Plan to arrive in Tucson by about noon. A visit to Green Valley often yields Yellow-headed Blackbird, Lark Sparrow, a family of Gambel's Quail, and our first Greater Roadrunner. The feeders at our lodge should have Acorn Woodpeckers and Bridled Titmice, plus our first few species of hummingbirds, probably Broad-billed, Black-chinned, and Magnificent. We'll settle into Santa Rita Lodge, then prepare for Elf Owl, Whiskered Screech-Owl, and Whip-poor-will after dark. A Ringtail, a nocturnal mammal related to the Raccoon, may be hunting near the cabins! This is our first of two nights at Santa Rita Lodge.

We have a full morning of birding in the varied habitats of Madera Canyon. In the bottomlands there are Cassin's, Botteri's, and Rufous-winged Sparrows, Bell's Vireo, Blue Grosbeak, and Lucy's Warbler. A climb into the oak belt will give us our first chance for Elegant Trogon, Greater Pewee, and Arizona Woodpecker. In addition to the more common species, rarities such as Plain-capped Starthroat and Flame-colored Tanager occasionally visit the habitats and feeders near the lodge. Last year we found two Aztec Thrushes, an extremely rare Mexican endemic. After lunch we'll begin our adventure to California Gulch. Along the way we may find Vermilion Flycatcher, Montezuma Quail, and Gray Hawk. In the Gulch we'll search for Five-striped Sparrow, Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet, and Varied Bunting. After a late day picnic, our spotlight may reveal Buff-collared Nightjar, which we've found several times in recent years. Our ride home may yield Lesser Nighthawk, Common Poorwill, Bobcat, or Kangaroo Rat. A second night at Santa Rita.

We'll head south by way of Rio Rico almost to the Mexican border at Nogales, then visit Kino Springs to look for Tropical Kingbird and Vermilion Flycatcher. Patagonia Lake often has both Neotropic and Double-crested Cormorants for a nice comparison, and perhaps a family of Black-capped Gnatcatchers like last year. We'll do some late day birding along Sonoita Creek and spend a relaxing hour in Marion Paton's backyard amidst Violet-crowned, Black-chinned, and Rufous Hummingbirds. Overnight at the Stagestop Hotel in the old west town of Patagonia.

We'll begin our day at the famous Patagonia Rest Stop where Rose-throated Becard is possible and Thick-billed Kingbird is likely. In past years the Rest Stop has also given us several Violet-crowned Hummingbirds ON NESTS, and a male Yellow Grosbeak! There will be plenty of time to explore Sonoita Creek Sanctuary for the rare Green Kingfisher, plus nesting Gray and Zone-tailed Hawks, Gila Woodpecker, and Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet. And more time in Marion's backyard is always welcome, perhaps for Calliope Hummingbird or Painted Bunting. After looking for Western Screech-Owl and Barn Owl and maybe a Vinegaroon, we'll settle down for a second night in Patagonia.

Our first stop may be Sycamore Canyon or French Joe Canyon to look for the Rufous-capped Warblers, if they have returned to breed. Other good birds are also possible. Much of the remainder of the day will be spent at Ramsey and Miller Canyons looking for Golden Eagle, Northern Goshawk, Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher, Black-throated Gray Warbler, and Coati. A careful watch of the feeders should produce Magnificent, Blue-throated, and White-eared Hummingbirds, and perhaps as many as a DOZEN species of hummingbirds, as on recent tours. We have seen Berylline Hummingbird in this area for six of the past seven years, and Plain-capped Starthroat is always possible. There will be a picnic dinner at the San Pedro House, and then a search for Bendire's Thrasher, Vermilion Flycatcher, Abert's Towhee, and Lesser Nighthawk. Our first of three nights in Sierra Vista.

At Fort Huachuca we'll visit Sawmill and Sheelite Canyons to look for Red-faced Warbler, Buff-breasted Flycatcher, (Mexican) Spotted Owl, and Northern (Mountain) Pygmy-Owl. Garden Canyon has some reliable Elegant Trogons (we ate lunch with them last year), and Miller Canyon offers excellent habitat for additional highland species and soaring raptors. The hummingbird extravaganza at Miller Canyon can be phenomenal, with lots of time to study these little gems. Nighttime owling will hopefully produce Whiskered and Western Screech-Owls and possibly Whip-poor-will and Common Poorwill. A second night in Sierra Vista.

Our morning will take us to Carr Canyon Road and Comfort Spring for highland species that may include Greater Pewee, Band-tailed Pigeon, Buff-breasted Flycatcher, and Northern (Mountain) Pygmy-Owl. We'll have the afternoon to look for any species that may have eluded us, such as Lucifer Hummingbird or Flame-colored Tanager. We may spend more time at Ramsey Canyon or visit an entirely new location in the Huachucas. Our third night in Sierra Vista.

