Celebrate the turning of the year surrounded by sunshine, Sandhill Cranes, and the wide-open beauty of Southeast Arizona. This festive birding blitz takes you from the vast Willcox Playa to the lush San Pedro River and the saguaro-studded Sonoran Desert. Witness the unforgettable sight of thousands of cranes filling the sky at sunrise and sunset, and enjoy close looks at a dazzling variety of wintering ducks, sparrows, raptors, and desert specialties. With mild winter weather, breathtaking scenery, and joyful birding from start to finish, this tour is the perfect way to close one year’s bird list—and launch the next in spectacular fashion.

From touchdown in Tucson to your final farewell, this trip is all about great birds, good company, and fun in the field. Local expert guides Peg and James lead the way through Southeast Arizona’s most celebrated hotspots—Whitewater Draw, Patagonia Lake, Ash Canyon, Ramsey Canyon, and more—each teeming with birdlife. Ring in the New Year at the cozy Casa de San Pedro with a festive dinner and their famous pie, then start January 1 with Vermilion Flycatcher and hummingbirds right outside your door. By the time you head home, you have an impressive species list, warm memories of desert sunsets and crane-filled skies, and the perfect head start on another year of birding.

  • “A scenic and birdy venture to southern Arizona. The sky island terrain is unique and it's a great time of year for the trip.” — Paul Pilch, 2023 Traveler
  • “An excellent trip! Great pace with options for hikes along with ample birding in a wide variety of environments. Food and lodging were great along with the trip leaders.” — Sandra Kemper, 2023 Traveler
  • “I have done nine Naturalist Journey's trips and this is one of my favorites. I loved the landscape and birds. It was a great group and the places we stayed facilitated the group with catered meals and gathering space rather than all restaurants.” — 2023 Traveler
  • “This was such a great trip. I had no idea what to expect in SE Arizona and it was marvelous. This is a good time of year to visit because the weather and trees were perfect.” — 2023 Traveler

Tour Highlights

  • Start and end your birding year with birding FUN!
  • Enjoy sunshine, saguaros, and an spectacle of cranes
  • Experience a Southeast Arizona birding blitz with a holiday celebration
  • Savor a special New Year’s dinner and New Year’s Day brunch at the Casa de San Pedro
  • Build your skills! Learn to ID those sparrows and raptors
  • Jump start your 2026 eBird list and learn some new eBird skills
  • Don’t miss out! With eBird, everything January 1 starts anew
  • Peg Abbott, James Petersen, and Vernie Aikins welcome you!

Trip Itinerary

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

Tues., Dec 29                 Willcox Playa | Lake Cochise

It's time to prepare for another trip around the sun, and with that, time to wrap up our end-of-the-year bird lists. Add some birding joy to top off those lists and start the year brand new. What better way to do that than with a trip to the Sonoran Desert and southeastern Arizona—a place where species abound year-round and winter weather is perfect to be out in the field! 

This is a fun and go for it birding tour. Right from the airport, departing by 1:00 PM (please arrive by 12:30), we are on the road and ready to bird. We start the 1.5-hour journey east of Tucson, stopping at some ponds in Benson, then aiming toward the town of Willcox, where we stay for two nights to be close to the action. Water and wetlands are bird magnets for many species in this season and central to the needs of charismatic Sandhill Crane that fill the sky as they fly back and forth from Lake Cochise to the nearby agricultural fields. At sunrise and sunset the spectacle is memorable, a cacophony of sound and a light show of birds flying against purple mountains and pink skies. Over a dozen species of duck and tiny Eared Grebe make Southern Arizona home for the winter. Wintering waterfowl, Chihuahuan Raven, and Scaled Quail should help us round out our species lists for the year. 

Your guides, Peg and James, both reside in Cochise County, so they are keenly aware of what species are where, making our time enjoyable and efficient for finding a lot of species. After leaving Benson, we head to the Willcox Twin Lakes ponds to watch Sandhill Crane swirl down to their night roost by the lake. Nightfall comes early at this time of year, so we plan to check in to our lodgings after the sunset glow fades, no later than 6:00 PM. Then, enjoy dinner with a western flair at a favorite local restaurant. 
Accommodations at the Arizona Sunset Inn & Suites, Willcox (D) 

Wed., Dec 30            Lake Cochise | Sulphur Springs Valley

As we are so close, there is an optional run over to the ponds this morning for those that wish to watch and photograph the sunrise spectacle. By birding standards it’s not that early, sunrise is about 7:30 AM. Our hotel has a nice breakfast to refuel ourselves before setting out for the day. 

