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FIELD TRIPS May through August, 2009
Car Pooling: Please make every effort to organize your own carpool; consolidate vehicles at meeting places and/or contact leaders for car pooling assistance. It is recommended that passengers reimburse drivers 10 cents per mile. Be courteous to the trip leader and help cover their gas costs.
Limit: Maximum number of participants per field trip. Please call early to make your reservations.
Difficulty Levels 1 through 5: 1 equals very low level of exertion, short walking distance, considerable birding from vehicle and possible multiple birding stops. 5 equals very high level of difficulty with respect to exertion. Longer hiking distances are expected with possible steep trails. Trips are level 1 unless noted otherwise.
Reminders:
- Be courteous to the trip leader and help cover their gas costs.
- Wear neutral colored clothing and sturdy walking shoes.
- Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, head protection and water.
- Avoid wearing bright colors.
- Always bring your binoculars. Bring a scope if recommended.
- Submit trip and leader suggestions to the field trip chair.
- Unless stated otherwise, reservations are required.
Click here to read about past Field Trips!
*Day Passes Required for National Forests. Many favorite spots in our National Forests now require Day Use Passes. You are responsible to acquire a day pass ($6) in advance of field trips with an asterisk (*). Passes are available by phone or mail, at FS district and ranger offices, Big 5, some Circle K’s, the Shell station at Tom Darlington and Cave Creek Road and elsewhere. Visit http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto/tp/where.shtml for more information.
Impromptu Field Trips: Post your own outings or get notified of others planned field trips on short notice. Also get reminders of MAS field trips by email. Founded by naturalist Mike Plagens, membership is easy, free and open to those who have an interest in the flora, fauna, and ecology of Arizona. Not just a trip listing, view the website for trip reports, flora and fauna databases, maps, links to google earth including Gilbert Water ranch, and photos. Trips focus on plants, animals, mycology, geology, biology, entomology, herpetology, ecology, paleontology, birding, anthropology or microbiology. Share expenses, experiences and expertise with like-minded travelers. Proposed trips should include a brief description of the destination, ways, means, purpose, hiking difficulty, departure location, date and time. Drivers and riders will negotiate between themselves any shared expenses, but it is recommended that riders at least cover the cost of gas. Users can share via e-mail questions and experiences they have encountered while hiking through the wonders of Arizona's landscapes. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/az_nature_fldtrips/
Saturday, April 11
Rackensack Canyon Butterflies and Wildflowers: MAS joins Central Arizona Butterfly Association for a joint fieldtrip. Rackensack Canyon is a tributary of Camp Creek northeast of Carefree. Depending on spring rains, this transition zone between Upper Sonoran Desert and Chaparral Scrub could have surface flows. Last year we recorded 24 species of butterflies as well as a stunning display of wildflowers. Leader Janet Witzeman has been observing and learning about Arizona butterflies since 1982 when she began going on the Southeast Arizona Butterfly Association counts with Richard Bailowitz and Doug Danforth. Janet learned more about Maricopa County butterflies from Killian Roever and has been leading butterfly field trips for MAS since 1994. Bring sack lunch, water, hat and close focus binoculars. Meet 7:30 A.M. at the southeast corner of Cavecreek Road and Bartlett Dam Road (about 8 miles East of Carefree). End around noon. $5 donation benefits CABA education programs. No reservations.
Leader: Janet Witzeman
Common Buckeye at Rackensack Canyon
Saturday, April 18
Peachville Mountain: Peachville Mountain is a huge, dome-shaped mountain in the Superstitions (in the Superior CBC area), with approximately 18 square miles of contiguous grassland, rocky washes, and riparian areas in the wash between Peachville and King’s Crown Mountains. It has been nearly inaccessible for almost a decade, but SRP work on nearby power lines has led to FS229 being re-graded. We will drive up FS229 to the base of the mountain, hike some of the grasslands and washes, and visit the riparian area on the way back. There should be vast numbers of sparrows (migrant Brewer’s and others, and resident Rufous-crowned and Black-throated), a nice array of wrens and gnatcatchers, and birds of prey. The area has not been birded (except in last winter’s CBC), so we should expect surprises.
