Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival: Sycamore Canyon Field Trip
See for yourself why Sycamore Canyon Wilderness is Arizona’s first Wilderness. Profound geology and hydrology on display, varied habitats, high plant diversity, arthropods and reptiles all support the birds to be found in this mid-elevation, Verde River tributary. On the rim, xeric-adapted birds such as Gray Vireo, Loggerhead Shrike, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Brewer’s, Lark and Black-throated sparrows may be found, among many other species. Within the Canyon, Common Black Hawk, White-throated Swift, Bell’s Vireo, Verdin and Summer Tanager may be observed. Overall, this trip may provide experiences with various flycatchers, vireos, swallows, wrens, warblers, sparrows and orioles. Rare species have included Costa’s Hummingbird, Willet, Golden Eagle, Broad-winged Hawk, Pinyon Jay, Evening Grosbeak, Lark Bunting, Nashville Warbler, and Red-faced Warbler, etc.
There are no bathroom facilities during this trip. After birding the rim, participants pack their lunch and water into the canyon. There is an approximate 160 foot descent into the canyon after which the trail is fairly level. Round-trip distance in the canyon is about 2.5 miles. There are no creek crossings.
Rating: 4
Transportation: Vans
Meal: Bring your own lunch
Trip Guide: David Moll
Reverence and enthusiasm for nature resides with David Moll. To his 40+ years in Central Arizona, David adds his lowland, east coast roots. Moving from New York, he attended Prescott College and has lived in Prescott ever since. From Arizona’s borders with Mexico, New Mexico and California, to the north rim of the Grand Canyon, David has examined the more-and less-traveled areas for learning. While finding Arizona birds is his specialty, Mr. Moll places them within a context of meteorology, geography, topography, botany, entomology and interactions among each other and with other vertebrates.
Part of the Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival
- Audience: Adult
- Genre: Field Sciences
- Type: Expo/Festival, Field Trip/Outdoor Activity, Tour/Walk