Depending on sightings, we may go north to several ponds in the Safford area that attract unusual ducks and geese. We then return to explore the northern section of Sulphur Springs Valley, famous among Arizona birders for wintering longspurs, possible Mountain Plover, and a variety of raptors and sparrows. This region has an abundance of agricultural fields, which are perfect for cruising. Lark Bunting favor these lowland fields, and we can find huge flocks of them as we explore the area. Another all-star bird everyone wants on the list for the year, Ferruginous Hawk, frequents this area as well, so we are on the lookout for this large Buteo. Vesper Sparrow, Horned Lark, and Greater Roadrunner are also possibilities before the first day of birding is a wrap. 

Throughout the week we keep our lunch plan flexible; if the weather is gorgeous we can picnic, if it’s blustery we dip into some colorful small town cafes. 

As we return to the hotel we do another check of the playa, with scopes checking for any new species. This water at the Twin Lakes Ponds, sitting in the middle of the vast Willcox Playa, is a wonderful migrant trap—perfect for filling out your list, as the species can rotate out daily. The lake should be teeming with Northern Shoveler, American Wigeon, and Ruddy Duck, dispersed in with Cinnamon Teal, Canvasback, and Green-winged Teal, all perfect for pumping up our end-of-the-year lists. Lake Cochise is also the perfect setting for winter shorebirds like Long-billed Dowitcher and Least Sandpiper.

Our hotel is close if you want to be dropped off for a break, or listen to the music of cranes once again, each sunset viewing session is different! As we bring our second day to a close in Willcox, we set some time aside for one more evening at Lake Cochise in the hopes of a postcard-worthy sunset with the Sandhill Cranes.
Accommodations at the Arizona Sunset Inn & Suites, Willcox (B,L,D) 

Thurs., Dec 31           Whitewater Draw | San Pedro River | New Year Celebration

It’s New Year's Eve! Before the festivities tonight at the Casa de San Pedro, we have one more full day to boost those year lists. After breakfast at the hotel, we make our way south across the Sulphur Springs Valley, taking in a different part of the valley while watching utility poles for our last Prairie or Peregrine Falcon of the year. We cross desert scrub in search of Bendire’s Thrasher and Chihuahuan Meadowlark, possible year lifers for a lot of the group. After that, we arrive at Whitewater Draw, one of the best winter birding spots in all of Arizona. 

An easy, level walk around the dikes at Whitewater Draw greets us with thousands of Sandhill Crane, Snow and Ross’s Geese, and an assortment of other waterfowl. They often return to rest mid-day, then go back into farm fields to feed, so every visit here gives us a different experience. Whitewater is also a great place for sparrows, even possibly producing Sagebrush Sparrow for our continuing list. Vesper, Savannah, Song, Lincoln, White-crowned, Brewer’s, and Black-throated all should be present here. 

Our lunch plan stays flexible to field time, but by mid-afternoon, we make a stop in the historic mining town of Bisbee. Founded in 1880, this town is one of the most unique places in Arizona. Enjoy a coffee at the local roaster, a brew at the local pub, or stroll up the streets to find yourself a year-end treat. There is also an excellent, Smithsonian-affiliated museum here in town. We turn you loose, then regroup to drive a short way over to the San Pedro River, and our all-time favorite lodge, the Casa de San Pedro, your home for the next two nights. The owners of the Casa de San Pedro treat us to a spectacular holiday feast for the New Year’s celebration. 

With the short hours of daylight, feeder watching or a short walk to the river close out our final birdable hours of the year! Three species of towhee are possible here—Abert’s, Canyon, and Green-tailed can all be found here in the winter. Ladder-backed Woodpecker work the trees and Common Yellowthroat work the edge of the small pond and river. As we make our way back to the lodge, we stop at the hummingbird feeders to take in what could possibly be our last bird for the year—the brightly-colored Broad-billed Hummingbird.

Dinner and festivities are provided by the Casa de San Pedro. We ring in the new year with their famous and endless pie, enjoying each other's company, and recounting our most memorable bird encounters of the year. 
Accommodations at the Casa San Pedro (B,L,D)

Fri., Jan 1           Casa San Pedro | Ramsey Canyon | Ash Canyon Bird Sanctuary

Today we say good morning, welcome to a new year, and hello to a fresh new bird list for the year. The fun starts all over again! Every sparrow, egret, duck, and warbler all need to be found again and added to our fresh new list. We have a plan to have everyone leaving with a rocketing start to the new year and 100 species of birds before you get on our flights back home, and we have three days to do it. 

