D. A. Ranch and Estate Vineyards (formerly Dancing Apache) is nestled in the shadow of House Mountain and the community of Page Springs. The beautiful duckponds, Oak Creek and upland desert scrub provides a variety of habitats to explore and find a diverse population of bird life. Some of the species you may encounter include the common black-hawk, summer tanagers, Bewick’s wren, verdins, orioles and the secretive resident great-horned owl.

Rating: 3

Transportation: Self-drive

Meal: No

Cost: $40

Trip Guides: Rosa Palarino

Rosa has been a participant and/or volunteer for the Verde Valley Birding & Nature Festival since 2008. She completed her education in Wildlife Biology & Management and Environmental Sciences in the Northeast, and has worked throughout the country studying various bird species for the past 20+ years. She is a Natural Resource Specialist/Wildlife Biologist with the National Park Service. She spends as much time as possible exploring the outdoors and when not traveling, she is planning her next adventure. Rosa is thrilled to be a part of the VVBNF!

Abby Confer

Abby has lived in Arizona since the mid 1990s and went to university at NAU in Flagstaff. She started birding as a way to reduce stress and got hooked. Birdwatching brings her great joy. Each adventure offers the opportunity to learn, see new places, connect with people, and have a great time along the way. Abby currently lives on the south rim of the Grand Canyon National Park with her husband and charismatic great dane.

Part of the Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival