Tucson Audubon Society

General Information: Tucson Audubon field trips are free! Contact trip leader for more information about each field trip, or the Field Trip Coordinator This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 297-2315, for general questions.

Announcements

• Multi-day field trip survey - let us know which trips interest you most!
• Meet our fantastic field trip leaders!
• Southeast Arizona birding sites
• Additional Tucson region bird walks
• Local bird guiding services provided by Birds & Business Alliance Members
• Global birding tours provided by Birds & Business Alliance Members

Continuing Walks

Wake up with the Birds at Agua Caliente Park - Thursdays
Pima County Natural Resources, Parks & Recreation offers guided bird walks especially for beginning bird watchers. Binoculars will be available for use during the walk. Location: Roy P. Drachman Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Road. Meet at the Visitor's Center. Free. For meeting time and more information, call 615-7855 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Arivaca Cienega - Saturdays 8AM -- This walk resumes in November
Buenos Aires NWR. Tucson Audubon bird walk at Arivaca Cienega every Saturday at 8 AM, November through April, whatever the weather. Meet at the trailhead for a mostly level walk of approximately 2 miles. You can expect to see 30 to 50 species depending on the season. For more info, call Bob Rolfson in the fall.

Current Trips

September 4-Saturday 8 AM
Madera Canyon Monsoon Nature Walk (Proctor Loop)
Friends of Madera Canyon Education Director Doug Moore will lead a "monsoon" nature walk in lower Madera Canyon. Summer rains transform the canyon, producing a fascinating display of plants and animals, particularly wildflowers and insects. We will look for birds, but the focus will be to explore the nature encountered on the Proctor Nature Loop. Limit of 10. Contact leader to register starting August 25.

Leader: Doug Moore This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

September 4 - Saturday 7:30-10 AM
Sweetwater Wetlands Family Outing Series (first Saturday of every month)
Share your love of birding with your children or grandchildren at one of the "birdiest" places in Tucson. Borrow our backpacks filled with fun family birding activities, field guides, and binoculars. This monthly outing is self-guided; bring your children and take as long as you like! The Family Outings are developed in conjunction with Sunnyside School District's Student Urban Naturalists, who seek to promote an understanding of the environment through hands-on birding and nature activities. An adult must accompany children.

Leader: Deborah Vath This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 490-4835

September 7 - Tuesday 5:30 AM
Arivaca Cienega
Join us for a morning of exploring the beautiful Arivaca Cienega. The monsoon rains will turn this area into a wonderland of blooming sunflowers. Migrants and a mix of summer birds will be expected. Meet at the Fry's on I-19 and Irvington at 5:30 AM (leader not present) or at the Green Valley McDonald's parking lot at 6 AM. Bring water, sun protection and snacks. Expect to return to Green Valley by noon. About 140 miles round trip from Tucson.

Leaders: Mark and Farrish Sharon This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

September 11 - Saturday 6 AM
Plants and Birds of Miller Canyon
Tucson Audubon joins with the Arizona Native Plant Society in the spectacular Miller Canyon in the Huachuca's. After strolling up the canyon to check out plants, we will go to Beatty's Guest Ranch to view the hummers feasting during migration. Wear sturdy shoes, bring lunch, and note that there is a $5 per person fee to use Beatty's facilities. For those who can remain into the evening, Joe Cicero has volunteered to set up a black light starting at dusk in the National Forest to attract insects. Register with the leaders beginning September 1. 150 miles round trip.

Co-Leaders: Doug Ripley (AZNPS) This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and Arlene Ripley (Tucson Audubon) This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 212-6077 (H) 419-7801(C)

September 14 - Tuesday 7:30 AM
Tanque Verde Ranch
We have permission to visit this private guest ranch located at the very end of East Speedway. We will bird along Tanque Verde Wash with 2 ponds, mesquites and cottonwoods. Done by noon. Restrooms and snack break midway at the cars. A good trip for beginning birders and those who have things to do later in the day. Meet at McDonald's located on the NE corner of Catalina Hwy and Tanque Verde Rd.

Leader: Bill Wieboldt 885-1227 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

September 18 - Saturday 8 AM
Avra Valley: Fall Migration for Beginners
Those who are new to birding are especially invited to look for shorebirds, swallows, Swainson's Hawks and other birds headed south. Easy walking on dirt. Bring a scope if you have one. Bring money for carpooling. Meet at Mission Library on NW corner of Ajo and Mission. Return by noon. Round trip of 50 miles. No need to sign up but call leader with questions.

Leader: John Higgins 578-1830 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

September 21 - Tuesday 6 AM
Santa Cruz Migration
We'll explore the important riparian corridor along the Santa Cruz River, walking the Anza Trail at Tubac and Tumacacori in search of interesting migrating birds as well as our regular residents. Anything is possible at this time of year so we'll determine our exact route depending on recent news. Expect a wide range of birds and maybe something unusual. 100 miles round trip.