The morning starts with a walk along the San Pedro River and its towering cottonwoods, right out the door from your room. Potentially, the first bird of the year is a Gambel’s Quail strolling through the courtyard, or possibly an Anna’s Hummingbird coming in for its morning nectar from the feeders. Vermilion Flycatcher and Curve-billed Thrasher greet us in the grasslands adjacent to the Casa de San Pedro. The cooing of the Inca Dove rounds out our first hour of birding in the new year, all before another wonderful brunch at the Casa. 

After breakfast we head out, first making our way to The Nature Conservancy property, Ramsey Canyon. Known as one of the most diverse canyons in Arizona, we hope for some more wintering hummingbirds such as the Blue-throated Mountain-gem, and sometimes the occasional Broad-tailed will stick around. Ramsey Canyon can even produce overwintering Elegant Trogon, so it’s a must-stop as we march our way towards 100 new species for the year. Lastly, at Ramsey Canyon, we see how many woodpeckers we can find this morning. Ramsey can be a favorite for Acorn, Gila, Ladder-backed, Arizona, and Hairy Woodpecker, as well as Red-naped Sapsucker. Not a bad way to start our first day. 

After Ramsey Canyon, we evaluate what species we’ve already seen for the day and adjust from there. We have a plethora of options from canyons to river walks. We keep the itinerary loose after the morning, and let the birds dictate where we go next. And we choose a fun lunch spot accordingly. 

We plan to cap off the day with a visit to Ash Canyon Bird Sanctuary. An afternoon spent sitting amongst the serene gardens of Ash Canyon is the perfect way to cap off our whirlwind first day of the year. Many of our local guides consider this sanctuary to be one of their favorite places to just sit, unwind, and take in the majesty of the bird world. The evening ends with groups of Mexican Jay coming in for their last meal of the day, Bridled Titmouse scurrying around the trees, and the almost familiar call of Pyrrhuloxia (Desert Cardinal). 
Accommodations at the Casa San Pedro (B,L,D)

Sat., Jan 2           Sonoran Desert

With an abundance of new birds on day one, it's time to change habitats and start making our way to the classic Saguaro Cactus Sonoran Desert landscape this area is known for. It’s only day two of the new year, though, and we have an exciting list of possibilities to work on—expect this to be our most full day! We have a plethora of great birding spots to hit along the way and are sure to take “the long way” back to Tucson. Our first stop of the morning is the grasslands of Las Cienegas Nature Conservation Area. Along with a large assortment of wintering sparrows that are prizes for our new year list, American Kestrel thrive in this habitat, as do Northern Harrier. 

After time at a few strategic waterholes in the grasslands, we continue west to one of the birding capitals of Arizona, the town of Patagonia. This is home to the Paton’s Center for Hummingbirds, and is a great place to quickly boost our observations. Inca and Common Ground Doves frequent the yard year round. Lazuli Bunting and Green-tailed Towhee also like to call this hotspot home for the winter, as well as multiple flycatcher species. The true gem of the center, though, is the Violet-crowned Hummingbird. Most years, males overwinter here. What a special bird to already have on our list for the year! Some years, oddities like Rufous-backed Robin can be found here and we pay close attention to any New Year surprise sightings.

Once we have had our fill of Violet-Crowned Hummingbird, we keep moving like geese in a v-formation down the road. Patagonia Lake is up next, and we want to make sure we get there with plenty of time. This is the #1 winter hotspot in Arizona, and it’s the perfect place to boost our numbers and try out our ID skills on a great variety of species. With scopes and our guides’ knowledge of where specialties can be found, we could rack up more than 15 species of waterfowl with this stop. From the tiny Eared and Pied-billed Grebes to the more massive “tanks” like Common Mergansers, and in some years Common Loons, Patagonia Lake is a true gem. It's also a great migrant trap, so we never know if we might pick up a Neotropic Cormorant or a California Gull. It’s also not impossible to pick up five or more flycatcher species here in the winter. 

The exciting thing is that we have not even made it back to Tucson, yet, and still have more birding to do along the way. As we round the southern edge of the Santa Rita Mountains, we find ourselves in the Santa Cruz Corridor. In the spring, this is a flyway for migrating birds. But in the winter, it’s also home to many other species. From here, as we make our way north, following the same route as the conquistadors in the 1700, we leave the birding in the guides’ hands. There are an abundance of stops along the Santa Cruz River, such as ponds, waste water treatment plants, and historical parks to keep us busy for days. But your Naturalist Journeys guides find just the right spots to fill in the blanks as time allows, as we make our way to Tucson. 
Accommodations at Lodge on the Desert (B,L,D)

Sun., Jan 3          Sonoran Desert | Tucson

Today is a terrific full day planned to feature the sunny Sonoran Desert, another full day to work on our kick-start year lists before we all head our separate ways. Today we make sure we take full advantage of our time. Tucson and the surrounding area is full of special places to bird. 

