Santa Cruz Flats: Desert Thrashers

Registration fee: $35/member, $50/non-member

Trip difficulty: Moderate; Walking Distance: less than 2 miles; Trip Duration: return by noon; Elevation Gain: none; Ground Condition: gravel roads and some walking through desert scrub. No established restrooms on-site.

Another under-birded area relatively close to Tucson along Night Sky Rd. in the southwest corner of the Santa Cruz Flats, we’ll be targeting the thrashers that are found here on the Pima-Pinal County lines, including LeConte’s, Sage, and Bendire’s Thrashers; (this area is the closest location of LeConte’s Thrasher to Tucson). There will also be a chance for Sagebrush and other Sparrows and a number of raptors and other birds on our return through the agricultural areas of the Flats.

Wear good walking shoes and layered clothes, bring binoculars, a few scopes for the group would be helpful, water and snacks. Limited to 11 participants. Instructions for meet-up will be emailed to registered participants before the trip.

Leader: Tim Helentjaris (tnhelentjaris@msn.com)

Register here beginning Feb 11, 7:00 AM.

Header Image: Curve-billed Thrasher by Dan Weisz