THE SKY ISLANDS OF ARIZONA!

Tour Cost: $4,250

Single Supplement: $600

Tour Capacity: 10 People

This tour of Southeastern Arizona will focus on the birds of the low, dry Sonoran Desert habitat of Tucson and Green Valley, the higher elevation grassland and riparian habitats of Sasabe and Patagonia, and the Sky Islands of the Santa Rita and Chiricahua Mountains. Aside from amazing vistas, breathtaking sunsets and star filled night skies, we will view birds of the Sonoran and Chihuahuan Desert ecosystems.

Our trip will focus on the unique ecosystems that stretch across the American Southwest…from riparian sycamore and cottonwood forests to high elevation pinyon juniper oak woodlands. We will explore the many birding locations near Green Valley, including Madera Canyon, the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge and the Canoa Ranch Conservation Park. From here we will travel east, birding Patagonia Lake State Park, the Sonoita Creek Preserve and Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area, before visiting the incomparable Chiricahua Mountains, one of Arizona’s premier “Sky Islands”.

These mountains rising from the surrounding desert are separated from one another by vast expanses over geologic time which has isolated many species found at higher elevations. As a result, each “island” has experienced its own unique evolutionary history and serves as a magnificent example of allopatric speciation.

Each location we visit will sample slightly different habitats and their associated avifauna. As one of the most popular tours we offer, this trip will have a little something for everyone! Our lodges will include comfortable and spacious suites with your own private kitchen, living area and balcony and we will explore the birds of nearby wildlife refuges and private reserves.

From migrating waterfowl and passerines to resident aridland species the list of potential species we will encounter during this tour is long. Spend time looking at amazing avian jewels, such as the myriad hummingbird species that move through or breed in this part of the world or the tanagers and orioles overhead in the cottonwood trees along the many rivers and streams we will visit.

If you are looking for a tour with great birds, amazing scenery and the comforts of domestic travel, it truly doesn’t get any better than this!