Tucson is book-ended by the Saguaro National Park West & East. This true Sonoran Desert habitat is ideal for a few species we have probably not yet encountered thus far on the trip. Gilded Flicker call the towering Saguaro cactus home, and Rufous-Winged Sparrow thrive in this area with their bouncing call. The Saguaro landscape is also home to Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, as well as an abundance of Black-throated Sparrow, which we may have not yet encountered. Driving through the National Park, seeing the Saguaro forests stretch for miles, is a treat unto itself. But stopping to listen and observe a Cactus Wren calling from atop its Cholla Cactus is a great way to harken in this new year. 

Interspersed across the Tucson valley, we also have several wonderful wetlands. These are very important to the exceptional diversity Tucson is known for, and are vital as our bird list climbs with each passing hour. Sweetwater Wetlands and El Rio Preserve both provide great habitat for wintering birds. We may still be on the lookout for Blue-winged Teal, Canvasback, or wintering Yellow Warbler. One of the wetlands should provide them for us. These are also great spots for any wintering swallows that may be around, possibly our first for the new year. 

Beyond the city, past the mountains, below even where most the Saguaros live, Tucson has an expansive lowlands area called the Avra Valley, filled with farmlands and vast systems of aqueduct recharge basins. Out in these lowlands, some of the facilities allow bird watchers to access them. In the winter, this can be great for desert shore birding (possibly an oxymoron, but definitely a productive activity when boosting our new year list). Long-billed Dowitcher, Greater Yellowlegs, and Wilson’s Snipe congregate in this area. Avra Valley can host year-round Crested Caracara, Prairie Falcon, and maybe even a Merlin. 

As time allows, we visit a few of the slew of parks throughout Tucson. From native desert-landscaped parks to pine-encircled ones, there is an extensive range of options for us to search right in town. Finding the parks with the winter fruiting trees can be a goldmine. A fruiting Chinaberry tree is a huge draw in many parks in town. Handfuls of Cedar Waxwing can be found feasting on these trees, as well as Western, and sometimes even Mountain, Bluebirds. Some pine-heavy parks are known to attract Red Crossbills in the winter as well. Local parks can also be a great source for Cassin’s Kingbird or Greater Pewee that like to stay for the winter. 

Finishing our final day in Tucson is by design. Surrounded by so many varying habitats, parks, wetlands, and farm fields, it really helps us finish strong on our birding blitz to start the new year. 

It’s also a fun place to celebrate our New Year blitz and we are sure to pick a great local restaurant to recount our trip highlights and favorite species over dinner. 
Accommodations at Lodge on the Desert (B,L,D) 

Mon., Jan 4               Departures 

Departures should be scheduled for after 12:00 PM today. This gives us a few hours of birding in one more local park near the hotel before it’s time to fly out. We depart with a lengthy new bird list for the year, a heart full of joy from all the magnificent birds we’ve seen, and a head start on another joyous year of birding. Some of you may want to stay on in the sunny southwest to enjoy more time in the sun. We can offer suggestions; Tucson has a great mix of nature and culture close at hand. (B)

  • Bisbee Town, Southeast Arizona, Arizona, Arizona Nature Tour, Arizona Birding Tour, Naturalist Journeys
  • Sandhill Cranes, Southeast Arizona, Arizona, Arizona Nature Tour, Arizona Birding Tour, Naturalist Journeys

    Sandhill Cranes by Hugh Simmons

  • Canyon Wren, Southeast Arizona, Arizona, Arizona Nature Tour, Arizona Birding Tour, Naturalist Journeys

    Canyon Wren by Peg Abbott

  • Fall Arizona, Southeast Arizona, Arizona, Arizona Nature Tour, Arizona Birding Tour, Naturalist Journeys

    Fall Arizona by Peg Abbott

  • Red-naped Sapsucker, Southeast Arizona, Arizona, Arizona Nature Tour, Arizona Birding Tour, Naturalist Journeys

    Red-naped Sapsucker by Peg Abbott

  • Rufous-collared Sparrow, Southeast Arizona, Arizona, Arizona Nature Tour, Arizona Birding Tour, Naturalist Journeys

