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,...
An interesting man-made lake makes a great water source and stopover for migrants and nesting birds. The adjoining canyon is a good location for Dusky-capped Flycatcher, Hutton’s Vireo and Hepatic...
Just outside of the small town of Arivaca is the Buenos Aires Wildlife Refuge where efforts to re-introduce the Masked Bobwhite are being undertaken by a group of conservation partners....
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 us on...
Located in the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area, Casa de San Pedro is an eco-friendly nature haven that offers a setting for fantastic birding along the San Pedro River...
Rugged, remote Sycamore Canyon is legendary among birders for the rarities it has harbored over the years, as well as for its scenic terrain. This steep-sided canyon is in the...
Join Patagonia resident and guide, Jake Thompson, to bird his favorite birding patch. Harshaw Creek in the Patagonia Mountains is lined with oaks and sycamores making it a great location...
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...
These two canyons are just north of the more famous Madera Canyon and offer fabulous birding in riparian areas flanked by upland desert and grassland. We’ll bird mostly from the...
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,...
This small-group excursion is a “can’t miss” for birders who are interested in getting to know some of the area’s most dazzling hummingbirds and a few popular hummingbird locales around...
One of the most beautiful canyons in all of Southeast Arizona, Ramsey Canyon is full of giant Sycamores and amazing biodiversity. Hummingbird feeders at the Nature Conservancy could attract Rivoli’s,...
Join Ken Blankenship of East West Birding Tours to experience the equivalent of driving from the Sonoran Desert to the Rocky Mountains — in a single day! We will start extra...
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...
A walk along the Santa Cruz River northwest of Tucson can produce some great riparian birds during fall migration which will be beginning in August. Possibilities include Ash-throated Flycatcher, 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...
Join us for a leisurely bike ride on a dedicated path around Reid Park in search of its varied bird life. Located right across from the DoubleTree hotel Festival site,...
Mindful birding is about the intention to focus on the present moment without judgment, just noticing and welcoming whatever shows up, opening our senses to take in the sights and...
Be a part of the Desert Purple Martin Project research crew for a morning! Tucson Bird Alliance is using technology and a network of volunteers to learn more about these...
Peppersauce Canyon, located on the north-side of the Catalina Mountains, is a beautiful oasis mostly shaded by huge sycamores lined with oaks, where Bell’s & Hutton’s vireos, Acorn Woodpeckers, and...
This half-day trip to Cochise Lake in Willcox will add a wide variety of shorebirds to your Arizona and festival species list. Likely species include Black-necked Stilt, American Avocet, Wilson’s...
A stroll through this lush riparian corridor along the Santa Cruz provides many opportunities for fall migrants, Zone-tailed and Gray Hawks, Thick Billed, Tropical, Cassin’s and Western Kingbirds, and many...
This half-day trip to Cochise Lake in Willcox will add a wide variety of shorebirds to your Arizona and festival species list. Likely species include Black-necked Stilt, American Avocet, Wilson’s...
Iconic Madera Canyon is one of the top destinations for any birder. We’ll start in grassland habitat around Proctor Road looking and listening for singing sparrows first thing in the...
Enjoy birding where Tucson residents escape the summer heat in the small mountain hamlet of Summerhaven. We’ll look for mixed warbler flocks which may include Red-faced, Orange-crowned, Virginia’s, Townsend’s, Hermit,...
Join local leader, Marie Davis, for a walk around the beautiful gardens of Desert Meadows Park in Green Valley. Birds to look for include Costa’s Hummingbird, Vermilion Flycatcher, Rufous-winged Sparrow,...
Less than 15 minutes from the festival venue, this is one of the best spots in Tucson to find Vermilion Flycatchers and the city park habitat (along with pond) offers...
Are you a birder and would like to learn more about your camera and how to capture your own photos? Join professional Nature Photographer Krisztina with KS Nature Photography for...
This beautiful park in northeast Tucson includes a large lake (with a few smaller ponds), grassy park area with palm trees, and is surrounded by Sonoran desert. This mix of...
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...
We’ll combine herping and birding in the most popular canyon in Tucson, Sabino Canyon. The Sonoran desert upland and Sabino Creek riparian area offer great opportunities for iconic desert birds...
We’ll take a leisurely stroll through the riparian forest along the Santa Cruz River following the historic Anza Trail. This is a fantastic location for three types of kingbirds (Cassin’s,...
We’ll start at the Gordon Hirabayashi Campground to search for birds of oak woodland such as Woodhouse’s Scrub Jay, Bushtit, and Scott’s Oriole before heading up to higher elevations and...
Let’s see what sorts of wildlife we can spot. Birds should be active at this time and there’s not a bad chance for lizards, and small animals too. This hike will be an easy...
Calling all birders, AND Pokemon trainers! We’ll search midtown Tucson’s largest park for Pokemon and birds! Join artist and birder Christina Baal of Drawing 10,000 Birds on this epic search...
Join Kim for a 90 minute “Big Sit” at the Santa Rita Lodge feeders. We will enjoy the variety of birds at the feeder station, where benches are available. Possible...
A free, full-day workshop designed to give producers, veterinarians, and agriculture producers hands-on skills and practical information on preparing Arizona for the potential arrival of New World screwworm (NWS). Participants...
Fun for the whole family! Saturday, August 15, 8-10 am Reid Park, Ramada 17 Free food Face-painting Bird walks every half hour Live Music Hands-on learning activities for all ages...
Join Tom Brown at the famous Paton Center for Hummingbirds which is known for Violet-crowned Hummingbirds dating back to when Wally and Marion Paton first began inviting birders into their...
Bill Williams Mountain, visible to the north from most of the Prescott area, is the westernmost 9,000-foot peak in Arizona. The mountain is named for a preacher/guide/mountain man from North...
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...
Join Rich Bailowitz, author of the Field Guide to the Damselflies and Dragonflies of Arizona and Sonora at this artificial wetland perfectly situated for a wide variety of dragonflies and damselflies. We’ll...
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,...
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,...
Al is turning 29! Whether you have met Al the tortoise or not, he invites you to celebrate his special day with a birthday shell-ebration! Al’s party will include getting to meet...
Bring the whole family! Saturday, August 15 10:00am – 5:30pm—Nature Expo Open Free to attend! 10:00am – 1:00pm—Reid Park Zoo with Live Animals 10:00am – 5:00pm—Arizona Game & Fish with...
Join Michelle from the International Raptor & Falconry Center to learn about the conservation of raptor species worldwide and their place in the ecosystem. Free with admission.
Kids can create their very own colorful dragonflies using pipe cleaners, beads, and a little imagination! This fun hands-on library craft encourages creativity, fine motor skills, and artistic expression while children design unique...
It can seem like everything in the desert is out to sting, bite, or poke you. Ranger Jacque will give you the scoop about what's really going on and what to look...
Explore the laws of motion and learn about an iconic group of native Arizonan animals with this hands-on paper craft! This program is best suited for children 6-12 years old....
This Desert 101 hike is perfect for exploring the foothills and enjoying a famous Arizona sunset. The route is approximately 3.5 miles roundtrip on the Goldmine, San Tan, and Moonlight...
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...
There are a lot of things in the desert people are spooked by. Snakes, spiders, scorpions, coyotes, javelina, mountain lion, the list goes on. Turns out, a lot of them...