Elevations range from 2,000 to 5,000 feet. Temperatures can range from quite cool in the morning to warm in the afternoon, so dress in layers. High-clearance vehicles are recommended, but 4WD is not necessary. Bring lunch, plenty of water, and a scope (optional). Meet 6:00AM Open Range Steakhouse, 6030 S. King’s Ranch Rd, Gold Canyon (1 mile northeast of US 60, on the north side of King’s Ranch Rd). End around 6:00PM. Maximum 15. Difficulty 4 (appx. 5 miles hiking, some moderately strenuous)
Leader: Tom Gaskill 602-712-0635 gaskillt@mindspring.com for reservations.
Saturday, May 16
*Rogers Trough and Montana Mountain: We will travel up FS172 northeast of Queen Valley to Rogers Trough, a beautiful riparian area in the Superstition Mountains. From there, we will continue on FS650 to the north face of Montana Mountain, a seldom-visited area at nearly 6,000 feet. Vegetation changes from saguaro desert to cottonwood corridors to alligator and one-seed junipers as we gain elevation. The country is spectacular, and the bird life is rich and varied. Expect Spotted and Canyon Towhees, Scrub and Steller’s Jays, Bushtits, Bluebirds, and a very wide variety of Flycatchers, Vireos and Warblers. The hiking is fairly level, although some at almost 6,000 feet. Even in May, temperatures can be cool in the shaded areas of Montana Mountain, so bring a light jacket. The road is rough in spots with creek crossings. High-clearance vehicles are required (4WD is recommended). Bring lunch, plenty of water, and a scope (optional). End near 6:00PM. Maximum 15. Difficulty 3 (appx. 5 miles hiking, some higher-elevation). $6/vehicle Tonto National Forest pass required. Meet 6:00AM Open Range Steakhouse, 6030 S. King’s Ranch Rd, Gold Canyon (1 mile northeast of US 60, on the north side of King’s Ranch Rd).
Leader: Tom Gaskill 602-712-0635 gaskillt@mindspring.com for reservations.
Saturday, May 16th
Beginning Butterflies and Dragonflies at Gilbert Water Ranch. This area is outstanding for stunningly beautiful butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies. Bring binoculars (close focal point preferred). Learn to identify Painted Lady, Giant Sulphur, Queen, Buckeye, Giant Swallowtail, Pipevine Swallowtail butterflies; Desert Firetail, Blue-ringed Dancer, Northern Pondhawk, Flame Skimmer and Bluet dragonflies and damselflies. Meet 7:00AM at the Dragonfly Ramada just south of the parking lot, east of Greenfield Rd. off Guadalupe Rd. in Gilbert. There is a suggested $5 donation to support the Gilbert Riparian Preserve. Bring binoculars (close-focus preferred), water, and hat. Common Dragonflies of the Southwest by Kathy Biggs will be available for sale for $10. No reservations. Difficulty 1
Leader: Bob Witzeman
Roseate Skimmer and Blue Dasher ©2007 Laurie Nessel
Friday, June 12
Christopher Creek. Christopher Creek is about 20 miles east of Payson on the Mogollon Rim. We can expect the lovely summer migrants and year-round high elevation birds. Got a rose-breasted grosbeak two years ago. We'll bird the CC campground, the town and probably a little-known subdivision where people hang feeders for great views. We'll leave Scottsdale about 5:45am and return about 2pm. Plenty of walking. Best with only 2 cars, 8 people. Please pack a lunch. Small fee for day use of the CC campground.
Leader: Kathe Anderson for reservations and carpool arrangements kathe.coot@cox.net. 480.951.4890.
