Join Naturalist Journeys for a wildlife-rich adventure as summer monsoon rains turn Southeastern Arizona’s mountains and deserts a surprisingly verdant green. During this “second spring,” witness up to fourteen species of hummingbird, hear grassland buntings and sparrows singing on territory, and spot breeding birds of Mexican affinity just outside your door. Start your mornings watching the sunrise over the grasslands in the cool morning air, and escape the midday heat in canyons cloaked in oaks and confers and shaded by dramatic lichen-crusted rocky peaks.

Each mountain range here hosts its own unique mix of biodiversity, and we will visit three of the most famous of these to experience a full spectrum of species. Guests rave about the lodging, with Cave Creek Ranch in Portal providing an unparalleled immersion in nature, and the delightful Casa de San Pedro in Hereford is as comfortable as stepping back into your own home. From these lodges we explore cool, lush canyons of the Chiricahua, Huachuca, and Santa Rita Mountains in search of Elegant Trogon, Mexican Spotted Owl, Red-faced and other warblers, butterflies, dragonflies, mammals, reptiles, and more.. This three-lodge route sets us up perfectly to explore the surrounding sky islands, grasslands, and region’s most iconic local preserves. Discover secrets and surprises of biodiversity, and step into some of America’s most hallowed grounds of birding legend.

Naturalist Journeys, LLC is an official permittee of the Coronado National Forest, following Leave No Trace principles. We also abide by the ABA's Code of Ethics for birding.

Tour Highlights

• Start with two nights at Portal’s own Cave Creek Ranch, a perfect base to explore the Chiricahua Mountains
• Explore Cave Creek Canyon, one of the most scenic and biologically diverse places in the United States
• Look for Red-faced and Grace’s Warblers and Mexican Chickadee in high sky island forests during Arizona’s “second spring”
• Spend three nights at the gorgeous Casa de San Pedro—be sure to save room for their famous pie!
• Stroll along the San Pedro River and explore famous Miller and Ramsey Canyons
• Witness plentiful hummingbirds in Patagonia and places like Ash and Madera Canyons
• Look for Elegant Trogon, Five-striped Sparrow, Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher, and many other signature species of the region
• This trip is great for all kinds of other wildlife, too—Coatimundi, Javelina, Bobcat, and a variety of snakes and lizards are all possible!

Trip Itinerary

Itineraries are guidelines; variations in itinerary may occur to account for weather, road conditions, closures, etc. and to maximize your experience.

Mon., Aug. 10       Arrivals in Tucson | Willcox Twin Lake Ponds | Portal

Arrive in Tucson today, a vibrant city surrounded by mountain ranges that rise from the Sonoran Desert floor. Please plan to arrive by 1:00 PM.

From our gathering point at Tucson International Airport (TUS), we head to one of the most beautiful areas of Southeast Arizona: colorful Cave Creek Canyon in the Chiricahua Mountains. Our route is scenic; passing through rock spires at Texas Canyon we take in views of distant sky island mountain ranges in all directions. We make a couple of birding stops, one at a local wetland at Willcox. Formerly a glacial playa lake, today twin golf course ponds attract a host of shorebirds and ducks. American Avocet, White-faced Ibis, Black-crowned Night-Heron, WesternWilson’s Phalaropes, and Eared Grebes, and various phalaropes and sandpipersa variety of shorebirds are often present.

Upon arrival Water sources like this in the desert are oases, and it’s not uncommon to come across a surprise or two here.

Blue-throated Mountain-gems are our welcome committee as we arrive in Portal, and settle in to yourinto our picturesque cabins and cottages and enjoy. We enjoy a welcome dinner, as well asfollowed by an overview of the week ahead.
Accommodations at Cave Creek Ranch, Portal (D)

Tues., Aug. 11         Cave Creek Canyon | South Fork | Grasslands | Portal | Optional Night Birding

Enjoy the dawn chorus in this magical realm as bird calls echo through the canyons. Dusky-capped and Brown-crested Flycatchers nest in the area, as do a host of interesting warblers such as Grace’s, Virginia’s, Lucy’s, Olive, and Red-faced.alongside several southwest classics like Cactus Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, and Gambel’s Quail. Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay quickly makes their presence known in the lower grassland reaches, while the highly-social Mexican Jay holds its own amid the oaks.

