Professional guide Homer Hansen will focus on characteristics, behaviors, and other clues for the identification of the flycatchers of SE Arizona. This field trip will visit many habitats to study these birds in the wild and will be useful for both the expert and beginner alike. It will start in the lowlands seeking kingbirds, Myiarchus flycatchers and Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet...
Join professional guide Jennie MacFarland on an exploration of one of the finest Huachuca Mountain Canyons. Miller Canyon is known to local birders as a reliable place to find Red-faced Warblers and there may even be a chance of a Mexican Spotted Owl. Other SE Arizona specialties including Arizona Woodpecker, Dusky-capped Flycatcher, Painted Redstart, Grace’s Warbler and...
Enjoy a full day birding with professional guide, Matt Brown, on Arizona’s largest military base, famous for over a century for its Arizona specialties. We will cover a wide range of habitats from grasslands to pine-oak woodlands. At higher elevations, we will hope to encounter Coppery-tailed Trogon, Arizona Woodpecker, and Dusky-capped and Sulphur-bellied Flycatchers in Huachuca Canyon....
Join professional guide and environmental educator Jeff Babson on an exciting day-long excursion to see what's new or unusual in SE Arizona. This trip's destinations will be based on recent bird reports in the area as well as the needs of the group. With no pre-planned destination, Rick will be free to chase after what's available in any...
Sierra Vista is the Hummingbird Capital of the United States, so what better place can there be to hunt for hummingbirds. This exciting trip is led by professional bird guide Kristy Gallo, and will visit all of the best locations for hummingbirds in the Huachuca Mountains. As well as the regulars such as Rivoli’s, Broad-billed and...
Join professional guide Peg Abbott on a half-day exploration of the San Pedro River which starts at the renowned Casa San Pedro. After a look at the feeders which attract many hummingbirds and other species, the tour will take you along the riverine habitat of the San Pedro River. The shady cottonwoods and lush riverside vegetation are...
Ranger Nikki will lead the way as we search for signs that any monsoon rains have greened up the desert trees, cacti, and perennial shrubs and possibly nudged summer annuals to sprout and bloom. We will trek on Gray Fox and Ironwood Trails and return to the trailhead by walking on a short portion of paved...
Ranger Nikki will share information on a variety of desert mammals including coyote, fox, bobcat, mountain lion, javelina, jackrabbit and more! You can examine replica skulls to compare features of carnivores, herbivores and omnivores as well as tanned hides to understand how camouflage is an important defense mechanism in our desert environment. Take home information...
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...
Sitting in the Highlands Center ramada while the wind rustles through the ponderosa pine needles and a robin chirps, there is a moment of silent contemplation. Natural history is complicated – personal and universal at the same time. Our Natural History book club met beginning in 2021 and the discussions occasionally resulted in these special...
This talk will be in Spanish with no English translation. Las mariquitas son icónicas, pero son solo una parte del vibrante tapiz de insectos beneficiosos que habitan nuestros jardines de...
Ranger Olivia leads this picturesque hike to watch the sunset while also learning about saguaros along the way. We will see the sunset, saguaros, saguaro blossoms, and maybe some evening critters as...
Join bat aficionado Karen Krebbs as we visit the semi-desert grassland to see agave food plants of bats up close. After sunset we’ll watch hummingbird feeders and/or agaves for Lesser Long-nosed Bats and Mexican Long-tongued Bats flying in for dinner. Attendees on this field trip will benefit from Karen's free lecture on Friday 1:30 PM (not a...
Celebrate our America's 250 milestone by exploring the desert after dark! Join Ranger Jacque for a family-friendly night hike in search of the striped-tail and giant hairy scorpions - resilient residents that have called the Sonoran Desert home since long before our country’s founding. This nighttime adventure begins outside the Nature Center, where restrooms and water fountains are...
Join us after dark on a night-time adventure with our Education Staff and Docents! Discover the amazing world of nocturnal life in the Sonoran Desert on this family friendly ‘crawl’. Guests will learn about Sonoran Desert ecology while taking a closer look at the local critters. Plus, you will get the knowledge you need to be prepared for your own night-time treks. Preregistration is required and limited to 24 guests. For your safety, children ages 4 and under and pets are not permitted. Register: https://7830.blackbaudhosting.com/7830/Critter-Crawl-Night-Tour-07Aug2026 Distance: Each...
Join a naturalist for a guided hike through the desert after dark. Experience the Sonoran Desert as it comes to life after the sun sets. This 2-mile or less family-friendly hike will help us explore the nocturnal adaptations of desert wildlife that help them survive. All ages welcome. Meet at: precise location will be given...