    Rufous-collared Sparrow by Peg Abbott

  • Southeast Arizona, Arizona, Arizona Nature Tour, Arizona Birding Tour, Naturalist Journeys Photo-Friendly
  • Acorn Woodpecker, Southeast Arizona, Arizona, Arizona Nature Tour, Arizona Birding Tour, Naturalist Journeys Photo-Friendly
  • Scaled Quail, Southeast Arizona, Arizona, Arizona Nature Tour, Arizona Birding Tour, Naturalist Journeys Photo-Friendly
  • Mexican Jay, Southeast Arizona, Arizona, Arizona Nature Tour, Arizona Birding Tour, Naturalist Journeys Photo-Friendly
  • Sandhill Cranes, Southeast Arizona, Arizona, Arizona Nature Tour, Arizona Birding Tour, Naturalist Journeys Photo-Friendly
  • Coati, Southeast Arizona, Arizona, Arizona Nature Tour, Arizona Birding Tour, Naturalist Journeys Photo-Friendly
  • Wild Turkeys, Southeast Arizona, Arizona, Arizona Nature Tour, Arizona Birding Tour, Naturalist Journeys Photo-Friendly
  • Greater Roadrunner, Southeast Arizona, Arizona, Arizona Nature Tour, Arizona Birding Tour, Naturalist Journeys Photo-Friendly
  • Arizona Woodpecker, Southeast Arizona, Arizona, Arizona Nature Tour, Arizona Birding Tour, Naturalist Journeys Photo-Friendly

    Arizona Woodpecker by Hugh Simmons

  • Bridled Titmouse, Southeast Arizona, Arizona, Arizona Nature Tour, Arizona Birding Tour, Naturalist Journeys Photo-Friendly

    Bridled Titmouse by Bryan Calk

Cost of the Journey

Cost is per person, based on occupancy: $TBD from Tucson, AZ.

The cost includes: accommodations for seven nights, meals as specified in the itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch and D=dinner), professional guide services, park and program entrance fees and miscellaneous program expenses.

The cost does not include: round-trip airfare to and from Tucson, items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone, time in the photography blind if scheduled, drinks from the bar, or gratuities for luggage handling or personal services.

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 & Departure Airport: Tucson International Airport (TUS)

Arrival Information: Please plan flights to arrive by December 29, 2026 to land no later than 12:30 PM. 

Departure Information: Please plan your flight after 1:00 PM on January 4, 2027. 
If you wish to extend your stay in Tucson, you could use the below hotel recommendations or plan accordingly on your own.

Hotel Recommendations: IIf you want to relax and stay near the airport after arrival (we can pick you up at these hotels), we recommend: La Quinta Inn & Suites Tucson Airport (520) 573-3333. Does staying downtown and exploring the many shops and restaurants sound interesting? We would recommend: Home 2 Suites by Hilton (520) 274-7400 and 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. There are many restaurants in this area as well. La Posada Lodge & Casitas (520) 492-6637

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 November 3 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.

Arizona

Monsoon Madness

Sunshine & Saguaros

Map for Arizona: New Year’s Birding Blitz

Essential Information +

This information is important for being prepared for your journey; we want you to have Read more

This information is important for being prepared for your journey; we want you to have the best experience possible. If you only read one section, this one is key!

Ahead of Your Tour

  • Please talk with your doctor about general health needs. It is a good idea to consult with your doctor about general vaccinations recommended for travel.
  • 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. After you make travel reservations, please send a copy of your travel itinerary to the Naturalist Journeys office at clientservices@naturalistjourneys.com.
  • Travel insurance in case of serious medical emergency is recommended. Full health coverage and repatriation is available through Allianz Travel Insurance.
  • Soft sided luggage/duffel bags are easiest for packing the vans. Remember to pack essential medications in your carry-on luggage, as well as one day of clothing and optics in case of luggage delay.

Health Information

We will share a copy of your health and emergency contact information with your guide. This information will be kept confidential but is very important in case of a medical emergency. In addition to bringing any prescription medications with you, we recommend that you have a copy of the prescriptions in case of loss.

Pace of the Tour & What to Expect

You will receive a Schedule-at-a-Glance and list of hotels (our eContact List) a few weeks before your departure. This will serve as an outline for each day and alert you to any recent changes made in the schedule or to our hotels, if needed.

Our journeys are set up to follow the rhythm of nature. Our focus is on birding and nature; we offer full, well-planned field days and often get up early for that magical time around dawn. We generally follow the published itinerary, but we stay flexible to the weather, wildlife opportunities and the interests of the group. Your guide will keep you apprised of the next day’s schedule at each evening meal, noting what to bring and what to prepare for. Questions and/or concerns are welcome.

