Arizona: Owls and Warblers

Southeastern Arizona is one of North America’s great birdwatching destinations, particularly during mid-May when birdsong and breeding activity are typically at their peak. From the rich Sonoran Desert around Tucson to the lush cottonwood riparian habitat near Patagonia, the cool sycamore-lined canyons of the Huachuca Mountains, and the high-elevation forests of the Chiricahua Mountains, the region has remarkable natural beauty. Equally remarkable is the natural diversity one finds in this transition between the Rocky Mountains to the north and the Cordillera Occidental of Mexico to the south. We’ll visit virtually all the major birding locations and could encounter as many as nine or even ten species of owl and 11 species of hummingbird, as well as most of the specialties restricted to this part of the Southwest. Although owls and nightjars will be a major emphasis of the tour, very late nights will seldom be necessary, as several of our accommodations are close to excellent nightbirding.