In the early morning, we may make a run out to the grasslands to look for a whole new mix of species. Birding along State Line Road we would look for grassland specialties such as Scaled Quail, several thrashers, and Greater Roadrunner, and we take a peek at what migrants abound at Willow Tank, a birding hotspot.

Cave Creek Canyon is one of the most biologically diverse places in the United States; here the ecosystems of the Rocky Mountains, the Sierra Madres, the Chihuahuan Desert, and the Sonoran Desert intricately combine. In the maze of volcanic rock pinnacles with crenellated walls of orange tuff, you see contrasts like yuccas standing above bracken ferns and Douglas Fir entwined with Arizona Sycamore. Several pairs of Elegant Trogon have nested in the canyon for many years chasing the boom of resources provided by the monsoons; their ecological story is closely tied to neighboring Mexico and the Sierra Madres. While walking the cool and shaded paths of the canyon, we’re also likely to see Painted Redstart, Cordilleran Flycatcher, Acorn Woodpecker, and Arizona Woodpecker—just to name a few highlights!

The village of Portal is a birder’snaturalist’s mecca, and this afternoon we walk the streets of this picturesque village, seeking out tanagers, orioles, and other species that use the verdant oasis. In the lateheat of the afternoon, we make a run out to the grasslands to look for a whole new mix of species. Bird along State Line Road where we look for grassland specialties such as Scaled Quail, several thrashers,hide in the shade and Greater Roadrunner, and we take a peekwatch feeders at what migrants abound at Willow Tank, a birding hotspot.various private residences in town that open their gates to visiting birders.  

En route back, we enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and indulge in fabulous views of the Chiricahuas. Those that wish can go home directly, or make a couple stops to try for some night birds that may be calling—as darkness falls, check out the amazing, star-filled skies.
Accommodations at Cave Creek Ranch, Portal (B,L,D)

Wed., Aug. 12         High Mountain Birding | San Pedro River | Casa de San Pedro

Check the ranch grounds today for resident Coatimundi and a herd of resident Javelina. After breakfast, we head to the top of the Chiricahuas on a dramatic mountain road from which we witness the epic dramaaftermath of fires that roared through the Chiricahua and Huachuca Mountains in May and June of 2011. Between dramatic views of the peaks and surrounding desert, we find still lovely moist conifer forest home to a rich array of species not found at the lower elevations. Look for Red-faced and Olive Warblers, as well as Greater Pewee. Explore beautiful ephemeral mountain streams, picnic in high mountain meadows, and enjoy the peaceful setting while you discover new birds, wildflowers, and mammals like Apache Fox Squirrel, Coue’s White-tailed Deer—even Black Bear is possible!

We have found Arizona’s second spring to be a superlative time to visit the Chiricahuas, asfor when conditions are right, flocks of warblers spend as much as two to three weeks in the mixed conifer habitat, fattening up ahead of migration. We have had multiple species bathing in pools of water along the quiet dirt road through the campgrounds, joined at times by Mexican Chickadee, a range restricted species to this area. We pass up and over the mountain, with a picnic lunch up in the pines. We make a stop at Pinery Canyon as we head down, a primo birding location. that often holds a surprise or two.

Crossing the Sulphur Springs Valley, we may pick up some grassland species. Tonight our lodgings are at the delightful Casa de San Pedro on the San Pedro River south of Sierra Vista. The Casa de San Pedro is a nationally acclaimed inn; they say it is 90 miles from Tucson and inches from heaven. We agree! We find it the ideal location for our group with meeting space, incredible hospitality, active bird feeders, a pond, and the San Pedro River right outside our door. From the Casa, we can explore cottonwoods that fringe the river, as well as surrounding grasslands and the nearby Huachuca Mountains, a magnet for hummingbird enthusiasts. You soon discover why so many guests return here again and again.