The pace of our Naturalist Journeys tours is moderate; to fully participate you should be able to get in and out of vehicles several times a day, and walk 1-3 miles over uneven terrain. It is important to participate with a flexible attitude as adjustments may be made in our schedule to make the most of our time in the field or for other purposes at your guide's discretion. We are not a “listing” bird company that drills down on target species, but at times we do wait for those special species unique to the places we visit. During the day, we take time to stop for photos and for educational opportunities to learn about conservation projects, landscapes, and geology. We appreciate other taxa as well as birds, with mammals often the biggest draw but plants and butterflies are also very popular. Our clients often lend their own expertise to the mix.  

We like to make meals a fun and memorable part of the experience, too. Breakfasts are often at hotels, and we carry snacks, fruit, and water in the vans each day. Lunches are a mix of picnics in the field (weather dependent) and a chance to dine with locals at small cafes and restaurants. For dinner, we pride ourselves in our homework to keep up with the best choices for dining, choosing restaurants with atmosphere that specialize in local foods. On occasion we keep dinner simple to go back out in the field for sunset wildlife viewing or night walks. In some remote locations, our choices are limited. If you are tired, room service for dinner may be an option you can choose.

Food & Drink

We carry water and juices/cold drinks in the cooler each day, and sodas if people like them. Please also plan on bringing and filling your water bottle for hiking each day. We try to use as few plastics as possible!

Packing, Clothing & Laundry

Soft sided luggage/duffel bags are easiest for packing the vans. Please pack essential medications in your carry-on luggage, as well as one day of clothing and optics in case of luggage delay.

Dress is informal and is casual even at restaurants. Layering is a great way to stay comfortable. Protective clothing is essential, whether it be from sun, rain, cold, insects, or vegetation. You need closed toe shoes, and wear comfortable walking shoes with good tread. Hiking boots with good support for hiking and on rocky terrain can work well.

Spending Money

Many people ask how much to plan to bring as spending money. Part of that depends on how much you want to shop. Most shops will take VISA and MasterCard or American Express. Typical items people purchase include local souvenirs and T-shirts, caps, and natural history books.  You may want to bring cash for drinks with dinner (if available) or smaller local purchases.

Gratuities

Expect the normal tipping protocol to apply for hotel maids and bar service. If at the end of the tour, you would like to show your appreciation to your guides, tipping is entirely appropriate but at your discretion. We hope that you will be pleased with all professional services. Gratuities for group meals are included. For your birding tour guide, we suggest $10-$15 per day per guest. Note that if there is more than one guide, this amount can be split among them.

Cell Phones & Internet Service

Wi-Fi and cell phone service are available in most US destinations, although there are some exceptions in remote locations. Wi-Fi is generally provided in all hotels, lodges, and restaurants you visit, at least in public areas. Please refrain from taking or making cell phone calls in the vehicles when traveling with other passengers unless it appears to be an emergency as this disrupts other guests – please plan cell phone calls on your own time.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted in any vehicle or in any situation where the group is participating in an activity together, such as a vehicle excursion or a guided walk. Please respect all designated smoking areas at hotels and restaurants.

Transportation

For this tour, your guides will drive travelers in either full-size or mini-vans or a combination of those two. We ask all attendees to please rotate your seating, so you ride with different drivers and alternate between front and back seats.

Photo Release & Sharing

We take many group photos and will share photos with the group. And after your tour, we will organize a chance to share photos via Dropbox or Google Photos. Please note that this is our policy and if you prefer to be excluded, we need to know ahead of your tour.

By registering for this tour, you agree to grant to Naturalist Journeys and its authorized representatives permission to record photos and/or video of your participation in the tour. You further agree that any or all of the material photographed may be used, in any form, as part of any future publications, brochures, or other printed materials used to promote Naturalist Journeys, and further that such use shall be without payment of fees, royalties, special credit or other compensation.

Questions?

Please contact Naturalist Journeys by email at clientservices@naturalistjourneys.com or telephone our office: (520) 558-1146 or toll free: (866) 900-1146 if you have any questions. Many thanks for traveling with us and we hope you enjoy your journey.

 

Packing List +

Please pack light! Soft luggage is much easier for us to pack than a more rigid Read more

Please pack light!

Soft luggage is much easier for us to pack than a more rigid hard sided piece, so if you have the choice, please use your soft luggage. Be sure to have your name and address on the inside of the bag, as well as on the luggage tag on the handle. It is our hope that you can pack in one checked suitcase that does not exceed 45 pounds.  Be sure to pack your personal medication, airline tickets, passport, binoculars, camera, and other essential items in your carry-on bag. You will want a day pack for field trips, so this is an ideal carry-on. Please reconfirm your airline’s baggage weight and size restrictions about a week or so before departure.

