Rich Armstrong will lead a 2.5 hour walk around 9 ponds to see ducks, shorebirds, marsh birds, and maybe migrants. The Sedona Wetlands has recorded 260 species and is the best small birding area in the Verde Valley. Then you will be invited to drive 7 miles to Rich’s house where Rich & Nanette will help you see different riparian birds in a yard with 20+ feeders that has recorded over 160 species. The use of man-made water treatment plants as birding sites by creating artificial wetlands has proven to be the source of excellent birding across the country, especially when they are planned to provide rich habitat. The City of Sedona, in keeping with the natural beauty of the area, has not only taken care of the basic needs of the public but has done so with nature in mind. Easy walking on mostly wide level roads and paths.

E-bird Hotspot Link

Meetup location: Main parking lot. 7500 State Rd 89a, Sedona

Rating: 3

Transportation: Self-drive

Meal: None

Cost: $40

Trip Guide: Rich Armstrong

Rich Armstrong became a serious birder with his wife Nanette 35 years ago when they lived in Texas. He has birded across North America, and now in Arizona for the past 11 years. He is the coordinator of the Sedona CBC, is the birding pal for the Verde Valley, and coordinates the North America Migratory Bird Count for Yavapai County. He is the local Audubon Chapter Steward for the Sedona Wetlands Preserve. Affectionately known as the ‘big mouth of the valley,’ he has led over 100 birding field trips at the Wetlands with his spotting scope always in tow– the ‘fastest scope in the west’. Rich Armstrong received a PhD in Nuclear Inorganic Chemistry from Stanford University, retired as a Major in the U.S. Army Reserves, and was a chemist for Texaco Chemical for 20 years.

Part of the Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival