ARIZONA WINTER ESCAPE Birding and Hiking January 25-Feb.2, 2014 With Bob Speare Southeast Arizona is a great place to hike, explore, and watch birds in winter. Birders and nature enthusiasts regularly flock here knowing that winter provides opportunity for rarities, raptors, sparrows, cranes, and more. Perched between scenic mountain ranges known as Sky Islands, extensive semi-desert grasslands provide raptors with one of North America s richest wintering grounds, a magnet for hawks, eagles, and falcons. With so many species about, it s a great chance to work on identification skills. It s also a great time of year to explore on foot. The Sky Islands of Southeastern Arizona offer some of the most diverse hiking in Arizona. Where else can you take a hike through of forest of saguaro cactus, then in a deep canyon dappled in sunlight? On a trail at Coronado Memorial, we walk with views of the snow-clad 9,500 foot summit of Miller Peak, and from a ridgeline trail gain a view of the Mexican interior as far as you can see. Our circular route from Tucson encompasses deserts, valleys, grasslands, oak-woodlands, and riparian zones. Our accommodations include two resorts, one west of Tucson and one at Rio Rico, where you can pamper yourself a bit. We include three nights at the acclaimed Casa de San Pedro south of Sierra Vista. From the Casa we venture out to see numerous wintering bird species, including many raptors such as Northern Harrier, Ferruginous, Red-tailed and possibly Rough-legged Hawk, Golden Eagles, four species of falcons, and in some years, White-tailed Kites. Enjoy the chance to watch thousands of wintering Sandhill Cranes, huge flocks of sparrows, longspurs and buntings, and signature species of the region such as Vermilion Flycatchers, Gambel s Quail, and Greater Roadrunners.
DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY Saturday, January 25, 2014: Tucson Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum / Tucson Arrive in Tucson today, a delightful city surrounded by mountain ranges that rise suddenly from the Sonoran Desert floor. Please plan to arrive by 2:00 p.m. to visit the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Be prepared with cameras and binoculars as we should see wild species, as well as those in exhibits. Cactus Wrens, Verdins, Curve-billed Thrashers, Black-tailed Gnatcatchers, Black-throated Sparrows, Whitewinged Doves, and other species frequent the grounds between exhibit buildings. With luck we may find a specialty of the Sonoran Desert, the Gilded Flicker and one of our winter hummingbirds, such as Anna s. The Desert Museum s exhibits meticulously recreate native habitats, providing wonderful, close-up views of many desert animals that are normally hard to spot. A walk through the bird aviary gives you a look at the species we may see in the wild. A visit to the hummingbird gallery, with birds flying all around, is memorable. Enjoy excellent cuisine tonight at our resort, nestled among abundant saguaro cactus. Rest up from your ravels and get to know your guides and traveling companions. Accommodations La Posada Lodge, Tucson. This is a small boutique hotel with an excellent restaurant, a lovely pool, and a nice location in the northwest part of the city. (Welcome dinner) Sunday, January 26, 2014: Hiking Amid Saguaros / Tucson Area Birding Hotspots / Starr Pass Right from our lodgings, we walk a trail in the early morning, taking in sounds of desert birds like Pyrhulloxias, Phainopepplas, Curve-billed Thrashers, and Black-throated Sparrows. After breakfast, we plan to hike for several hours in a stunning part of Saguaro National Park. After lunch on the trail, we continue on a scenic drive through dense saguaros, en route to Tucson s Sweetwater Wetlands, home to resident Harris Hawks, and a good array of ducks, grebes, wrens, blackbirds and other wetland species. Our route from here will be determined by networking with other birders, to seek out recent sightings of rarities in the many parks and oases of the Tucson area. Winter residents and visitors of the region are plentiful and colorful as well, such as Vermilion Flycatchers and Lewis Woodpeckers. At several parks, a number of waterfowl occur, and throughout our day we find signature Sonoran Desert species, such as Greater Roadrunner. We plan on an early dinner at one of our favorite restaurants in Tucson to let you sample innovative southwestern cuisine and allow time to go over our checklist for the day and plan for tomorrow. Accommodations at La Posada Lodge, Tucson. (B,L,D) Monday, January 27, 2014: Fort Huachuca / Huachuca Canyon / A Hike in Search of Owls This morning, those that wish can stretch their legs on a two-mile loop trail from the resort. After breakfast, we pack up and depart, heading over to the Huachuca Mountains and the grasslands and canyons of Fort Huachuca, where Aplomado Falcons nested 100 years ago. Today, we combine birding with a picnic lunch and walk up Huachuca Canyon as we explore both the mountain/grassland interface provides prime raptor wintering and nesting ground for Golden Eagle, Northern Goshawk and other species, and rich riparian habitat. In the afternoon, we will choose a hike in one of two possible canyons, Miller or Scheelite, depending on where our chances are best to possibly find the Mexican Spotted Owl. Travelers should be in good shape for either hike; plan on being out for several hours, on mountain trails with