Birds of interest here include Swainson’s and Gray Hawks, Black Phoebe, Cassin’s Kingbird, Abert’s Towhee, Summer Tanager, Blue Grosbeak, Bell’s Vireo, Lucy’s Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, and several species of grassland sparrows. Rarely, a Green Kingfisher is present along the river or at a nearby pond. Lesser Nighthawk fly by the lights of the car park each eveningmost evenings, and the resident Barn And Great Horned Owls take up the night shift.

After a full day of learning and exploring, we enjoy a catered dinner at the Casa. This is a treasure of a place to stay and one we know you will enjoy.
Accommodations at the Casa de San Pedro (B,L,D)

Thurs., Aug. 13        Ash Canyon | Miller Canyon

Before breakfast we offer an early morning walk right from the lodge, along the San Pedro River. Summer Tanagers and Hammond's Flycatchersa variety of flycatchers abound just outside of the Casa. After breakfast we head over to the Ash Canyon Bird Sanctuary for a very full morning of birding.  At these local feeders we hope to see Lucifer Hummingbird, as well as more regular Anna’s, Black-chinned, and possiblytypically abundant migrant Rufous Hummingbirds. Acorn, Ladder-backed, and Arizona Woodpeckers, Mexican Jay, White-winged Dove, and up to three species of orioles (including Scott’s Oriole) are all expected at the feeders. 

Mid-afternoon, we either visit Miller Canyon, a dramatic canyon cutting far into the Huachuca Mountains, home to Mexican Spotted Owl and Red-facedBlack-throated Gray Warbler among many other species. At Beatty’s Guest Ranch we enjoy extensive hummingbird feeders known to attract White-eared Hummingbird among the more common Broad-billed, Black-chinned, and Rivoli's Hummingbirds. Return “home” to freshen up. This evening’s dinner is at a favorite local restaurant.
Accommodations at Casa de San Pedro, Hereford (B,L,D)

Fri., Aug. 14       Ramsey Canyon | San Pedro River 

Today we visit The Nature Conservancy Preserve at Ramsey Canyon—one of the first well-known birding sites in Southeast Arizona. Each canyon of the Huachucas has a flowing stream, and with goodeach monsoon flow, water descendingflows through the oak woodlands, creating habitat for massive Arizona Sycamores, the favored nesting trees of Elegant Trogon. and many other species. Walking up the well-maintained trail, we could see CoatimundiYellow-eyed Junco, Wild Turkey, Arizona Woodpecker, Golden Eagle, Black-throated Gray and other warblers, and a variety of colorful hummingbirds at close range. Butterflies occur here in abundance, as do a number of reptiles, amphibians, and dragonflies.

We return to the Casa for some down time and our lunch. Those that wish to keep birding can take a stroll down to the lush shaded river.

After our downtime at the Casa, we will check the weather to see if any storms are brewing before we make the call where to go. We can either make the drive back over to Ash Canyon to see what is coming into the feeders, or possibly head over to the San Pedro House for an evening stroll. 
Accommodations at Casa de San Pedro, Hereford (B,L,D)

Sat., Aug. 15      Patagonia

After breakfast, we head to the little hamlet of Patagonia, site of one of The Nature Conservancy’s very first preserves. We drive through extensive grasslands near Sonoita, on the lookout for Pronghorn and Chihuahuan Raven, Botteri’s Sparrow, and more.

Enjoy a visit to hummingbird feeders at the Tucson Audubon Society’sBird Alliance’s Paton Center for Hummingbirds. Formerly the home of the late Wally and Marion Paton who invited visitors to their backyard feeders for decades, the property was purchased in 2015 by Tucson AudubonBird Alliance to protect it for posterity. In addition to their usually reliable Violet-crowned Hummingbird, 210+ other species have been recorded onsite. We pay close attention to the local subspecies of Song Sparrow and watch the brush piles for Lazuli Bunting.

Our lunch is in Patagonia, where we alsomay stop at the municipal butterfly garden—close enough to the Mexican border to host an unusual stray. Learn more about native plants that frequent the area's butterfly gardens.

