Tucson Audubon Society: Southeast Arizona Birding Festival – Birding by Habitat: Riparian and the Santa Cruz River with Cally Wilken and Phil Chaon
Before the advent of large-scale groundwater extraction, the Santa Cruz River flowed year-round supporting mesquite bosque and cottonwood-willow forest. Now it flows only in sections where water is artificially released from wastewater treatment plants. One such area that Tucson Audubon has reclaimed and restored is the Simpson Farm near Marana. Explore this area with Mitigation Program Manager, Cally Wilken, and Phil Chaon, co-author of Habitats of the World, and we’ll look for Southeast Arizona specialty birds such as Lucy’s Warbler, Bell’s Vireo, and Black-tailed Gnatcatcher. We’ll also head over to a known Burrowing Owl location to see one of our favorite owls. Limited to 8 participants.
Difficulty: Moderate (Some mild slopes–mostly flat ground and good surfaces.)
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Part of the Southeast Arizona Birding Festival, August 9 – 13.
Festival Headquarters: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Tucson – Reid Park. All van trips depart from here.
“Drive Yourself” field trips will meet on-site at birding locations and you will received detailed directions.
There is a $30 non-refundable registration fee for all festival participants that are attending fee based activities: field trips, workshops, and evening programs. In addition, each activity previously mentioned has its own associated fees.
- Audience: Adult
- Genre: Field Sciences
- Type: Expo/Festival, Field Trip/Outdoor Activity