Arizona
Wildlife in the land of the Apache
Saturday 9 - Saturday 23 May 2009 (15 days)
Arizona is a vast state containing some of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring landscapes of the American Southwest. Here numerous mountain ranges rise from colourful deserts and grasslands in a classic Southwestern landscape full of rock spires, rugged canyons, and sweeping vistas. Join us for a spring tour to a stunning state!
© Ray Ford/Nature Portfolio
The Grand Canyon - possibly the most awe-inspiring view in the world
We start the tour in south-east Arizona, an amazing biological mixing ground, where the plant and animals from Mexico meet species of Rocky Mountain origin, and species of the western deserts mingle with those that inhabit the Great Plains. Here a walk in the cool, shaded mountain canyons on a spring day in May brings the tropics to mind - so lush and verdant is the vegetation. Any number of Mexican species may be present; trees and flowers are blooming and Elegant Trogons utter deep guttural notes from sycamore hollows. From here we travel north to central Arizona, to the spectacular red-rock country of Sedona, and finishing with the magnificence of the Grand Canyon.
Encompassing its birds, natural history and native culture, the tour promises to be a splendid introduction to one of the most fascinating regions of the USA. The tour has been devised for us and will be led by Greg Smith, who has a summer home in Portal, Arizona - when he isn't leading tours worldwide.
Price: £ 2,995
Single supp.: £ 565
Deposit: £ 400 per person
The price is per person, and is fully inclusive of return flights London - Tuscon, full-board accommodation, transport, tips, and the services of the leader(s).
The price excludes travel insurance, drinks and other personal expenses.
Principal Leader: Greg Smith
Itinerary
Day 1
We take a scheduled flight from London to Tucson, Arizona. Tucson lies in an attractive setting where different types of deserts meet with high mountains to the east and west, rising to over 2,700m.
Overnight Tucson
Day 2
Today our first stop is the internationally acclaimed Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Be prepared with cameras and binoculars, as we should see Cactus Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, Black-throated Sparrow, White-winged Dove, and other species while we enjoy the variety of outdoor displays. A walk through the bird aviary is a great introduction to the species we see in the wild; a visit to the hummingbird gallery, with birds flying all around, is memorable.
We then head south and east from Tucson to Portal, our base for great birding and mountain exploration in the Chiricahua Mountains, the largest of southeast Arizona's 'Sky Island' ranges. On the way we'll stop near the town of Willcox to check out the recharge ponds at Willcox Playa. Here we scan for water birds and waders, such as Black-necked Stilt, American Avocet, Wilson's Phalarope, Dunlin, and Least and other sandpipers.
From here we drive into Chiricahua Mountains, where we stop at the rock wonderland of the Chiricahua National Monument. In this area of spectacular rock pillars formed by volcanic activity and erosion, famous Apache leaders Cochise and Geronimo and their followers once hid from American troops. Today, Zone-tailed Hawk and Peregrine Falcon patrol the rugged rock landscape.
We walk a short trail between the rock formations, looking for Rock and Canyon Wrens, Painted Redstart, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Red-faced Warbler, and Mexican Jay. With luck, we may spot an inquisitive Coatimundi, a relative of the raccoon. Claret-cup Cacti and Yucca should be in bloom, and huge Arizona Cypresses and Ponderosa Pines lining the path provide shade for much of the walk.
Then we move on to Portal, driving down scenic mountains switchbacks to reach the stunning Cave Creek Canyon. For the next three nights we stay in lodgings at the American Museum of Natural History's Southwestern Research Station, where for over 50 years scientists from around the world have studied the incredible natural diversity of the region.
Overnight Portal
Day 3
We start the day with some early morning birding before breakfast Today we explore Cave Creek Canyon, one of the most biologically diverse places in the U.S. Here the ecosystems of the Rocky Mountains, the Sierra Madre, the Chihuahuan Desert, and the Sonoran Desert intersect. Bird calls echo through the canyon. Dusky-capped and Brown-crested Flycatchers nest in the area, as do a host of interesting warblers such as Grace's, Virginia's and Red-faced. Mexican Jays quickly make their presence known.
One of the best birding spots in the canyon is the trail along the South Fork of Cave Creek. Against pinnacles and crenellated walls of orange rock, yuccas stand above bracken fern and Douglas Fir entwine with Arizona Sycamore. Several pairs of Elegant Trogon have nested here for many years, as well as Northern Goshawk. While walking the cool and shaded paths we're also likely to see Painted Redstart, Cordilleran Flycatcher, and Mexican Chickadee, just to name a few! Perhaps we will be able to whistle up a Pygmy Owl this morning.