In general, the weather should be mostly chilly, with highs in the low-60°s and lows sometimes dipping down to the low 30°s or even 20°s.  We suggest packing a medium/heavy jacket and layers. Check your favorite weather website lcloser to your departure to better predict what the weather will be on your adventure.

Dress is comfortable and informal throughout the trip. Dressing in layers is the best way to be comfortable. Lightweight long-sleeved shirts and long pants make ideal field clothing as they are more protective from sun and vegetation.  But if you like to wear them, by all means bring some shorts. Also, choose clothing you don’t mind getting dirty or muddy and things that are comfortable and easy to wear. Note on clothing colors: We recommend muted colors of tan, brown, khaki, grey or green, as they are spotted less easily than white or bright colors, though camouflage clothing is not recommended.

WE DO NOT RECOMMEND TRAVELING WITH PRECIOUS OR VALUABLE JEWELRY – don’t tempt anyone and don’t bring things you’d regret losing, and your mind will be at ease!

Clothing & Gear

  • Long pants, 2 pairs
  • Shorts (1 pair or use a pair of zip-offs that give you both short and long)
  • Long-sleeved shirts (2)
  • T-shirts or equivalent (remember you may be buying some there anyway)
  • Lightweight raincoat or poncho (rain not likely, but possible)
  • Windbreaker type jacket (can be same as above)
  • Hat with broad brim
  • Personal underclothing
  • Socks, long enough to tuck in your pants – lightweight and easy to wash and dry
  • Comfortable walking shoes and lightweight hiking boots – good tread is essential!
  • Medium to heavy weight jacket
  • Warm fleece/sweater/sweatshirt
  • Gloves, warm hat, scarf for mornings and evenings
  • Comfortable clothes for evening (a cleaner version of your field cloths or a skirt, etc.)
  • Field vest (optional), a great source is Big Pockets

Equipment & Miscellaneous

  • Airline ticket
  • Real ID required as of May 2025 for U.S. citizens on domestic flights who are not carrying a valid passport.
  • Cell phone and charger
  • Binoculars (a clear shower cap works well to keep off rain and mist)
  • Camera and extra batteries, battery chargers, film or digital chips, lens cleaning supplies and your instruction manual (optional)
  • Spotting scope and tripod (optional, guide will have one)
  • Small daypack or fanny pack for carrying your field gear
  • Walking stick (optional but recommended if you usually use sticks when hiking)
  • Water bottle (or plan to refill one bought on location)
  • Alarm clock (if you use your phone, be sure to turn off data roaming)
  • Sunscreen/lip balm with SPF
  • Toiletry articles
  • Gel bandana for cooling (optional)
  • Sunglasses with neck strap
  • Insect repellent
  • Sulphur powder for possible chiggers (found at garden store)
  • Umbrella, compact and not brightly colored (optional, but useful for protection from rain if not windy)
  • Small flashlight or headlamp with fresh batteries
  • Notebook or journal and pen (optional)
  • Field guides (optional)
  • Earplugs (optional) 
  • Portable packages of facial tissues
  • Laundry soap if you plan to do hand washing
  • Small bottle of antibacterial soap
    Rechargeable power bank (optional)
  • A collapsible airplane footrest (such as an inflatable, foldable, or hammock type) may help make longer flights more comfortable. Some airlines may have restrictions, so confirm with your airline which types are allowed and where they may be not allowed, i.e. bulkhead or exit rows (optional)

Medical & First Aid Items

  • Personal medication
  • Motion sickness preventatives if likely to be needed
  • Personal first aid kit and medications for general ailments (including tweezers for spines)
  • Copy of eyeglass prescription, medical prescriptions and any medical alerts
  • Health insurance information
  • Extra pair of eyeglasses or contacts
  • Band-aids, moleskin to protect against blisters
  • Antibacterial soap in small container for quick handwashing

 

Suggested Reading List +

There are many titles of interest for Arizona; the following are a few that we Read more

There are many titles of interest for Arizona; the following are a few that we have enjoyed that can get you started.


Top Picks

Field Guide to the Birds of North America

Merlin App. A phone-based birding app from Cornell University Laboratory of Ornithology. Download it for free here.

