Isabella Lee Natural Preserve, at the confluence of Agua Caliente and Tanque Verde washes in northeast Tucson, is a dry mesquite bosque providing year-round habitat for resident and migrant birds.

Summer hosts Lucy’s Warblers, Bell’s Vireos, and Ash-throated Flycatchers. One or two pairs of Blue Grosbeaks are also possible. At this time of year we could see lots of birds or it could be very quiet, but it’s always a pleasant, if dusty, morning hike pad-about this wild spot in the middle of northeast Tucson. Join us for this listen and locate treasure hunt.

Wear good walking shoes, and bring binoculars. Meet in the dirt parking area on the northeast corner of the Preserve; from Tanque Verde Road take Bonanza Road south to the end of the road. Wrap up around 8:00 am. Limit 10 participants.

Trip difficulty: 2.5 mile loop over level, but often soft, uneven and dusty terrain. No restrooms available. No road access past the starting point for medical assistance. Not for those with mobility, respiratory or cardiac conditions. 

Leader: Holly Kleindienst

Registration for this trip is free.