We then continue on towards the Santa Cruz River Valley, stopping at Patagonia Lake, a state park where water and the outlet of Sonoita Creek attract a wonderful array of birds that can include Black-capped Gnatcatcher, Northern Beardless Tyrannulet, and more. A visit to the famous Patagonia Roadside Rest shows off some stunning geology and can reward us with views of Thick-billed Kingbird, Black Vulture, and Yellow-breasted Chat flitting among ash, walnut, and cottonweed trees.

At some point we tear ourselves away, and drive around the southern edge of the Santa Rita Mountains through Nogales and up the Santa Cruz River corridor on I-19 that parallels this green oasis.

Settle into our third hotel, and perhaps see Vermilion Flycatcher or Tropical Kingbird in the parking lot. Dinner is at a favorite local restaurant.
Accommodations Tubac Golf Resort and Spa (B,L,D)

Sun., Aug. 16       Box & Madera Canyons | Santa Cruz River | Local Hotspots

Today is a great last day birding blitz as we explore the Santa Cruz River corridor below Tucson. At a number of birding hotspots, we may look for elusive species like Rufous-capped Warbler along with the common residents like Broad-tailed, Broad-billed, and Anna’s Hummingbirds, Cactus WrenVaried Bunting, and Black-headed Grosbeak. For the last twoseveral years Box Canyon has had Five-striped Sparrow and recently there have been Black-capped Gnatcatcher hereoften is hosting other rarities as well! This corridor is slightly lower in elevation with a great mix of habitat so there are always some wandering raritiesvagrants, as well as the chance to see the sky island specialties again.

Our plan is to work the canyons in the morning. Then in the afternoon, we can do some shaded walks amongst the cottonwoods lining the Santa Cruz River.  This riparian area can be a haven for summering song birds, and maybe even the elusive Rose-throated Becard or Green Kingfisher. It will be magical to spend our last evening strolling along the banks of the Santa Cruz, as Gila Woodpeckers squack high up in the trees and Abert's Towhees scurry in the bursh. 

We end with a celebratory dinner at Elvira’s in Tubac for a memorable final evening. With your guides tally up your species and share highlights of the journey.
Accommodations Tubac Golf Resort and Spa (B,L,D)

Mon., Aug. 17     Departures from Tucson

It’s time to pack up—our flock disperses today. We enjoy breakfast, then head north with a quick stop to see the historic church from the time of Padre Kino along our route. We plan to arrive at the Tucson Airport by 10:30 AM for flights out after NOON. (B)

Cost of the Journey

Travel Details

Please plan to make air travel plans only after the minimum group size has been met. We will send you a confirmation email as soon as the trip has been confirmed.

Arrival and Departure Airport: Tucson International Airport (TUS)

Arrive: Please plan your arrival flight August 10, 2026 no later than 1:00 PM.

Depart: Please plan your departure flight August 17, 2026 after 12:00 PM.

Hotel Recommendations: If you want to relax and stay near the airport after arrival (we can pick you up at these hotels), we recommend: Courtyard by Marriott Tucson Airport (520) 573-0000. Does staying downtown and exploring the many shops and restaurants sound interesting? We would recommend: Home 2 Suites by Hilton (520) 274-7400 or the The Leo Kent Hotel by Marriott (520) 549-5330. If you have a rental vehicle and plan on visiting Tohono Chul, a great hotel in that area is La Posada Lodge & Casitas (520) 492-6637. There are many restaurants in this area as well. 

Travel Alert: Naturalist Journeys recommends arriving a day early for this trip. Due to the remoteness of some lodges it can be extremly difficult to catch up to the group if you arrive late. 

Travel Tip: If you want to arrive a day or two early, Tucson is a great city to explore. The world-renowned Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is a fun place to spend part of a day with a zoo, natural history museum, and botanical gardens all in one location. Tohono Chul Botanical Gardens offers easy nature trails through a variety of gardens and Saguaro National Park is a great place to visit for scenery, hiking, and to see the iconic saguaro cactus. The downtown area, which is close to the University of Arizona campus, offers many restaurants and shops. Downtown Tucson is about 8 miles from the airport and can be reached by a taxi, Uber/Lyft, or renting a car. You will need to return to the airport by 1 PM on August 2 if you are not staying at an airport hotel.

Browse below for trip reports and species lists from past versions of this and other tours from this destination.

