Fieldtrips--Tucson Audubon Society

Other Information

SE Arizona Rare
Bird Alert
(520) 798-1005

Report Rare Birds
(520) 798-1005
Email a report

Nature Shop
(520) 629-0510

Agua Caliente Shop
(520) 760-7881

Mason Audubon
Center
(520) 744-0004

Membership
(520) 629-0757

AZ IBA Program
(520) 628-1730

Education Program
(520) 622-2230

Habitat Restoration
(520) 206-9900

Development
(520) 622-5622

Executive Director
(520) 622-5622

Tucson Audubon Society
Birding Field Trips

Former Executive Director Kevin Dahl birding
Photo by Bob Wenrick

Important Field Trip Information

General Information: Tucson Audubon field trips are free! Contact trip leader for more information about each field trip, or contact Field Trip Coordinator Darlene Smyth, 297-2315.

Carpooling: We strongly encourage carpooling. Passengers are expected to reimburse the driver the cost of fuel. Trip descriptions give estimated mileages. See detailed information about the carpooling sites. Be aware that if there are two or more meeting sites for a field trip, you may be the only person to use one of them. Every person arriving for a trip should be prepared to drive, or make other arrangements prior to meeting time.

Departure Times: Please arrive before the departure time listed in the trip description. Trips will leave promptly at the time given.

After Your Trip: Stop by the Audubon Nature Shop! The shop is located at 300 E University Blvd, on the southeast corner of University and 5th Avenue.

Rare Bird Alert
Listen to the latest rare bird alert at 798-1005. To report rare birds call the same number, or write to rarebirdalert

More Birding Info: SE Arizona birding page. See also: Birding ethics, Tucson urban bird walks, other regional bird fieldtrips, volunteer opportunities.

Announcements

Current Trips

October 12 – Sunday 7a.m. until at least 3p.m. (Come and go to fit your schedule)
“BIG SIT!” at Agua Caliente Park
Let's continue the Tucson Audubon “Big Sit!” tradition by reoccupying the same circle at Agua Caliente Park . We'll provide comfy chairs, snacks and drinks while everyone enjoys some relaxed birding. Various field trip leaders, staff, board and volunteers will tag-team in and out during the day. We hope to again record more than 50 species. As an extra bonus the Audubon Nature Shop will stay open on Sunday just for us!

Leaders: Vivian MacKinnon and John Higgins 390-6221 or vmackinnon@tucsonaudubon.org

October 14 – Tuesday 7a.m.
French Joe Canyon
Journey to an old, recently neglected friend. Good chances for sparrows and oak-cottonwood riparian species. 4-wheel drive or high clearance vehicles needed. We'll hike 1.5 miles each way on average trail with some scrambling necessary to fully explore the upper canyon where we'll eat lunch. Meet at Houghton and I-10 at 7a.m. Back by 2p.m. (90 miles roundtrip)

Leader: Denis Wright zytgiest@pobox.com 405-6864

October 18 – Saturday 7a.m.
Pond at Elephant Head
The owner of this property has been feeding the birds twice a day for a few years now and this area, due to the food, natural habitats and water, attracts resident, migrating and wintering birds. We stand or sit in unobtrusive areas and try for lingering looks at the birds. Limited to 9 participants; contact the leader for reservations starting October 3. (80 miles roundtrip from Tucson .)

Leader: Darlene Smyth dsmyth3@comcast.net 297-2315

October 21 – Tuesday 6:30am
Benson Birding Trail, St David Monastery
We spend the morning birding near and along the San Pedro River at both locations looking for late migrants. Then a late morning trip to the Wastewater Treatment Plant/Sewage Plant for early waterfowl. Meet at Houghton Rd/I-10 exit for carpooling (leader not present) at 6:30a.m., or the Safeway in Benson at 7a.m. Take I-10 exit 303 south about 1 mile. (Approx 60 miles RT)

Leader: Lainie Epstein lainie95us@yahoo.com 520-720-8976

October 25 – Saturday 6:30a.m.
Patagonia
We'll stroll down Blue Haven Road , check out the Roadside Rest, Harshaw Creek Road, and other good habitats for lingering migrants and winter residents. Meet at Houghton and I-10. Bring lunch. (90 miles roundtrip)

Leader: Nigel Crook nigelcrook@yahoo.com 304-0649

October 25 – Saturday 6:30-8:30p.m.
Night sky viewing
Meet at top of Campbell , about 1 mile north of Campbell and Skyline; park on the west side. An 8" telescope will be available; bring binoculars if you have them. Venus and Jupiter will both be visible, and this is a good time to view the autumn constellations, some planets, perhaps a satellite or two and the beginning of the bright stars of winter! We will see Aquila the Eagle and Pegasus the Winged Horse.

Leader: Mike Smith mssq@comcast.net

October 28 – Tuesday 6a.m.
Santa Cruz River at Tubac
It's fall; a kaleidoscope of seasons in Arizona 's lowlands with lingering summer birds, migrants and winter arrivals. Take a leisurely stroll through the cottonwood leaves along the river for this variety. Black-and-White Warbler, Worm-eating Warbler and Greater Pewee have wintered here in the past. Meet at Fry's parking lot at I-19 and Irvington at 6a.m. (leader not present) or at the McDonald's on Continental Road in Green Valley at 6:30a.m. Level meandering over dry-to-muddy ground and a walk of 1-2 miles. (80 miles RT)

Leader: Clifford A. Cathers AZCliffy@q.com

November 2 – Sunday 8a.m.
Reid Park
A bird/bike jaunt around one of Tucson 's historic parks and adjacent neighborhoods to enjoy urban birding in desert habitat, large eucalyptus groves, ponds and aquatic habitat. We'll likely see herons, wintering ducks, hawks, a variety of hummers and "little brown things." All bicycling will be on neighborhood ways, park sidewalks and some grass; no busy city streets. This is a beginning-birder experience combined with easy bicycling. Helmets required. Limited to 10 fun-loving folks.

Leader: Becky Aparicio audubonbecky@yahoo.com 260-7500/760-7881

November 4 – Tuesday 7a.m.
Mount Lemmon
Mount Lemmon can be a fun winter birding outing, and we'll get some nice Catalina Mountain air today to help us vote with clear thinking on our return. Don't worry—no politics on the trip! Meet at McDonald's parking lot on the NE corner of Catalina Highway and Tanque Verde Road . Remember to bring your car pass if you have one (USFS fee area). Back by 3p.m. ~50 miles roundtrip.

Leader: Larry Liese larryliese@prodigy.net 743-3520

November 8 – Saturday 7a.m.
Photo Workshop – Pond at Elephant Head
Make your bird images “jump off” the page! Join Andy Rogers, Washington-based photographer and Oro Valley winter resident, at this location which is a photographer's dream as he leads this workshop. Andy photographs birds across the nation 200 days per year and will share tips and his camera lenses with you. Any camera is appropriate. Limit of 8 persons. No fees. Sign up and ask questions after October 15. (80 miles RT)

Leader: Andy Rogers barandy@comcast.net 425-417-4648

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This page was updated on 10 October, 2008