Some of the most sought-after birds in North America spend their winters here in Cochise County. The tour travels the wetlands, grasslands, agriculture fields, and foothills of the Sulphur Springs Valley and may include stops at Sunsites, Cochise Stronghold, and Whitewater Draw. The tour will look for Scaled Quail, Arizona Woodpecker, Mountain Plover, Sage Sparrow, Chestnut-Collared Longspur, Mexican Jay, and Bendire's Thrasher, as well as a variety of waterfowl, raptors, and shorebirds. Be ready for other rare and exciting finds. Approximately one mile of easy to moderate walking with several stops, and long vigils sitting on the bus waiting for birds to appear. Intermediate to Advanced. Includes lunch, drinks, and rest stops.

Roper Lake is an excellent place for bird watching. Species commonly seen are Gambel's Quail, Red-winged Blackbird, Yellow-headed Blackbird, Great Horned Owl, Northern Cardinal, as well as flycatchers, kingfishers, ducks, grebes, egrets, herons, and mergansers. Dankworth is a very popular southern Arizona birding destination and a large variety of migratory birds spend their winters soaking up the Arizona sun here.  Beginner to Intermediate. 

Learn and practice basic identification skills. Time will be spent at the Willcox ponds and nearby areas observing and identifying common bird species.  The trip leader will likely have a spotting scope; however, this tour will require that you bring your own binoculars.  Less than 1/2 mile of easy walking. Beginner.

Explore Sulphur Springs Valley a hawk-watcher's dream during the winter months when large numbers of raptors are seen throughout the area. Approximately 1/2 mile of easy walking. Beginner to Intermediate. Rest stops are included.

Head to the south end of Sulphur Springs Valley looking for Sandhill Cranes foraging in the fields along the way.  Then enjoy their return to Whitewater Draw as they fly in to loaf after their morning feeding. Less than 1/2 mile of easy walking. Beginner to Intermediate. Includes rest stops and lunch.

Willcox Playa and the adjacent Dos Cabezas Mountains, which form the geologic framework along the northern end of Sulphur Springs Valley, have caused major restrictions to travel and land use since pre-historic times.  We will observe these features and learn about their origin and the impacts they've had and are still having.  Discussion is encouraged.  No prior knowledge of geology is needed.   

This tour will start with a circuit of Cochise Lake for late afternoon arrivals of waterfowl. Next stop will be at a known roosting site as dusk begins to fall, with Sandhill Cranes coming in from the fields to spend the night. Up to ¾ mile of walking may be required along unpaved, sandy roads. Be prepared for cold temperatures as the sun sets, and bring a flashlight for the return walk to the vehicle.