Gordon Hirabayashi to Sycamore Reservoir

Registration for this trip is free. Register here beginning on Nov 12, 7 AM.

Trip difficulty: Hard. 5 miles, out and back, varied terrain, some will be very rocky, uneven, narrow trail. Elevation gain 800 feet. Bathrooms at trailhead, no water available.

We will look for our winter resident birds at the historic Gordon Hirabayashi campground and will then hike over the Shreve Saddle, down to the Sycamore Reservoir and back. Expect mixed flocks of winter sparrows to test our patience for IDing those LBJs (little brown jobs). Plan to also see jays, woodpeckers, and other overwintering birds. We will meet at the Gordon Hirabayashi (Prison Camp) trailhead which is at Catalina Highway milepost 7. Requires National Recreation Area fee of $8 per car or appropriate Interagency Recreational Pass. We should be wrapped up between 1:30 and 2:00 PM.

Please note, this is an actual hike. We will progress at a birding pace but please know your limits and be prepared with at least 1 liter of water (more would be better), hearty trail snack and/or lunch, and sturdy shoes. Hiking poles may be useful. The first half of our field trip is mostly downhill which means we will be hiking up hill back to the cars. Field trip leader is also a volunteer naturalist so plant and other animal encounters are greeted with enthusiasm. Beginning birders are welcome. Limited to 8 participants.

Leader: Cathy Yungbluth (cathyyungbluth@gmail.com)

Header Image: Spotted Towhee by Shawn Cooper