uneven footing, fabulous views, and large trees attractive to roosting owls. In either location, we know many of the faithful pair s roosting sites, but one never knows just where they may be. Canyon Wrens and Acorn Woodpeckers call as we search. Again, we ll network with local guides to check for rarities that may be in the area. In the late-afternoon, we check in to our lodgings for the next three nights at the gracious Casa de San Pedro, located on the San Pedro River south of Sierra Vista. The Casa hosts birders from around the world, and is close to wintering habitats crucial to raptors: the San Pedro River valley, the surrounding oak grasslands, and the Huachuca Mountains. Enjoy a welcome dinner catered at Casa de San Pedro.Accommodations at Casa de San Pedro, Hereford, AZ (B,L, D) http://bedandbirds.com/ Tuesday, January 28, 2014: Sulphur Springs Valley / Whitewater Draw / Bisbee Today is a great day for birds! After a delicious breakfast at the Casa, we head out to Sulphur Springs Valley and the Whitewater Draw Wildlife Management Area. This, in combination with neighboring Willcox Playa, is a marvelous wintering haven for raptors, sparrows, and Sandhill Cranes. Indeed, in recent winters crane numbers rival that of famous Bosque del Apache, number in the tens of thousands. Snow Geese now join the flocks, making for some spectacular flight shows. After walking in and birding around the water areas, we drive the extensive road system of this agricultural valley. Ferruginous Hawks, Golden Eagles, and Prairie Falcons are among the species we should find. We ll also be looking for Mountain Plovers and Long-billed Curlews, sparrows (over a dozen species), McCown s and Chestnut-collared Longspurs, and as many as fifteen species of raptors. Scaled Quail, Gila Woodpeckers, Chihuahuan Ravens, singing Bendire s, Curve-billed and Crissal thrashers, and Harris Hawks are also good finds. Lunch is at a local restaurant. After a full day, we make a stop in the historic mining town of Bisbee for you to look around, or enjoy a coffee or a local brew form one of the establishments of Brewery Gulch. We then return to relax at a catered dinner at Casa de San Pedro. Just out the door we may be able to find Great Horned Owls, perhaps calling tonight. Accommodations at Casa San Pedro (B,L,D) Wednesday, January 29, 2014: Hiking Coronado National Memorial Hiking / Ramsey Canyon This morning we take a short drive up a scenic pass for the start of a half-day hike back to the Visitor Center of Coronado National Memorial. This is a great winter hike, lit by sun, with views of the high peaks of the Huachuca Mountains on one side, and views into the mountains and grasslands of Mexico on the other. This hike provides us a good chance to encounter Montezuma Quail, and possibly Coatimundi, raccoon-family relatives of the Southwest borderlands. We return to the Casa for lunch and a mid-day break, and then venture out to visit The Nature Conservancy s Ramsey Canyon, for some hiking and birding. Those that wish can watch the feeders for more leisurely-paced viewing. Here you ll have the chance to photograph some of Arizona s specialty birds, such as Mexican Jays, Arizona Woodpeckers, Bridled Titmice, and Gambel s Quail. Dinner is at a favorite local restaurant at the base of Carr Canyon. Accommodations at the Casa de San Pedro (B,L,D)
Arizona Winter Escape Thursday, January 30, 2014 : Audubon s Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch / TNC Patagonia-Sonoita Preserve / Rio Rico This morning we leave the Casa, driving a scenic route to Arizona s first wine-growing region. Here, the National Audubon Society s Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch has a fascinating grassland area where we have a chance to see Baird s and Grasshopper Sparrows among the more abundant Lark, Vesper, Brewer s, and Chipping Sparrows. The Research Ranch is a cooperative partnership among the National Audubon Society, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, The Nature Conservancy, Swift Current Land & Cattle and The Research Ranch Foundation. Learn more about ongoing research and conservation during our visit. We will walk and drive as we look for the various species. Enjoy lunch at a restaurant in the small hamlet of Patagonia, and visit some local feeders, where wintering hummingbirds may be present, along with a good array