The Page Springs area is a favorite hangout for birds and birders alike. This trip will take you to one of the locals’ favorite hot spots on the banks of Oak Creek. Bubbling Ponds has been a project of the Northern Arizona Audubon Society with trails, invasive plant species eradication and habitat restoration and is part of the Lower Oak Creek Important Birding Area.

Rating: 3

Transportation: Self-drive

Meal: None

Cost: $110

Trip Guide: Marceline VandeWater

Marceline grew up in the Netherlands where she studied botany. Later she became interested in birds, then butterflies and now, natural history in general. She leads bird and butterfly walks for the local chapters of the Audubon Society and for Arizona State Parks. She also works on botanical illustrations at the Desert Botanical Garden and has provided photographs for several publications. She loves to spend time with her husband, their grown kids and grandchildren. Other hobbies include hiking, kayaking, skiing, cooking and traveling.

Part of the Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival