PRO Series: Difficult Ducks at Lake Cochise
Registration: $50/member, $100/non-member. Register here beginning Nov 12, 7:00 AM
Trip Difficulty: Easy. We will be driving around the Cochise Lake “loop” while stopping at various points to scope the lake.
This Pro Series field trip will delve into advanced duck identification at Cochise Lake and Twin Lakes Golf Course. We will focus on understanding the differences between Mexican Ducks versus Mallards, separating all three teal species, and learning to identify sleeping ducks. The guide will discuss how structure, posture, and behavior can be helpful in identifying distant ducks. Additionally, we will talk about gull and shorebird identification if these family groups are present. Throughout the morning, species such as Sandhill Cranes, Chihuahuan Meadowlarks, and Chestnut-collared Longspur will also be encountered. Limited to 12 participants.
Meetup at Lake Cochise and Twin Lakes Golf Course at the entrance pullout here: (32.2332371, -109.8250564), Time: 7:30am
About the Series: Introducing the Pro Series field trips and workshops presented by Arizona Birding Tours and Tucson Audubon Society. Take your birding to the next level with help from professional guides at Arizona Birding Tours. Each month we’ll explore advanced birding topics ranging from classic identification challenges to the art of birding by ear and so much more. Join us and discover new aspects of birding that will enhance your experience and expand your birding repertoire.
About the Leader: Nolan Walker hails from Tennessee where he started birding at age 9, absorbing as much as he could in famous eastern US birding destinations such as Cape May and the Outer Banks. In 2018, he moved to Vail, Arizona and since has come to learn much about the distribution of birds in the naturally diverse region of southeast Arizona. Nolan particularly enjoys any type of migration, especially morning flight, sea-watching, hawk-watching, and listening for nocturnal flight calls. Additionally, he finds nothing more exciting than exploring an under-birded region to find unexpected species or rarities. Nolan loves sharing amazing experiences with clients and seeing the joy on their faces when they see new birds! Nolan has the pleasure of helping compile the North American Birds seasonal reports for Arizona. In Tennessee, he helped compile data for various CBCs, fall counts, and spring counts. Additionally, he has spent time hawk-watching in Cape May Point State Park.
Header Image: Ducks by Lois Manowitz