of songbirds. We then visit and walk a well-maintained trail for several miles along Sonoita Creek at The Nature Conservancy s Patagonia-Sonoita Preserve, one of the first they established. Mature cottonwood-riparian habitat borders shrubland of mesquite, against a backdrop of scenic mountains. Last winter, an Aztec Thrush was present for several months; rarities often turn up here. In the late-afternoon, we reach our lodgings for the next two nights at the Esplendor Rio Rico. This Rio Rico golf resort joined the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses and strives to provide effective conservation and wildlife enhancement programs onsite. It s a great location for birding Nogales, parklands and historic sites of the Santa Cruz River, and the Santa Rita Mountains. Settle in, and enjoy dinner at the resort. Accommodations at Esplendor Resort, Rio Rico (B,L,D) Friday, January 31, 2014: Birding and Hiking at Hotspots of the Santa Cruz Valley: Montosa and Madera Canyons Those that wish can enjoy some early morning birding on the resort grounds. Water is key to biodiversity and abundance of birds in this desert region, and from Rio Rico we have a lot of areas to explore. In the morning, after breakfast, we visit arid-land and shrub areas, such as Montosa Canyon, in search of rarities, and wintering species such as Loggerhead Shrikes, Ladder-backed Woodpeckers, Inca Doves and perhaps Common, or the rarer Ruddy, ground doves. This is a gem of a canyon in the Santa Rita Mountains, with agaves, ocotillos, several creek crossings, and some great views as well as birds on our hike. We also want to visit Madera Canyon, more developed than Montosa, but the nature trail there is a great place to find birds, possibly a view of the canyon s resident Golden Eagles. We can also climb part way to Mt. Wrightson for lovely views and time in Madrean Oak Woodland. Dinner tonight is in the artisan town of Tubac, where you ll have time to browse shops and galleries ahead of dining as well. Accommodations at Esplendor Resort, Rio Rico. (B,L,D) Saturday, Feb. 1, 2014: Patagonia Lake / Kino Springs / Sycamore Canyon We spend the first part of the morning walking and birding at Patagonia Lake, where we find wintering ducks, grebes, and with luck, as in recent years, an unusual wintering Elegant Trogon! For some winters, a male has feasted on giant water bugs at the lake s inlet. Even if the trogon does not
return, there are excellent birds at this site. Other rarities that have popped up in recent past years include Rufous-backed Robins and Black-capped Gnatcatchers. As we return to the resort, we stop at Kino Springs Golf Course to check what may be present on the ponds. Some may wish to relax this afternoon at the resort, but our hikers will want to head to Sycamore Canyon for a great last afternoon of hiking. This is a prized spot for birding and biodiversity. The geology is quite fascinating, as is the canyon s plant life. We descend into the canyon, and walk three to four miles in this beautiful realm, ambling along a streambed with several water crossings. In the evening, we tally up our list, and savor the highlights of our winter escape at a festive, farewell dinner. Accommodations at Esplendor Resort, Rio Rico. (B,L,D) Sunday, Feb. 2, 2014: San Xavier del Bac / Departure for Home This morning, after breakfast, we pack up and head back to Tucson, stopping en route at the Mission San Xavier del Bac, also known as the White Dove of the Desert. It was founded in 1692 by Father Eusebio Francisco Kino, a Jesuit missionary and explorer, famous for his work with native peoples. Being a Sunday it will be a busy place, as it s still very much a living church today. We plan to be at the airport by 11AM for flights out after NOON. Tucson s famous Gem and Mineral Show begins this week, and continues for the next two weeks, you may wish to stay on and enjoy the show! (B) TOUR PRICE $2800 based on double occupancy, Single supplement is $600 A $500 per person deposit is required along with the reservation form. This cost is based on a minimum of 10 persons. If there are fewer than 8, a small group surcharge ($100-$300) may apply. Price Includes: Does Not Include: All accommodations for 8 nights Items of a personal nature such as beverages from the bar. All meals, from dinner Jan 25 to breakfast Feb 2 Porterage, laundry, phone calls, or gift items. Transportation via van during tour Airport departure taxes All permits, activities and entry fees Services of local naturalist guide and driver All tips and gratuities Travel Arrangements: You, the traveler, are responsible for booking and paying for your own flights. Once you reserve your space, we will provide you with suggested flights and tell you which flights our leaders will be on. You may book flights directly with the airline, online, or with a travel agent. During the tour, travel with be in 2 mini vans.
