Maricopa Audubon Society has teamed with The Riparian Institute of Gilbert, to bring free, regular monthly "birdwalks" to individuals and families in the southeast valley. Located at the southeast corner of Greenfield and Guadalupe Roads, the beautiful 110 acre Gilbert Water Ranch will play host to guided birdwalks each third Saturday of the month, dates are Oct. 15, Nov. 19, Dec. 17, Jan. 21, Feb. 18, Mar. 18, and April 8.
Running from 8AM to 12:00, the birdwalks will be guided by experienced leaders, with "loaner" binoculars and field guide books available free of charge. Each walk will travel around several of the ponds and a variety of habitats that will provide participants with good views of some of the 125 species that have been recorded at the water recharge facility.
In addition, there will be spotting scopes set up at various spots to see close-ups of waterfowl, and changing educational displays and learning opportunities at the exhibit tent. Come see bird artifacts, children's books on birds, stunning bird photographs, and even live birds like a Bald Eagle or Red-tailed Hawk, brought by Liberty Wildlife, a local wildlife rehabilitator.
The walks are open to all ages, individuals, and families, and are especially suited to let children experience, perhaps for the first time, the little known bird species that live right in our own neighborhoods- from beautiful Red-Tailed Hawks, and ground-dwelling Burrowing Owls that stand guard at their burrow entrances, to a good variety of ducks, sparrows, and sandpipers.
Details about birdwalk dates, times, and changing exhibits can be seen at:
These birdwalks are a perfect way to introduce children and adults alike to local birdlife, and provide an educational family activity that will be long-remembered. Maricopa Audubon invites you and your little "naturalists" out for a fun morning of discovery and exploration.
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