Leader: Richard Fray This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 323-4234

September 25 - Saturday 7 AM
Tucson Audubon Young Birders Field Trip: Madera Canyon
With migration in full swing the young birders will once again travel to Madera Canyon in the Santa Rita mountains. We'll be on the lookout for hummingbirds, warblers, and whatever else strikes our fancy on this half-day outing. Bring hat, sunscreen, lunch, and water. Back by 1pm. Contact the leaders for meeting place and any other details.

Leaders: Scott Olmstead This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 840-9567 and Jennie Duberstein This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 309-1995

September 25 - Saturday 6:30 AM
Pena Blanca Lake State Park
Here's hoping this refurbished habitat has taken on lake-sized proportions once again for a Tucson Audubon field trip. It is always good birding in the fall here at the Red-naped Sapsucker capital of southeast Arizona. Meet at the Green Valley McDonald's on Continental Road at 6:30 AM

Leader: Clifford A. Cathers This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

September 28 - Tuesday 6 AM
Going North to: Catalina State Park
An early morning stroll through this park should give us some nice looks at resident Sonoran Desert species, perhaps some passing migrants, or birds just arriving for the winter. Meet at the Ina Rd. and Via Ponte carpooling lot. State park pass or fee required.

Leader: Darlene Smyth This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 297-2315

October 2 - Saturday 8-10 AM
Sweetwater Wetlands Family Outing Series (first Saturday of every month)
Share your love of birding with your children or grandchildren at one of the "birdiest" places in Tucson. Borrow our backpacks filled with fun family birding activities, field guides, and binoculars. This monthly outing is self-guided; bring your children and take as long as you like! The Family Outings Series is developed in conjunction with Sunnyside School District's Student Urban Naturalists, who seek to promote an understanding of the environment through hands-on birding and nature activities. An adult must accompany children.

Leader: Deborah Vath This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 490-4835

October 2 - Saturday 6 AM
Arivaca
We will walk the two-mile trail at Arivaca Cienega followed by possible stops at Arivaca Creek, Arivaca Lake and the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge. We will look for lingering summer residents, recently arrived winter residents, migrants, and permanent residents. The trip will be like a box of chocolates where you never know what you will find! Dress for the weather. Bring plenty of water, snacks and lunch. Meet at the Fry's at Irvington and I-19 at 6 AM or at the Green Valley McDonald's (Continental Road Exit) before 6:30 AM. (about 130-160 miles roundtrip from Tucson).

Leader: Dave Dunford 909-1809 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

October 5 - Tuesday 6-8:30 PM
Star Party
Come enjoy crescent Venus through a scope. Jupiter will be visible at low elevation in the east. Sunset is about 6 but come anytime you like. Instructions will be given on how to spot Venus in the daytime the following week (using the crescent Moon as a guide). Bring binoculars if you have them and questions galore. Meet at the top of Campbell Avenue north of Skyline Drive.

Leader: Michael S. Smith This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

October 9 - Saturday 5:30 AM
Santa Fe Ranch, Nogales
This will be Tucson Audubon's first field trip to this education and conservation-minded ranch (www.santaferanchfoundation.org/) on the banks of the Santa Cruz River. Our purpose will be the exploration of its riparian and adjacent habitats for lingering breeding birds and any migrants that may be around. There is great natural and human history in the area. 110 miles roundtrip. Trip limited to 10 participants. Contact leader to reserve a spot starting October 1.

Leader: Robin Baxter This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 394-2625

October 12 - Tuesday 7 AM
Going North to: Boyce-Thompson Arboretum
We will drive straight to Boyce-Thompson Arboretum, hoping to arrive right at 9 AM. 2 miles of walking on good paths. Bring plenty of water. Wear good walking shoes. Our lunch will be at the Oak Flat Campground before heading back to Tucson via Superior. This time of year should be exciting with the northern migrants arriving. Meet in the carpooling lot at Ina and Via Ponte (one block west of Oracle on the south side of Ina). 225 miles

Leader: Melody Kehl This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 245-4085

October 17 - Sunday 7AM
Tubac De Anza Trail
Join Tucson Audubon for a stroll along this natural migration corridor for a sampling of birds on the move. Eastern vagrants have become an almost annual event here and the resident species are fun to look at too! Meet at the Green Valley McDonald's on Continental Road at 7 AM.

Leader: Clifford A. Cathers This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

October 19 - Tuesday 6:30 AM
Whitewater Draw
We will check this fabulous wetland in the Sulphur Springs Valley for migrating shorebirds, ducks and other birdlife. Will visit the Benson STP on the way back.
Meet at Houghton Rd. on the north side of I-10 for carpooling (leader not present). Meet the leader at the Benson Safeway about 7AM. (Exit 303, drive about a mile south on W. 4th St.) Bring lunch and snacks, and a scope if you have one. 250 miles roundtrip.

