutrition. Explore the playful world of river otters in Friends of the Verde River's newest treasure "Otter Spotter", read by native Arizonan and beloved children's book author,...
rizona is home to two remarkable eagle species—the Bald Eagle and the Golden Eagle—each uniquely adapted to the state’s diverse landscapes. This educational talk explores how these powerful birds of prey survive and thrive in deserts, forests, grasslands, and canyon country. Participants will learn how to identify Bald and Golden Eagles by their size, plumage,...
Sparrows are often overlooked and considered the Little Brown Jobbies (LBJ's) of the birding world, however sparrows can be a pleasure to observe. From the skulky Abert's Towhee to the flocking White-crowned Sparrows, the striking plumage contrasts of the Lark Sparrow to the subtle but rich hues and tones of the Lincoln's, and the tinkling...
FREE- MUST RSVP In this hands-on workshop you'll learn the basics of optical equipment, the most important tool for both beginning and advanced birding. Learn about binoculars, scopes, tripods, digi-scoping, and what to look for when you are considering purchasing either your first pair, or upgrading to a better pair. You will get to try...
Join us for some social time with light refreshments, a movie and a chance to hear from local experts about beavers in Arizona. Movie will start at 5pm. About the film Sometimes the best solutions to the biggest problems can be found in the most unexpected places. Meet the beaver believers: five scientists and a...
We'll be walking and birding along the riparian corridor of the Jail Trail that starts in Old Town Cottonwood. Bring along a flashlight, as well as your binoculars, and maybe some extra cash if you want to indulge yourself in one of the many local restaurants afterwards. Bring a flashlight as you will be walking...