About Your Guide Bob Speare, Director of Wildwood and the Monadnock Conservation Center in Rindge, New Hampshire, has led numerous trips for Mass Audubon, including Belize, Baja California, Big Bend in Texas, the Mojave Desert, and Death Valley. He has lead many trips throughout the East, from Cape May to Newfoundland. Beyond birds and other aspects of flora and fauna, Bob likes to focus on wetland and desert ecology, butterflies, reptiles, and amphibians. He also enjoys sharing his passion for photography on tours and presents workshops on digital photography across Massachusetts. Pace - This is an active birding tour with 2 to 5 mile walks in planned on most of our days. Most trails are those on public lands which are well maintained, but they may range over uneven terrain. Several trails will have some moderate elevation gain. Accommodations La Posada Lodge, Tucson This is a small boutique hotel with an excellent restaurant, a lovely pool, and a nice location in the northwest part of the city. www.laposadalodge.com Casa de San Pedro, Hereford, AZ Located south of Sierra Vista on the San Pedro River, Casa de San Pedro is a nationally acclaimed bed- and-breakfast 90 miles from Tucson. Guests have labeled it the most upscale B&B in southeastern Arizona (www.bedandbirds.com). Esplendor Resort, Rio Rico, AZ A golf resort with several ponds and extensive plantings, great for birding and in a location convenient to many field trip sites of the Patagonia and Green Valley, Madera Canyon area. http://www.esplendor-resort.com/
TERMS & CONDITIONS OF TRAVEL APPLICATIONS, RESERVATIONS, DEPOSITS: Early applications are strongly encouraged. Trip rosters usually must be finalized 4 months before departure! All applications must be accompanied by a completed reservation form and a $500 deposit. Deposits can be by check or credit card (Visa or MasterCard). We reserve the right to decline your application. In the case of questionable health, we reserve the right to require a physician s certification to affirm you are capable of the activities. Final payment is due 95 days before the departure date. Final payment must be by check. RATES: All tour prices are based on double occupancy. If you would like us to find you a roommate, we will do our best, but cannot guarantee a share. If we cannot find a share, you will need to pay the single supplement. All forms and fares are accurate at the time of publication January 2013, but are subject to change at any time prior to departure. It is our policy to only pass on the actual amount of any increases in airfares or land costs such as those increases due to the devaluation of the dollar. Rarely, a price increase may be called for if the group falls below the minimum of 8. The maximum number of participants is approximately 12. FLIGHTS: You, the traveler, are responsible for booking and paying for your own international flights. Once you reserve your space, we will provide you with suggested flights and tell you which flights our leaders will be on. You may book flights directly with the airline, online, or with a travel agent. Once your deposit and reservation form have been sent to us, we will send you flight and contact information. Please be aware that most tickets are nonrefundable, therefore you should not book your flight arrangements until you have checked with us to be sure the tour has the minimum number of participants for the trip to go. PHOTOS: Mass Audubon reserves the right to make use of any photograph taken on the tour. We guarantee that no photos of a comprising nature will be used. CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS: If you need to change your booking, you must inform us immediately. All cancellations must be done in writing and are effective upon receipt in the Massachusetts Audubon Travel Office. Cancellations received up to 121 days prior to departure will be refunded deposits less a $300 per person fee. For cancellations between 120 and 90 days prior to departure, all deposits will not be refunded. There are no refunds for cancellations 90 days or less from departure. We strongly urge all travelers to purchase trip cancellation insurance. You will be sent information from the Massachusetts Audubon Society upon receipt of your deposit. Your Responsibility: Although every precaution is taken to safeguard you and your belongings, group travel trips by their nature involve a certain amount of risk. Trip participants should understand that the domestic and international trips sponsored/operated by Massachusetts Audubon Society (Mass Audubon Tours) - hereafter collectively M.A.S. - involve known and unknown risks. M.A.S. assumes no responsibility for injuries, death, financial losses or damage to clients property caused by or occurring during participation in any of the travel trips sponsored/operated by M.A.S. Trip participants must assume responsibility for having sufficient skill and fitness to participate in the trips and activities offered or sponsored by M.A.S. Trip participants must also certify that they have no medical, mental or physical conditions which could interfere with their abilities to participate in the activities and/or trips they are participating in and they must assume and bear the cost of all risks that may be created, directly or indirectly, by any such condition. It is the responsibility of trip participants to have in place adequate insurance to cover any injury, damage or emergency transportation costs related to their travel and/or participation in trip activities and/or to bear the costs of such injury, damage or emergency transportation costs. Because of the risks associated with the travel trips sponsored by M.A.S. we urge all trip participants to supplement their own insurance with travel or vacation or emergency response types of insurance. M.A.S. requires that all trip participants acknowledge and assume these risks by reading and signing an M.A.S. Release and Waiver and Assumption of Risk contract prior to departure. CONDITIONS OF TRAVEL: Travelers will be provided with an itinerary and trip preparation information. It is expected that travelers will read this information prior to trip departure. Travelers will be responsible for completing an application reservation form, a personal information form, and a release of liability form. Travelers will be expected to abide by the terms set for in the invoice. During the tour, travelers are asked to respect and follow the directions of their guide and leader.
Reservation Form: Mr./Mrs./Ms. Passenger Name (1) Mr./Mrs./Ms. Passenger Name (2) Address City State Zip Phone: Day Evening Email address Accommodations: I/We are non-smoker(s) smoker(s) (smoking is limited to outdoors in non-group spaces) I request single accommodations where available and will pay the single supplement. I would like to be assigned a roommate. If one is not available, I will pay the single supplement. Deposit: Please find my enclosed deposit of ($500 per person) check or please charge my credit card: VISA MC Card # Exp. Checks should be made payable to Massachusetts Audubon Society Signature