General Reading

Mountain Islands and Desert Seas:  A Natural History of the U.S./Mexico Borderlands

The Deserts of the Southwest: A Sierra Club Naturalist’s Guide

Natural Environments of Arizona: From Desert to Mountains

Roadside Geology of Arizona

Field Guides

Kaufman Field Guide to Advanced Birding: Understanding What You See and Hear

Birds of Southeastern Arizona

Sibley Guide to Birds

Hummingbirds of North America: The Photographic Guide

A Field Guide to Hummingbirds of North America (Peterson Field Guides)

Butterflies of North America; Kaufman Field Guides

Dragonflies and Damselflies of the Southwest

A Birder’s Guide to Southeastern Arizona

Tucson Audubon’s Finding Birds in Southeast Arizona

Please note that your guide will have a full set of local identification guides for plants, reptiles and amphibians, mammals and butterflies. For those who would like further detail: 

A Guide to the Identification and Natural History of the Sparrows of the United States and Canada  

Hawks in Flight

A Field Guide to Warblers of North America

Kaufman Field Guide To Advanced Birding

 The Birder’s Handbook: A Field Guide to the Natural History of North American Birds

 

The Complete Birder: A Guide to Better Birding

 Lives of North American Birds

Pete Dunne’s Essential Field Guide Companion: A Comprehensive Resource for Identifying North American Birds

There is a good selection of books available for sale at visitors’ centers, and your guide will also have a selection of reference books and materials for participants to share. As an Amazon Associate, Naturalist Journeys earns from qualifying purchases, and may get commissions for purchases made through links on this page at no added cost to you.

 

Useful Links +

Learn more about your destination at these external websites, carefully researched for you. Read more

General

Tucson

Sanoita

Sulphur Springs Valley

Bisbee

Paradise

Patagonia

Casa de San Pedro Bed and Breakfast – An Environmentally Friendly Inn

Nature, Wildlife & Biology

Paton Center for Hummingbirds (check out the live cam link!)

Birding Lake Patagonia

Hotspots in the Huachuca Mountains and the San Pedro River (SABO.org)

Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area – Birding Hotspot

Sandhill Cranes Return to Whitewater Draw - Article

Desert Adaptation of Birds & Mammals (AZ-Sonora Desert Museum)

Reptile and Amphibian Accounts

Mammals

Pollinator Conservation Resource Southwest

Pollinator Plants of the Desert Southwest, Native Milkweeds

Southeastern Arizona Wildflowers and Plants

Conservation, Parks & Reserves

Tucson Audubon Society

Sky Island Alliance

Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve 

Southeastern Arizona Bird Observatory

Ramsey Canyon Preserve – The Nature Conservancy

San Pedro River

Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area IBA

Cave Creek Canyon

Chiricahua Mountains & National Monument

Chiricahua Desert Museum

Geology & Geography

Geology of Arizona

Geography of Southern Arizona

History & Culture

Tucson’s History and Culture

A Brief Overview of Tucson

Culture History of Southern Arizona – American Era

Canoa Ranch: 

Bisbee - History

Southern Arizona Cuisine

Helpful Travel Websites

Homeland Security Real ID Act

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

ATM Locator

Date & Time


Photo credits: Banners: Whitewater Draw Sunset by Hugh Simmons Photography; Sandhill Cranes in formation by Peg Abbott; Chiricahua National Monument by Hugh Simmons Photography; Greater Roadrunner by Hugh Simmons, Whitewater Draw by Hugh Simmons; Vermillion Flycatcher by Hugh Simmons; Sandhill Cranes by Peg Abbott. Canyon Wren, Peg Abbott; Fall Colors, Peg Abbott; Rufous-collared Sparrow, Peg Abbott; Roadrunner by Peg Abbott; Coati by Peg Abbott; Red-naped Sapsucker, Peg Abbott; Fall colors, Peg Abbott; Group, Hugh Simmons; Sandhill Cranes, Peg Abbott; Western Meadowlark, Hugh Simmons; Violet-crowned Hummingbird, Hugh Simmons; Northern Pintail, Peg Abbott; Snow Geese, Peg Abbott; Sandhill Cranes flying, Peg Abbott; Bobcat, Peg Abbott; Bendire’s Thrasher, Peg Abbott; Group walking, Naturalist Journeys Stock; Marsh Wren, Peg Abbott; Northern Harrier, Peg Abbott; Vermilion Flycatcher, Steve Bull; Arizona in the Fall, Peg Abbott; Bisbee Town, Hugh Simmons Photography; Coronado, Hugh Simmons Photography; Sandhill Cranes, Hugh Simmons Photography; Canyon Wren, Peg Abbott; Fall AZ, Peg Abbott; Red-naped Sapsucker, Peg Abbott; Rufous-collared Sparrow, Peg Abbott;

×

Like what we do?

Sign up for our weekly eNews to stay up to date!

Get to know our favorite destinations each week. We promise no spam.

No Thanks