• Dave Mehlman
  

  Dave is a naturalist with interests in birds, migration, ecosystems and natural disturbances, plants, and gardening. He holds a PhD from the University of New Mexico. Dave worked for The Nature Conservancy for 25+ years as Director of its Migratory Bird Program. He has researched in Latin American and the Caribbean. An avid birder, Dave enjoys teaching about natural habitats and local cultures. He has published papers in scientific and popular journals.

  Other trips with Dave Mehlman

  • Best of Belize
    Crooked Tree, Lamanai & Chan Chich - FULL - see our Belize Christmas tour!
    October 18 - 26, 2025
  • Guyana: Unspoiled Wilderness
    FULL - See our 2026 departures!
    November 6 - 18, 2025
  • New Mexico Nature & Culture
    FULL - Check out Arizona: Sky Island Winter Birding Blitz
    December 6 - 13, 2025
  • Birds & Nature of New Zealand
    Only one room left!
    January 7 - 23, 2026
  • Southern California: Spring Coastal Birding
    February 16 - 23, 2026
  • South Texas Birding & Nature
    March 11 - 19, 2026
  • Texas Coast & Big Thicket
    A Legacy Club Journey for The Nature Conservancy
    April 22 - 27, 2026
  • Oregon's Malheur NWR & Woodpecker Wonderland
    May 18 - 27, 2026
  • Yellowstone in The Fall
    September 19 - 25, 2026
  • Western Panama: Tranquilo Bay
    October 11 - 18, 2026, w/Mt. Totumas extension
  • Thanksgiving in Trinidad & Tobago
    November 22 - December 1, 2026
• Mason Flint
  

  Mason is a New Mexico native who started birding at age 11 when his family moved within walking distance of the Richardson Bay Audubon Sanctuary in Tiburon, California. Here, he became an Audubon Junior Naturalist. His love of birding and travel grew through as he moved with his family to Alaska, Ohio, and Vermont, college on the east coast, and a few years trying to eke out a living as a birder/ski bum in Montana and back in New Mexico.
  
  In desperate need of gainful employment, Mason settled in Seattle where he spent most of his career at Microsoft. Mason was able to feed his habit by adding on a day or two of birding to business trips across the US, Europe, and Asia and travel with his family. His wife Suzy, who loves travel but isn’t a birder, is a good sport and jokes that being married to a birder has given her the opportunity to visit sewage treatment ponds around the world.
  
  Mason retired a bit early in 2015 to help fledge his two sons, squeezing in travel and birding between soccer games and band performances. He was thrilled to finally combine his passions and profession when he joined Naturalist Journeys as a consultant in early 2020. Mason has led field trips in Guyana, Peru, Iceland, Texas, Washington, Wyoming, Southeastern Arizona, Minnesota, and South Africa.

  Other trips with Mason Flint

  • Western Panama: Tranquilo Bay
    CLOSED - Check out New Year at Tranquilo Bay!
    November 7 - 14, 2025, w/Mt. Totumas extension
  • World-class Birding in Colombia's Coffee Triangle
    January 21 - February 4, 2026, w/Montezuma extension
  • Western Panama: Tranquilo Bay
    March 8 - 15, 2026, w/Mt. Totumas extension
  • Texas Coast & Big Thicket
    April 15 - 23, 2026
  • South Africa: Birding & Wildlife Safari
    Pairs perfectly with our Namibia tour.
    September 19 - October 3, 2026
  • Brazil’s Pantanal: Jaguars! And More…
    FULL - Check out Jewels of Brazil's Atlantic Forest!
    October 11 - 21, 2026, w/Amazonia extension
  • Classic Alaska: Birding & Wildlife: Anchorage, Nome, Seward & Kenai Fjords
    Sold as a private tour.
    June 8 - 17, 2027

Essential Information +

Packing List +

Suggested Reading List +

Useful Links +

• Yellowstone: Birds, Bears & Wildlife
  June 4 - 10, 2026
• Summer in Maine: From Acadia to the Northwoods
  July 7 - 14, 2026
• Arizona Monsoon Madness: Birding & Nature in a Season of Wonder!
  August 4 - 11, 2026