Saturday, June 13
Chandler Veterans Oasis Park Dragonflies and Butterflies. This is Maricopa Audubon Society’s first season leading trips to this urban oasis. While bird watching slows down in the summer heat, insect populations increase. The urban wildlife habitats at Veterans Oasis Park are quickly becoming a haven for birds and insects. We will see which beautiful and fascinating butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies have found the park’s 113 acres of Sonoran Desert and wetlands habitat. Bring binoculars (close-focus preferred), water, and hat. The walks are not fast-paced, and the terrain is easy. This program is free, and pre-registration is not required. (There is a suggested $5 donation to support the Environmental Education Center). Common Dragonflies of the Southwest by Kathy Biggs will be available for sale for $10. Meet at 7 a.m. at the Curve-billed Thrasher Ramada just north of the main parking lot. Veterans Oasis Park is on the northeast corner of Lindsay and Chandler Heights Rds. Done by 10:00AM.
Leader: Laurie Nessel or Bob Witzeman
Saturday, June 13
Hart Prairie Preserve, Flagstaff. Sightings of Clark’s Nutcracker, Cordilleran Flycatcher, Warbling Vireo, Western and Mountain Bluebirds and Williamson’s Sapsucker are possible. It should be really beautiful this year with all the snow and water. Bring lunch, snacks, water. Difficulty 2 (fairly easy hike at high altitude). Meet 7:30AM at the Museum of Northern Arizona, north of Flagstaff on US180.
Leader: Charles Babbitt, 602.840.1772, Charles.Babbitt@old.maricopa.gov for reservations, information and any changes.
Saturday, June 20
Beginning Butterflies and Dragonflies at Gilbert Water Ranch. See information from May 16th
Leaders: Laurie Nessel or Bob Witzeman
Sunday, June 28
Fort Huachuca Canyons. Revisit the canyons inside Fort Huachuca near Sierra Vista, an area our chapter has not had a field trip to for many years. The elevation climbs from the grasslands and picnic area of Garden Canyon, which are likely to have Painted Redstart, Arizona Woodpecker, and Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher; then on to the famous Scheelite Canyon to locate Spotted Owls, Dusky-capped Flycatcher, and Hepatic Tanager; and finally to Sawmill Canyon, known for its Buff-breasted Flycatcher and probably Yellow-eyed Junco and Grace's Warbler. We will meet at 7:00 A.M. at the visitor center just outside the Main Gate. Positive personal and vehicle identification, as well as proof of insurance, are required. Bring a lunch and plenty of water.
Leader: Richard Kaiser, 602-276-3312 or rkaiserinaz@aol.com.
July, date TBA
Stewart Mountain Desert Tortoise Quest. Have you ever seen a Sonoran Desert tortoise in the wild? Increase your chances of stumbling upon one of these iconic desert creatures by searching in their preferred habitat after a summer monsoon. For this reason, we are not setting an exact date for this trip near Saguaro Lake until the monsoon has begun and conditions are right. We will collect email addresses and phone numbers and contact you one day before or possibly the morning of the walk. Learn about the behavior, life cycle and status of this keystone species. Leader Laurie Nessel found 12 wild tortoises last season. Limit 10. Difficulty 3- steep, rocky terrain and hot, humid weather. Bring snacks, sun protection, hat, sturdy hiking shoes, plenty of water. We will start near daybreak and be back before noon.
Leader: Laurie Nessel, 480.968.5614, laurienessel@gmail.com to get on the call list.
Sonoran Desert Tortoise © 2008 Laurie Nessel
Monday, July 13
Madera Canyon.Probably no introduction needed here! Should be full of summer migrants--our colorful warblers, buntings, tanagers, etc. and with luck, the trogon and unusual hummingbirds. We'll leave Scottsdale about 5am, and start at the bottom of the canyon, then the higher elevations before planting ourselves at Kubos/Santa Rita Lodge for a while. Plenty of walking. Best with only 2 cars, 8 people. Please pack a lunch. Small fee for day use of the Canyon. Return about 4ish.
Leader: Kathe Anderson for reservations and carpool arrangements kathe.coot@cox.net, 480.951.4890.
