Mt Ord is one of Maricopa County’s highest elevation hotspots, and we will visit near the peak of spring migration.  High chapparal slopes and Ponderosa pine forests host species such as Acorn and Hairy woodpeckers, Grace's and Virginia warblers, Scott's Orioles and Gray vireos.  We will meet at Denny’s in Fountain Hills to arrange carpooling.  Bring lunch. 

Limit: 10

Difficulty: 3 (high elevation; walk from cars about a mile each way)

Leader: Anne Webster Leight

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Granite Reef Recreation Area lies along the Bush Highway, northeast of Mesa. Many different species of ducks, warblers, sparrows, shorebirds, and more can be found along the Salt River. Probable sightings include Gadwall, Bufflehead, Great Blue Heron, Killdeer, Lesser Goldfinch, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Bald Eagle, Yellow-rumped Warbler, and Ladder-backed Woodpecker. Meet at the Granite Reef Recreation Area parking lot, left off the Bush Highway three miles past the Power Road exit.

Time: 6 A.M. to 10 A.M.

Difficulty: 3 (Some moderate terrain, several miles of walking)

Leader: Jacob Bagley

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Wednesday, April 17 

 We will walk around the ponds and along Black Hawk trail in the Oak Creek riparian corridor, visiting adjacent mesquite and grass habitats.  263 bird species have been reported at Bubbling Ponds Preserve, near the Page Springs Fish Hatchery.  We will enjoy spring migrants, as well as the usual assortment of residents who call this place home. Meet in dirt parking lot at 7:30.  Porta-potties are available onsite.  If you have any questions please email: footballmom27@gmail.com

 Limit: 12

 Difficulty: 2 (1.8 mile walk on flat surfaces)

 Leader: Janie Ward-Langley

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Northsight Park in Scottsdale offers an urban setting with lush desert habitat   We should see spring migrants as well as lingering winter residents.  Expect to see a few warblers and juncos, together with White-crowned and Brewer’s Sparrows.   We will spend two to three hours on the walk.  Meet at 6:30 AM at the Park’s south lot off Thunderbird.

Time: 6:30 A.M. to 9:30 A.M.

Limit: 10

Difficulty: 2 (one mile walk on unpaved, level path)

Leader: Brian Ison

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You never know what you may find at Tres Rios Wetlands, one of the best birding locations in the entire Phoenix region. Winter waterfowl we may spot include Wood Duck, Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck, Lesser Scaup, and Common Merganser. We might also see Sora, Wilson's Snipe, Red-naped Sapsucker, Eastern Phoebe, White-throated Sparrow, Black-and-white Warbler, and Northern Parula, along with more common species.   Meet in the parking lot at the Wetlands’ East end on South 91st Avenue. 

 Limit: 15

 Difficulty: 2.  We will walk a couple of miles but mostly on flat ground. 

 Leader: Jacob Bagley

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This trip features two rather different parts of the National Monument: the Well with its pond and high desert habitat, and the picnic area with sycamore riparian habitat, at about 3,400’. We should see a variety of chaparral and high desert species, including titmice, wrens, thrushes and other birds we rarely find in the Valley.  The Well may include waterfowl.  We might see a few early migrating warblers or vireos. We’ll start from Scottsdale, plan to picnic at the Monument, and return about 1:30.  Meeting place and carpooling logistics will be determined a few days before the trip.

 Limit: 7

Difficulty: 2 (uneven footing and rock stairs).

Restrictions: All participants must have been vaccinated against Covid.

Leader: Kathe Anderson

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We will walk on fairly level terrain through cottonwood and willows with a brushy understory along the Verde River.  Bald Eagles are often seen here, and we should see ducks, other waterbirds, sparrows, warblers, other residents and early spring migrants.    A Tonto Day Pass is required.  A meeting place, carpooling, and other trip details will be set shortly before the trip.

Limit: 10

Difficulty: 1 

Leader: Brian Ison

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Northsight Park offers desert habitat in an urban setting.   Desert residents, wintering sparrows and a few migrants can be expected.  Recent sightings at Northsight Park include Chipping Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, and a passing Bald Eagle.  Green-tailed Towhee and Harris’ and Cooper's Hawk are frequently seen.   We will spend two to three hours on the walk.  Meet 6:30 AM at the Park’s south lot off Thunderbird.

Limit: 10

Difficulty: 2 (one mile walk on unpaved, level path)

Leader: Brian Ison

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 Explore part of Agua Fria National Monument, 40 miles north of Phoenix.   The Monument features many canyons with riparian vegetation which, in summer, brings nesting Yellow-billed Cuckoos. We will hike down a trail to the river and back, then drive north to Horseshoe Ford for an early lunch.  We will view surrounding hillsides, looking for wintering sparrows and other birds of the grasslands. I will have a plant checklist for us to add to!  We will meet at a central Phoenix location to carpool to the Monument, arriving about 7:30 a.m. 