After lunch and some time to relax back at the research station, we bird around the town of Portal in the afternoon - it's hard to believe the number of species to be seen right on the main street of this little village! Acorn Woodpecker, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's race), and Canyon Towhee are common here; we also may see Blue Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting, Hooded, Scott's, and Bullock's Orioles, Wilson's Warbler, and Yellow-breasted Chat. A pair of American Kestrels has nested in one of the Arizona Sycamores at the end of the street for many years. A resident Cooper's Hawk often swoops down on feeders in the yards, scattering the eating birds in a panic as the Acorn Woodpeckers screech in protest. Nineteen species of hummingbirds can be found in southeastern Arizona, and we are likely to get great views of many species at local feeders.
After dinner, those interested can venture out for some night birding with a local expert. Looks at Elf, Western Screech, and Whiskered Screech Owls are possible, among other species.
Overnight Portal
Day 4
This morning we drive a winding forest road up several thousand feet to Rustler's Park in the Chiricahuas. On our drive up, we witness the dramatic changes in vegetation that occur as we gain elevation. At the park we enjoy spectacular views of the mountains and the flatlands below, while birding in forests of fir, spruce, and Ponderosa Pine. This is the realm of many fascinating birds, including: Townsend's, Olive, and Red-faced Warblers; Western Tanager; Western Bluebird; Mexican Chickadee; and Yellow-eyed Junco. Raucous Steller's Jays may beg at our picnic lunch under the tall pines, and we may find sign of resident Black Bear.
After lunch and a break in the afternoon, we'll visit resident birding expert Dave Jasper's feeders along Cave Creek. Crissal, Curved-bill, and Bendire's Thrashers are all regular visitors here, as well as Scott's Oriole, Gambel's Quail, and Canyon Towhee.
Overnight Portal
Day 5
Today we travel back in time to enjoy some Western history! After some early morning birdwatching and breakfast, we drive to the historic mining town of Bisbee, where you have some free time to shop (numerous artists reside here), check out the local museum (a mining history museum associated with the Smithsonian). Then it's on to historic Tombstone, Arizona for lunch and time to check out those memorable western movie sites like the O.K. Corral. Whistling 'Do not forsake meÉ', we stroll the streets of this famous western town, known for its outlaws and mining wealth.
After lunch we continue to the San Pedro river, a lush corridor of cottonwood trees frequented by Vermilion Flycatcher, Summer Tanager, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Bullock's Oriole and other colourful species. Here we settle into our delightful accommodation and enjoy a delicious catered dinner.
Overnight Hereford
Day 6
After a delicious (some say outrageous!) breakfast, we head out to Carr Canyon, driving up a mountain road to hear the rich chorus of birdsong in the high pine forest. Here we may find Greater Pewee, Buff-breasted Flycatcher, Olive & Grace's Warblers, and - with luck - a Northern Goshawk. Beautiful Ponderosa Pine trees dominate our trail, which is punctuated by exhibits about the silver mines run here over 100 years ago on a geologically dramatic cliff known as 'The Reef.'
Descending Carr Canyon, we continue on to feeders at the Ash Canyon Bed & Breakfast, a delightful spot where (from comfortable chairs) we hope to observe the Lucifer Hummingbird, as well as the more regular Anna's Black-chinned, and possibly migrant Rufous Hummingbirds. Acorn and Strickland's Woodpeckers, Mexican Jay, and White-winged Dove are all regulars at the feeders
After a restaurant lunch, we visit the Nature Conservancy Preserve at Ramsey Canyon. In the foothills of the mountains a beautiful clear stream descends through oak woodlands, its banks lined with massive Arizona Sycamores. These sycamores are favoured nesting trees of the Elegant Trogon. We also hope to see Wild Turkey, Strickland's Woodpecker, Golden Eagle, Black-throated Gray and other warblers, and a variety of colourful hummingbirds at close range. Butterflies occur here in abundance, as do a number of rare plants, reptiles, and amphibians.
Overnight Hereford
Day 7
This morning we head up into Fort Huachuca's Garden Canyon, home to Elegant Trogon and Dusky-capped Flycatchers. We walk along a sycamore-lined creek to look for Strickland's Woodpecker, Plumbeous Vireo, and other species. In a nearby pine-rimmed meadow we look for the Buff-breasted Flycatcher, a bird found in very few locations in Arizona. There is rock art in the canyon, along the stream where we often encounter blooming Columbine and Monkey Flower.