Saturday, July 18
Beginning Butterflies and Dragonflies at Gilbert Water Ranch. See information from May 16th
Leaders: Laurie Nessel or Bob Witzeman
August, date TBA
Stewart Mountain Desert Tortoise Quest. Have you ever seen a Sonoran Desert tortoise in the wild? Increase your chances of stumbling upon one of these iconic desert creatures by searching in their preferred habitat after a summer monsoon. For this reason, we are not setting an exact date for this trip near Saguaro Lake until the monsoon has begun and conditions are right. We will collect email addresses and phone numbers and contact you one day before or possibly the morning of the walk. Learn about the behavior, life cycle and status of this keystone species. Leader Laurie Nessel found 12 wild tortoises last season. Limit 10. Difficulty 3- steep, rocky terrain and hot, humid weather. Bring snacks, sun protection, hat, sturdy hiking shoes, plenty of water. We will start near daybreak and be back before noon.
Leader: Laurie Nessel, 480.968.5614, laurienessel@gmail.com to get on the call list.
Friday-Sunday, August 7-9
Reynolds Creek. SR288 is now paved the entire route to this 5,200’ Ponderosa Pine and oak campground in the Sierra Anchas. Leader Chuck LeFevre has reserved a campsite for three days. Join us for any or all of these days as we hike Hell’s Hole and Reynolds Creek Trails. Possible species include Red Crossbills, Mexican Jays, Sulphur-Bellied Fycatchers, Magnificent Hummingbird and Hybrid Juncos. We will also concentrate on the diverse plant community. Campers may be rewarded with Whip-poor-will and Flammulated Owl. $5 fee per night to share a spacious campsite with Sierra Singles. Reynolds Creek is 22 miles north of Junction 188 and 288. Limit 6.
Leader: Chuck LeFevre
Reservations and Information: Laurie Nessel 480.968.5614, laurienessel@gmail.com.
Saturday, August 8
Chandler Veterans Oasis Park Dragonflies and Butterflies. This is Maricopa Audubon Society’s first season leading trips to this urban oasis. While bird watching slows down in the summer heat, insect populations increase. The urban wildlife habitats at Veterans Oasis Park are quickly becoming a haven for birds and insects. We will see which beautiful and fascinating butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies have found the park’s 113 acres of Sonoran Desert and wetlands habitat. Bring binoculars (close-focus preferred), water, and hat. The walks are not fast-paced, and the terrain is easy. This program is free, and pre-registration is not required. (There is a suggested $5 donation to support the Environmental Education Center). Common Dragonflies of the Southwest by Kathy Biggs will be available for sale for $10. Meet at 7 a.m. at the Curve-billed Thrasher Ramada just north of the main parking lot. Veterans Oasis Park is on the northeast corner of Lindsay and Chandler Heights Rds. Done by 10:00AM.
Leader: Laurie Nessel or Bob Witzeman
Monday, August 10
Kachina Wetlands. A little known and absolutely beautiful meadowy area just south of Flagstaff, with ponds, marshes and views of the San Francisco Peaks. Last August we were surrounded by bluebirds, with Wilson's phalaropes in the ponds, great views of osprey and a nice variety of higher elevation birds. Scopes would be helpful. Plenty of walking--but flat. We'll leave Scottsdale about 5:30am, returning about 3ish. Best with only 2 cars, 8 people. Please pack a lunch.
Leader: Kathe Anderson for reservations and carpool arrangements kathe.coot@cox.net, 480.951.4890.
Saturday, August 15
Beginning Butterflies and Dragonflies at Gilbert Water Ranch. See information from May 16th
Leaders: Laurie Nessel or Bob Witzeman
Saturday, September 12
Page Springs. We will visit the Page Springs fish hatchery near Camp Verde and bird other nearby locations. Possible Yellow-billed Cuckoo, American Redstart and Prothonotary Warbler. Spotting scopes are helpful. Bring lunch. Call leader for meeting time and place.
Leader: Herb Fibel 480.966.5246, herbertsfibel@aol.com.
Satuday, September 19
Beginning Butterflies and Dragonflies at Gilbert Water Ranch. See information from May 16th
Leaders: Laurie Nessel or Bob Witzeman
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