An early morning visit to the San Pedro River is likely to yield Abert's Towhee, Scott's Oriole, Botteri's Sparrow, and Great Horned Owl. We'll watch for Horned Lark and a herd of Pronghorn on the road to Rodeo, where we'll look for Barn Owl, Scaled Quail, Greater Roadrunner, and Lark Sparrow. There is often a Lucifer Hummingbird at a local feeder and a nice assortment of species at Dave Jasper's feeding station. Overnight in Portal, at the mouth of Cave Creek Canyon.

Our goal in the morning is Bendire's and Crissal Thrashers in the lowlands, then a walk along South Fork Trail for Elegant Trogon, Virginia's Warbler, and Painted Redstart. Higher in the mountains there are Mexican Chickadee, Steller's Jay, and Olive Warbler. Several years ago we found an exceedingly rare Northern Saw-whet Owl in a roost hole at Rustler Park. Short-tailed Hawk has been seen here for several consecutive years; we recently had wonderful looks at a light-phase adult. After dark we'll try for Elf Owl, Common Poorwill, Javelina, and Tarantula in our spotlight. We've had the good fortune to see Flammulated Owl and Montezuma Quail in this area on several occasions. A second night in Portal.

Paradise Road is a good spot for Black-chinned Sparrow, Western Scrub-Jay, and Juniper Titmouse. We'll walk South Fork Trail, check some local feeders, then drive to Willcox for shorebirds, waterfowl, herons, ibis, and cormorants. Long-billed Curlew, White-faced Ibis, Cinnamon Teal, and Eared Grebe are likely. On several occasions we've found a nice flock of 50+ Black Terns. We'll return to Tucson to spend the night and for another look at the Burrowing Owls at San Xavier Mission.

The San Pedro River at Dudleyville is excellent for Mississippi Kite, plus lots of Yellow Warblers and Yellow-breasted Chats. We'll make the short drive to Aravaipa Canyon where we'll hope to see nesting Common Black-Hawk, Zone-tailed Hawk, and a nice assortment of desert scrub species including Gilded Flicker, Verdin, and Scott's Oriole. We'll spend the afternoon on Mount Lemmon, looking for any of the high altitude warblers that we may have missed, plus Mountain Chickadee and Townsend's Solitaire. After our dinner that hopefully will include good views of some desert birds and mammals, we'll return to Tucson for our final night of the tour.

We'll spend the morning visiting several Tucson wetlands and sewage ponds, including the Sweetwater Wetlands Area. Common species include American Coot and Common Moorhen, and with any luck we may find a Sora, Peregrine Falcon, or Harris's Hawk, and even a rarity like Least Grebe or the Purple Gallinule that we found there several years ago. There should be some nice additions to our duck and shorebird lists.

We'll return to Tucson Airport by noon for anyone that is homeward bound, then begin our Post-Tour Extension to the SALTON SEA for aquatic specialties. Please see the separate itinerary for the extension. See the Special Discount Offer for those going on both tours.

This trip will be led by Bob Schutsky who has led more than a dozen tours to Southeastern Arizona. Bob will have you in the right place at the right time for the best birding opportunities and an action-packed, worry-free tour. This is Bob's favorite destination in all of North America!

$2495 per person based upon double occupancy. Single accommodations are available for an extra charge of $495.

Special Discount Offer! Combine this 12-day tour with the extension to the Salton Sea and save $150. Contact BIRD TREKS for complete details.

Expert guide service, lodging for eleven nights, ALL meals, entrance fees, US Forest Service permits, and all ground transportation within Arizona. ALL tips are also included in the tour fee, except for anything that you may wish to give to your tour leader(s).
Does not include cost of airfare to and from Tucson, Arizona. BIRD TREKS will, upon request, help you obtain the best airfare. Also not included are the cost of alcoholic beverages and items of a personal nature.

A $600 deposit will assure your reservation on the tour. The balance is payable 15 May 2008. Arizona is a popular and spectacular birding destination. Send your deposit soon to insure your reservation on the tour and to obtain the best possible airfare - - six months in advance would be excellent.

We offer the services of our exclusive BIRD TREKS travel agent, Lori Heathcote, in arranging your air travel. Lori has 22 years of experience in the travel industry and is a veteran birder. Contact her through Bailey Travel at 1-800-224-5399, or you can e-mail lori@baileytravel.com. By dealing with Lori you have the security of a 24-hour toll-free telephone number in case of any travel emergency. She can also assist you with all pre- and post-tour travel plans.

With written notice more than 60 days prior to the first day of the tour, 100% of your deposit will be refunded, minus a $75 service fee. With 30-60 days notice, you will receive a 50% refund of the full cost of the tour. No refund can be made with less than 30 days notice. You will receive a full refund if you provide a replacement for your spot on the tour. No partial refund can be given once a tour begins. We strongly recommend that you purchase trip cancellation insurance to protect your investment in case of injury or illness to you or your family prior to or during a tour. Click on the following link to Access America or contact BIRD TREKS for information on obtaining this coverage.