We will walk from the park birding on the way to Old Town Cottonwood via the “Jail Trail”. This interpretive trail actually begins at the old Cottonwood Jail so we will be walking it in reverse of the printed guide. Not to worry. We’ll end up on Main Street to be picked up by the vans that will bring us back to the park. The trail winds along the riparian corridor and the birds are plentiful. A common black-hawk nests in this area and we may get a close up view. Other species to look for include belted kingfisher, tanagers, southwest willow flycatcher, and swallows. Option to purchase items in Cottonwood, time permitting. Depending on our van schedule, we might reverse this trip where the van drops you off in Old Town Cottonwood and your walk back to the parking lot.

Rating: 2

Transportation: self-drive with a van to return you to your car

Meal: None

Cost: $50

Trip Guide: Tice Supplee Audubon Arizona

Tice has been the Audubon Southwest Director of Bird Conservation since 2005, after a career with the Arizona Game and Fish Department that included experiences in research, habitat management, game management, and urban wildlife. Her National Audubon Society work is focused on birds and their habitats. She coordinates Audubon science related activities in Arizona and New Mexico with National Audubon Society programs and offices in other states and co-manages the Arizona Important Bird Areas program. Her National Audubon Society work is focused on birds and their habitats. In addition, she teaches Environmental Biology at Phoenix College. She earned her B.S at Cornell University and M.S. at the University of Arizona, both in Wildlife Ecology. She has received awards from the Arizona chapter of The Wildlife Society, Arizona Wildlife Federation, and National Audubon Society.

Part of the Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival