Sunday Field Trips and Walks
All walks and field trips leave from the River Day Use area unless
otherwise noted. Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to departure.
Stoneman Lake Brunch FT
Scott Woolbright
Sunday, April 29
Departure: 6am
Return: noon
Rating: 3
Cost: $35
Stoneman Lake is one of the two natural lakes in Arizona. We travel up the rim
to Ponderosa pine country then drop into the lake’s crater. Birding will
include a variety of woodland species. Enjoy brunch at the private home of Audubon’s
Connie Gilmore and Michael Durgain.
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Tavasci Marsh 
Bob Miller
Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, April 28, 29, 30, April 29
Departure: 7am
Return: 11am
Rating: 4
Cost: $30
We will leave in shuttle vans that will take us to nearby Tavasci Marsh where
water and shore birds, raptors, and flycatchers abound. The Yuma clapper rail
has been spotted here in the past as have the river otters. The marsh and adjoining
Peck’s Lake and Verde River Greenway are part of Audubon’s Tuzigoot
Important Birding Area. This is one of our most popular trips. Includes lots
of walking, a mile each way in and out, but worth every step.
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Greenway Walk
Phyllis Lindberg
Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, April 28, 29, 30, April 29
Departure: 7am
Return: 11am
Rating: 3
Cost: $25
One of the many reasons we hold the festival at Dead Horse Ranch State Park
is its location in the heart of the Verde River’s riparian corridor. An
easy walk along the Verde River Greenway will provide opportunities to spot
riparian dependent species. An expert guide will enhance your experience. You
should be able to see most the species of the season on the park’s bird
list including the black-hawk that is known to nest here.
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Sedona Wetlands FT
Troy Blodgett
Sunday, April 29
Departure: 7am
Return: 11am
Rating: 3
Cost: $30
The use of man-made water treatment plants as birding sites creating artificial wetlands has proven to be the source of excellent birding across the country, especially when they are planned to provide rich habitat. The City of Sedona, in keeping with the natural beauty of the area, has not only taken care of the basic needs of the public but has done so with nature in mind. The birding is excellent and with a local expert to lead you into this normally restricted area, you should be able to add many species to your day’s list.
Bubbling Ponds at Page Springs Field Trip
Victoria Norton
Sunday, April 29
Departure: 7am
Return: noon
Rating: 3
Cost: $30
The Page Springs area is a favorite hangout for birds and birders alike. This
trip will take you to one of the locals’ favorite hot spots on the banks
of Oak Creek. Bubbling Ponds has been a project of the Northern Arizona Audubon
with trails, invasive plant species eradication and habitat restoration and
is part of the Lower Oak Creek Important Birding Area.
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Cultural Tour of the Monuments 
Park Staff
Sunday, April 29
Departure: 7am
Return: noon
Rating: 5
Cost: $30
Back this year is the rare opportunity to be escorted to Tuzigoot, Montezuma
Well and Montezuma Castle National Monuments by your personal and knowledgeable
guide. Once at the sites you will be escorted on a tour of the park and still
have time to explore a little on your own. These Monuments tell the story of
the early inhabitants of the Verde Valley and your guide and the ancient architecture
will bring the past to life. Even if you have visited these sites before on
your own, this is an experience not to be missed. Includes all park entry fees.
This tour was given rave reviews in past years.
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Red Tank Draw & Beaver Creek
Geoffrey Bland
Sunday, April 29
Departure: 7am
Return: noon
Rating: 3
Cost: $30
Although the area is famous for its interesting petroglyphs, it’s the
canyon habitat we are going to see. We will step up to the edge of the draw
to spot the species that are drawn to the water and shade of the mini-canyon.
We will also visit Beaver Creek just a short stop away where the thick stand
of cottonwood again provides for some excellent birding. Level walking but it
can be rocky in places. Birds we may see include painted redstart, warblers
and grassland species. (Back to Top)
Armchair Birding
Julie Wills
Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, April 28, 29, 30,
April 29
Departure: 8am
Return: 10am
Rating: 5
Cost: Free
Let the birds come to you. Bring your favorite camp chair, binoculars, a little
refreshment, and just enjoy birding as the hours slip by. We will only have
to walk a short distance on the accessible Canopy Trail to a spot where feeders
bring the birds up close. A knowledgeable guide will help identify species.
The area is open for birding at any time but the guide will only be available
during these hours. Donations to help cover feeder costs are appreciated.
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Red Rock Geology Field Trip
Paul Lindberg
Sunday, April 29
Departure: 8am
Return: noon
Rating: 1
Cost: $30
Geologist Paul Lindberg will be explaining how the landscape of Red Rock country
was formed so that anyone can grasp the complex processes at work. Paul is a
local favorite and you will find the scenery breathtaking.
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Raptor Rhapsody FT
Homer Hansen
Sunday, April 29
Departure: 8am
Return: noon
Rating: 3
Cost: $30
Homer will guide you through the world of raptors found here at Dead Horse Ranch
State Park and the surrounding habitats. The featured hawk of the park is the
common black-hawk but Cooper's hawks nest here too. Red-tailed hawks, turkey
vultures, and American kestrels are likely, and sometimes zone-tailed hawks,
osprey, or eagles are seen soaring and swooping in the sky above. Homer will
tell you all about their amazing natural histories and help you identify them.
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Cadillac Canoe Brunch 
Chip Davis
Saturday & Sunday, April 30 & April 29
Departure: 8am
Return: 1pm
Rating: 3
Cost: $60
We will be taking canoes down the Verde River for a different perspective of
the riparian habitat. We will beach the canoes at a private residence and be
treated to a home-made brunch. Experienced paddlers pilot every canoe so you
can sit back and enjoy the river’s surprises. There’s always the
chance that you might get wet so wear shoes and clothes that can take the water.
Shorts are recommended depending on weather. This trip is dependent upon the
water flow. Weight limit - 200lbs.
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Botanical Walk
Patty West
Sunday, April 29
Departure: 9am
Return: 11am
Rating: 2
Cost: $10
A guided walk to identify many of the riparian and grassland species of plants and flowers found in the park. Learn arid plants’ secrets to survival and the challenge of invasive species. If the rains favor us, we could even experience a wealth of wildflowers.
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Butterfly Walk in the Park
Adriane Grimaldi
Saturday & Sunday, April 30, April 29
Departure: 10am
Return: noon
Rating: 2
Cost: $10
Take a leisurely walk with Adriane Grimaldi, a volunteer from Boyce Thompson
Arboretum, to see the area’s butterflies. Learn about the life cycle of
these beautiful insects and about the different varieties seen here. Adriane
will allow time for questions and answers and has handouts to take home.
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| Mission: The Verde Valley Birding & Nature Festival provides a unique recreational experience to anyone interested in the natural world and fosters awareness of the importance of habitat for the enrichment of all life in the Verde Valley. |
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New trip this year
=Overnight-
room included
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educational workshop/presentation 
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drive on your own