 Limit: 10

Difficulty: 2 (moderate walk down a trail to the river)

Leader: Larry Langstaff

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The Glendale Recharge Ponds, owned by SRP, are one of the best birding locations in Maricopa County. Six very large basins look dull at a glance, but the birds that show up make this place an exciting hotspot.  Shorebirds, other waterfowl, and raptors appear in the winter months.  Upstream and northwest of the ponds, the Agua Fria River provides excellent riparian habitat for shorebirds, raptors, and passerines.  Meet at the dirt lot near the basins North of 107th Avenue and Camelback. Carpooling and other details will be determined about a week before the trip.

Limit: 12

Difficulty: 2. We may walk several miles in order to explore the basins and the riparian area, but the terrain is almost completely flat. 

Leader: Jacob Bagley

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We’ll start from Fountain Hills, exploring parts of the old, blocked-off Beeline Highway, mostly along Sycamore Creek. We can hope for a variety of woodpeckers and songbirds, including wrens, titmice, thrushes, sparrows, Mountain Chickadee, Hutton’s Vireo, Western Bluebird and Townsend’s Solitaire. If it looks like a nice day, we’ll picnic at Fountain Hills Lake and add some waterfowl to our list.    Final details and carpooling will be determined a few days before the trip.

Limit: 7 

Difficulty: 1 (mostly car birding).

Restrictions: All participants must have been vaccinated against Covid.

Leader: Kathe Anderson

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Coon Bluff and the Salt River

 Coon Bluff features cottonwood/willow habitat alongside a fast-moving river.    Bald Eagles are a good possibility and we should see a few duck species, other waterbirds, sparrows, warblers and other residents and wintering migrants.  This area is within Tonto National Forest and requires a "Tonto Daily Pass.”  A meeting place and other trip details will be set shortly before the trip.

Limit: 10

Difficulty: 2 

Leader: Brian Ison

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Gilbert Water Ranch is a magnet for resident and migrating birds throughout the year. Waterfowl gather in the various ponds, while herons and rails can be seen or heard along the edges. Numerous paths through the grounds yield a wide variety of desert songbirds. This location is known for attracting rarities, so any visit could turn up an unusual species!

 We will walk roughly 2 miles of trails in this urban oasis, stopping to scan the ponds as well as birding the paths by sight and sound. Bring plenty of water and snacks, and prepare to layer as the mornings can be chilly. A spotting scope will be helpful for close-up looks at waterfowl and more. Meet in the main parking area at 2757 E Guadalupe Rd.  Final details, including car pooling, etc, will be arranged by email about a week in advance.

Limit: 15

 Difficulty: 2 (flat terrain, moderate distance)

 Leader: Paul Heveran

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We’ll start from North Phoenix, and explore two exits off the I-17 leading into the Monument for 3 hours or so.  We’ll find some gorgeous remote scenery of high chaparral and whatever birds make their winter home there.  I’m hoping for Townsend’s Solitaires, Robins, Western Bluebirds, raptors, sparrows and possibly Crissal Thrashers. Roads off I-17 lead to riparian areas along the Agua Fria River, and a moderate hike to visit petroglyphs. Wrap up with a picnic lunch at a park in Anthem.  Meeting place and carpooling logistics will be determined a few days before the trip.

 Limit: 7  

Difficulty: 2 (uneven footing on the hike.  Note: No services at the Monument.)

Restrictions: All participants must have been vaccinated against Covid.

Leader: Kathe Anderson

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The Hassayampa River Preserve is a treasure among birding locations in Maricopa County.  Its 660 acres provide an amazing variety of riparian forest areas alongside the Hassayampa River.  Cottonwood forests run throughout this stretch, as well as willow and mesquite, which extend beyond the Preserve limits.  With this fine mix of habitats, the preserve has attracted an impressive 280 bird species.  We will walk 5 different loop trails, a total of 2.5 miles. The Preserve has an entrance fee.  Meet in the Preserve parking lot, about 45 miles from Phoenix. 

Limit: 10

 Difficulty: 3. (Mixed terrain and 2.5 miles of walking.) 

 Leader: Jacob Bagley

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Wander through the beautiful Gilbert Riparian Preserve.  This 110 acre wetland features 7 recharge ponds and one community pond that support a diversity of plants and wildlife.  A local birding hotspot, the Gilbert Water Ranch has recently hosted a pair of Streak-backed Orioles.  We will look for the Orioles and can also expect a nice variety of waterfowl, raptors and wintering sparrows.  Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the parking lot off of Guadalupe Road, just east of Greenfield Road. 

Time: 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Limit: 15

Difficulty: 2 (2 mile walk on mostly level gravel)

Leader: Torin Waters

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Photo by Tom Cheknis

We will spend most of the morning scanning the lake from various locations looking for water birds (ducks, grebes, loons, and gulls). Bring a scope if you have one.

