Birding Hike: Gordon Hirabayashi Campground to Sycamore Reservoir with Cathy Yungbluth

Trip difficulty: Difficult hike! 5 miles varied terrain, some will be very rocky, uneven, narrow trail. Elevation gain 800 feet. The hike down to the reservoir is steep downhill, which means the hike back up to the cars is steep uphill. Please understand your ability to hike a difficult trail.

We will look for our resident birds at the historic Gordon Hirabayashi campground and will then hike over the Shreve Saddle, down to the Sycamore Reservoir and back. Expect flocks of sparrows to test our patience for IDing those LBJs (little brown jobbers). Plan to also see jays, woodpeckers, and other springtime birds. 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 Sabino Canyon Volunteer Naturalist so all plant and  animal encounters are greeted with enthusiasm. Beginning birders are welcome. Limit 8 participants.

Requires National Recreation Area fee of $8 per car or appropriate Interagency Recreational Pass.

Meet at the parking area closest to Catalina Highway

Leader: Cathy Yungbluth (cathyyungbluth@gmail.com)

Registration for this trip is free. 

Header Image: Scott’s Oriole by Mick Thompson