Leader: Lainie Epstein 720-8976 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

October 23 - Saturday 7:30 AM
Tucson Audubon Young Birders Field Trip: Sweetwater Wetlands
As the temperatures begin to drop and the migrants start to flow through, Sweetwater will become the place to be in Tucson! The young birders will spend the morning searching this favorite local birding site for migrant warblers and other songbirds, and we're sure to find an impressive variety of waterbirds as well. Bring hat, sunscreen, snack, and water. Done by 11 AM. Contact the leaders for meeting place and any other details.

Leaders: Scott Olmstead This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 840-9567 and Jennie Duberstein This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 309-1995

October 23 - Saturday 6 AM
Sonoita Creek State Natural Area
Take a hike along Sonoita Creek to look for late migrants, wintering birds and year-round residents. This hike may include some walking in shallow water, so wear shoes you won't mind getting wet. Bring water, snacks and lunch. Trip limited to 10 participants and preregistration (starting October 11) is necessary as well as $3 permit fee.

Leader: Michael Bissontz 577-8778 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

October 26 - Tuesday 6:30 AM
Santa Gertrudis Lane
This is an area that can be rewarding if searched slowly and carefully with a small group of birders willing to spend time quietly sitting and watching the vegetation lining this lane and the edges of the Santa Cruz River at the crossing. Bring a small folding seat and be prepared to spend a relaxed, quiet, still morning. Register with leader beginning October 19. 80 miles roundtrip.

Leader: Darlene Smyth This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 297-2315

October 30 - Saturday 6:30 AM
Santa Cruz Flats
One of SE Arizona's classic winter birding hotspots, we'll take an early look to see if we can turn up a surprise or two. Many of the wintering species may not have arrived, but a variety of birds can be encountered at this interesting time of year. Mountain Plovers often aren't seen until the New Year but sometimes the first flush passes through early, so we'll certainly look for those, along with other shorebirds, raptors, sparrows, thrashers and more. Birding will be largely from or near vehicles, but please note there are no restrooms in the area. About 100 miles round trip.

Leader: Richard Fray This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 323-4234

November 2 - Tuesday 4:30 AM
San Rafael Grasslands
This trip provides an opportunity to see raptors and grassland sparrows. The number of bird species we will see is not large, but we hope to see some birds not easily seen elsewhere. Mostly birding from cars, but some walking through tall grass and over rocky slopes. If you don't have a high-clearance vehicle, plan to carpool with someone who does. Bring lunch. Scope may be useful. Meet at Houghton Road north of I-10 before 4:30 AM (150 miles roundtrip).

Leader: Jim Hays 895.3299 (email preferred) This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

November 6 - Saturday 8-10 AM
Sweetwater Wetlands Family Outing Series (first Saturday of every month)
Share your love of birding with your children or grandchildren at one of the "birdiest" places in Tucson. Borrow our backpacks filled with fun family birding activities, field guides, and binoculars. This monthly outing is self-guided; bring your children and take as long as you like! The Family Outings are developed in conjunction with Sunnyside School District's Student Urban Naturalists, who seek to promote an understanding of the environment through hands-on birding and nature activities. An adult must accompany children.

Leader: Deborah Vath This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 490-4835

November 6 - Saturday 6:30 AM
Sycamore Canyon
We will descend approximately one mile into this beautiful canyon along the Mexican border hoping for lots of birds. The terrain is uneven and rugged. Wear hiking shoes, bring plenty of water and lunch for in the canyon. Do not plan to leave anything of value in your vehicle. Although Border Patrol is monitoring this area vigilantly, there is no reason to make it easy for someone. Meet at the McDonald's in Green Valley (Continental exit off I-19). 200 miles.

Leader: Melody Kehl: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 245-4085

SPECIAL EXTENDED TRIPS

Multi-day field trip survey - let us know which trips interest you most!

November 18-22
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
We'll begin at one of North America's most famous urban birding spots, Stanley Park. Iona Beach and its renowned sewage ponds are less than an hour south. Jericho Park, "Vancouver's Mount Auburn," is right in Vancouver. Westham Island is the home of the amazing Reifel Refuge. On our final day, we'll take a mini-pelagic trip from Tsawassen to Swartz Bay and back. Passport required. Participants share of resident leader's expenses is minimal.

Leader: Rick Wright, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . For complete itinerary contact Darlene Smyth This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

May 3 - May 10, 2011
Migration in Southwest Ohio II
Tucson Audubon, in conjunction with Economy Birding Services, Inc., is pleased to again offer an extended fieldtrip to southwest Ohio during the peak of the 2011 eastern migration. This little-birded section of our country offers a wealth of birds, lush deciduous forests, comfortable and inexpensive accommodations and good food. Clifford Cathers will reveal the local hot birding spots in search of 125 or more species, including up to 35 potential warbler varieties. You can read about last year's trip online at www.economybirding.com/trips02.html.

Interested? Contact Clifford at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 762-3201 or Darlene Smyth, Tucson Audubon Field Trip Coordinator at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 297-2315 for a detailed trip description, bird checklist and registration form. Registration for this trip is $150, your total share of the leader's expenses. Register soon!!! Minimum 8 participants; maximum 16 participants accepted.