Indiana Audubon 2025 Southeast Arizona Tour

Indiana Audubon invites you to experience the incredible avian diversity and amazing Mexican species that can be found in southern Arizona in the late summer. Late July through August in Arizona is often called the “second spring,” characterized by monsoon-type rains that bring vibrant greenery to the desert. This timeframe is also great for fall migrants, including western warbler species that are migrating through this unique region. Many birders visit solely for the Mexican specialty hummingbirds wandering north in search of food.

Trip Leaders: Whitney Yoerger is the Communications and Outreach Manager at Indiana Audubon and loves connecting birders with the conservation areas we visit. Amy Kearns is a long-time Indiana Audubon member, professional ornithologist, and trip leader. Both have a combined 25+ years birding experience.

As part of Indiana Audubon’s commitment to conservation in areas we visit, we will make a donation towards the Southeastern Arizona Bird Observatory via the Mumford and Keller Grants/Scholarship Program.

Trip Itinerary at a glance:

• Day 1. July 26: Arrival in Tucson
• Day 2. July 27: Madera Canyon and Patagonia, night in Sierra Vista
• Day 3. July 28: Huachuca Mountains, night in Sierra Vista
• Day 4. July 29: Wilcox, Bensen, and Portal, night in Portal
• Day 5. July 30: Chiricahua Mountains and Cave Creek Canyon, night in Portal
• Day 6. July 31 Target birding towards Tucson and Saguaro National Park, night in Tucson
• Day 7. August 1: Mt. Lemmon area, night in Tucson
• Day 8. August 2: Flights home

The complete itinerary for this trip can be found HERE.

The trip begins and ends in Tucson, Arizona, and some of the specialty species we will search for include: Gambel’s Quail, Montezuma’s Quail, Harris’s Hawk, Gray Hawk, Zone-tailed Hawk, Inca Dove, Greater Roadrunner, Whiskered Screech-Owl, Northern Pygmy Owl, Elf Owl, Mexican Whip-poor-will, Lucifer Hummingbird, Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Calliope Hummingbird, Violet-crowned Hummingbird, White-eared Hummingbird, Elegant Trogon, Arizona Woodpecker, Gilded Flicker, Vermilion Flycatcher, Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher, Mexican Jay, Bridled Titmouse, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Phainopepla, Grace’s Warbler, Townsend’s Warbler, Rufous-capped Warbler, Painted Restart, Abert’s Towhee, Botteri’s Sparrow, Five-striped Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow, Hepatic Tanager, Pyrrhuloxia, Varied Bunting, Scott’s Oriole, and Lesser Goldfinch.

Indiana Audubon Field Trip Rating

Birding Pace: Extended Tour. Multiple days with early starts. On certain days guests may have the opportunity to take a break from the regular activities to enjoy an afternoon at the hotel. Joining for the early morning birding is highly encouraged as it is the birds' most active time.

Physical Requirements: Moderate. Southeast Arizona is dry and rugged. Participants can expect one or two miles of hiking per day at a birding pace on rough terrain and elevation under 8,500 feet. Higher altitude birding on Mt. Lemmon is done at a slower pace.

Birding Skill Level: Beginner to mid-level. Though this is an intro-level trip, the focus will be on southeast Arizona specialties. Research of anticipated birds is encouraged.

Additional Considerations

Included with the Tour:

• IAS leaders coordinating trip logistics before and during the tour.
• Van transportation through the trip.
• All lodging for 8 days, 7 nights in listed hotels.
• All meals will be provided, starting with dinner on Day 1 and ending with breakfast on day 8.
• All fees to reserves, parks, and entry fee areas.
• Standard tips for restaurant wait staff.

Not included with the Tour:

• Airfare and airport taxes.
• Expenses for transportation outside of the provided van transportation, such as taxis or rideshare services.
• Additional tips for hotel staff, bird guides or drivers.
• Medical expenses, prescription drugs COVID testing, and other items of personal use.
• Additional tours offered in hotels (Spa, massage, etc.).
• Alcoholic beverages, cigarettes and anything else not listed on the menus of restaurants.
• Health and/or trip insurance.
• Laundry service.
• Souvenirs.
• Any other expense or extra tour not listed as included above.

Price

• IAS Member: $2,389 per person
• Non-Member: $2,439 per person
• Single Supplement: $455

The trip size is 6-10 participants. Prices are based on double occupancy.

A $200 deposit is required at the time of reservation booking.

The complete itinerary for this trip can be found HERE.

Blue-throated Mountain-gem, Elegant Trogon, Five-striped Sparrow, Red-faced Warbler, Mexican Jay, and Bridled Titmouse. All images by Ryan Sanderson.