As the nesting season progresses, let’s explore Montosa Canyon in the southwest Santa Rita Mountains. This area is underbirded compared to other, better-known regions of the Santa Ritas, and presents us with opportunities to find exciting species! In the canyon we’ll look for Black-capped Gnatcatcher and Five-striped Sparrow, along with other birds typical of the SE AZ mountains.

We’ll meet at 6:30 AM for a morning’s birding at the Whipple Picnic Area and Trailhead, next to the Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory along Mt Hopkins Road in Amado. There are restrooms and parking, as well as nice picnic tables if anyone wants to extend their morning. The meeting point is approximately 45 minutes from the I-10 / I-19 junction.

Final trip plans for proceeding to Montosa Canyon will be emailed to participants. Limited to 8 participants.

Registration fee: $35/member, $50/non-member

Trip Difficulty: Moderate, distance: up to 2 miles, duration: 3 hours, trail conditions: walk along graded gravel road and rocky trails with uneven footing. Bathrooms and water available. Shade intermittent. 

LOCATION: Montosa Canyon, Whipple Picnic Area