There is an entrance fee of 7 dollars per car. We will meet at the entrance to the regional park (41835 N. Castle Hot Springs Rd.) at 8 a.m. Bring snack or early lunch.

Time: 8 A.M. to noon

Limit: 10

Difficulty: 1

Leader: Charles Babbitt

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Birding for All Ages. Kid-friendly, anyone welcome. Beginner-oriented. A highly acclaimed destination for birders and tourists alike, the Desert Botanical Garden is a "can't miss" attraction. A great place to see Cactus Wren, and sometimes, Western Screech-Owl. Daily admission (~$25) or membership required. Members get in early on Wednesdays, so we can get in before the crowds arrive to try and find as many birds as possible. If you are not a member, we might be able to get you in with us early, or we can plan to meet you at 8:00 AM.

Difficulty: 1 (Well-manicured paved and dirt walking paths.) 

Leader: Torin Waters

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This is a rare opportunity to share your knowledge and joy of birding with the youth (and adults) of the GRIC!

Meet at the location nearest you to receive your field assignment:

11 AM: Cultural Activities Begin

Huhugam Heritage Center 23159 S. Maricopa Rd.

1 PM: Bird Count Concludes

Visit https://www.gricdeq.org/winter-bird-count for more information. Or email David Pearson dpearson@asu.edu or Tison Gill Tison.Gill.DEQ@gric.nsn.us

One of the top birding locations in Maricopa County! This project has restored wetlands and riparian habitat by reclaiming water from the nearby wastewater treatment plant. The result is a wildlife haven with large numbers of waterbirds and desert species alike. We should be able to compile a big species list.  We might stop at the nearby 87th Ave and Mobile St pond afterward. 

Difficulty: 2 (3 plus miles round trip on flat, dirt paths)

Leader: Torin Waters

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Let’s do a marathon morning birding local ponds!  By mid-November, wintering waterfowl should have arrived and settled in, giving us a variety of ducks, grebes and other waterfowl, plus whatever shorebirds, songbirds and raptors visit the ponds.  Start at Tempe Town Lake and work our way north through a variety of ponds along Scottsdale’s Greenbelt, including Eldorado and Chaparral Parks and McCormick Ranch.  Recommended gas money donation to your driver: $5. Donations in my car will go to CEDO, the binational conservation/education/research institution in Rocky Point. Carpools and logistics decided a few days before the trip. 

 Restrictions: Must be fully vaccinated.

Limit: 7

Difficulty: 1-2 (Level but lots of walking)

Leader: Kathe Anderson

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Tuesday, November 7

This quiet neighborhood complex has three ponds that have yielded 182 species, including overwintering rafts of Lesser Scaup and Ring-necked Ducks.  More than 15 species of ducks have been sighted here, with egrets, herons, and cormorants to study too. There is a slight chance to see some of the small resident population of Nanday Parakeets that fly from the neighborhood to the east.  We will listen for other species as we bird-by-ear some, seeking to associate the calls of common neighborhood birds that you hear in other Phoenix areas.  

 Meet at 8075 S. Research Dr., parking along the street at the south end of the north pond.  (ValleyMetro busses can deliver you to this location-Bus stop 5255!).  If you can carry a scope, bring it for close looks at ducks across the ponds, though binoculars will work too.

 Limit: 10

Difficulty: 1 (Walk about a mile, mostly on sidewalks with benches to rest on!)

Leader: Larry Langstaff

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Cottonwood/willow riparian habitat along this stretch of the Verde river attracts many different species easily seen from trails.  In November we should see late fall migrants and wintering warblers, vireos, waterfowl, and sparrows.  Needle Rock lies just north of the town of Rio Verde, a few miles north of Box Bar Recreation Area.     

We will bird along the trails just above the river.  Depending on forest closures, we may also explore the main parking area and campground on the north end “beach” area.  Cars must display a Tonto National Forest pass. Final details, meeting place, and car pooling will be arranged by email shortly before the trip.

 Limit: 10

Difficulty: 3 (2-3 mile hike on level trails)

Leader: Brian Ison

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This beautiful property in Cave Creek consists of a perennial stream with excellent riparian habitat, with cottonwoods and willows galore. This is a good place and time to turn up a rarity. A Kentucky Warbler showed up here last November and was seen by many.   The leader will contact you a week or so before the trip to arrange car pooling, meeting place and other final details.

Limit: 15

Difficulty: 2 (dirt trail, but minimal elevation gain)

Leader: Torin Waters

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Hardy souls willing to trek on an October morning for a chance of finding a desert tortoise can join leader Laurie Nessel as we traverse steep, rocky hillsides searching for these iconic reptiles.  We will cover the behavior, life cycle, and status of this keystone species. Bring snacks, sun protection, hat, sturdy hiking shoes and stick, gaters if you have them, a flashlight or mirror and plenty of water.  Details will be emailed shortly before the trip.

Difficulty: 4 (steep, rocky terrain, and hot, humid weather).

Limit: 8

Leader: Laurie Nessel

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