Difficulty: Moderate (May include walking along mostly level trail but with uneven surfaces for around 1 mile, one area with steep stairs. Please follow boat rules. Sunscreen highly recommended. Drive time to location about 80 minutes)
Check out the top eBird hotspot in the state from a different perspective as we will be birding from a pontoon boat. Sonoita Creek Watershed Specialist, Howard Buchanan, will share with us the unique features of Patagonia Lake and the conservation challenges it faces. Mexican Duck, Ruddy Duck, and Neotropic and Double-crested Cormorants should be readily seen on the lake along with raptors and riparian species along the shore. Either before, or after the boat trip, we will explore some of the trails around the state park for more Arizona specialties. Lunch provided. Limited to 6 participants.
Difficulty: Moderate (Will include walking along mostly level trail but with uneven surfaces for around 2 miles, one area with steep stairs. Drive time to location about 80 minutes)
This is the top eBird hotspot in the state with lake, riparian, and upland desert/grassland habitat affording the chance for a number of target species of lower elevations. Early walking along the birding trail, we hope to find Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet, Bell’s Vireo, Bridled Titmouse, and Lucy’s Warbler, eventually heading for the inlet creek where we might possibly find Green Kingfisher—one can hope! Scanning the lake, there are Mexican Ducks along with other species, as well as Neotropic Cormorants, and shorebirds at the dam area. Afterwards a stop at the famous Roadside Rest will provide opportunity for both Thick-billed Kingbird and Varied Bunting and then lunch at the Paton Center for Hummingbirds, courtesy of local Gathering Grounds. Limited to 8 participants.
Violet-crowned Hummingbird by Greg Lavaty