After a picnic lunch we visit Sawmill Canyon. In this rather open canyon, tall grasses grow beneath a canopy of large pines; it's the perfect place to search for Buff-breasted Flycatcher, Steller's Jay, and Western Tanager.
In the afternoon we take a guided tour through Karchner Caverns State Park, a fabulous cave system.
Overnight Hereford
Day 8
Today we venture west, passing through lush grasslands of the Sonoita area; along the way we look for Scaled Quail and hope to see a herd of Pronghorn. In the little hamlet of Patagonia, we drive a back road to the lush riparian corridor of the Nature Conservancy's Sonoita Creek Preserve. Walking trails among huge cottonwood trees, we may find Yellow-breasted Chat, Verdin, and possibly Zone-tailed Hawk. We also visit some local feeders known to attract Violet-crowned Hummingbird, migrant Lazuli Bunting, and Inca Dove.
At the famous 'Roadside Rest' we scan for Black Vulture and listen and look for Rose-throated Becard. Then it's on to Patagonia Lake, where we walk a trail to look for Northern Beardless Tyrannulet and the rare Black-capped Gnatcatcher, which has nested here in recent years. On the lake we may find Olivaceous Cormorant and a variety of ducks.
We return to the Casa for a relaxing evening.
Overnight Hereford
Day 9
After our final fabulous breakfast at the Casa, we head north to Sedona, famous for its dramatic red-rock cliffs and canyons. On our drive north we will once again witness a remarkable change in vegetation, but this time it is even grander in scale as we leave the Saguaro Cacti behind, and pick up pinyon and juniper woodlands. About an hour north of Phoenix, we stop to see Montezuma Castle, an historic National Monument that preserves remnants of a Native American culture that thrived in the fertile valley of the Verde River. Most of the structures we see were made by the Sinagua people, who lived here at the same time the Anasazi were in the four-corners area. By 1150 the Sinagua were building elaborate pueblos and using complex irrigation systems to water their crops. In the early 1400's they disappeared (as did the Anasazi and several other Southwestern tribes).
From here we continue on one of the most scenic roads in the Southwest into Sedona, stopping along the way for photography and to admire the view. For the next three nights we stay at the Best Western Arroyo Robles Hotel which features Southwestern architecture and a great location.
Overnight Sedona
Day 10
Today we explore Red Rock State Park, Peck's Lake and the Page Springs Fish Hatchery, all lush shaded locations along Oak Creek and the Verde River. Throughout the day we should have excellent looks at Black-bellied Whistling Duck, Hooded and Bullock's Orioles and Yellow-billed Cuckoo. In the afternoon we enjoy some free time in Jerome, a famous mining town on the scenic Mogollon Rim. Enjoy dinner at one of the many excellent restaurants in Sedona.
Overnight Sedona.
Day 11
We have a full day to explore another birding paradise - Oak Creek Canyon. This magnificent canyon is a smaller version of the Grand Canyon still to come. Surrounding the canyon, thousand-foot walls display rich red mudstones and massive tan sandstones - all a spectacular backdrop to a rich mix of vegetation that attracts interesting birds. This is oak-pine woodland and we look for Acorn Woodpecker, Hepatic Tanager, Painted Redstart, Spotted Towhee and Hutton's Vireo. In the rushing clear waters of Oak Creek, we look for American Dipper. Enjoy some free time in the afternoon to relax or to shop in Sedona, known for its galleries and Garland's Native American Trading Post.
Overnight Sedona
Day 12
This morning we'll bird the lush cottonwood/sycamore forests in lower Oak Creek, then drive up into the pines where we listen for calls of Bridled Titmouse, a variety of warblers, and the raucous chatter of Western and Cassin's Kingbirds. Along the densely vegetated stream we hope to glimpse the elusive, frog-eating Black Hawk.
We then drive north to the Grand Canyon, passing through Flagstaff at the base of the San Francisco Peaks. We have lunch here and a chance to visit the Museum of Northern Arizona. We arrive at the canyon with time to settle in and to walk out to the rim in time for sunset - a sight you'll never forget. With any luck we'll watch the reintroduced California Condors come in to roost.
Overnight Grand Canyon
Day 13
As the park brochure says, somehow 'grand' does not tell how truly incomprehensible this canyon is... no words can really describe this amazing creation of nature! The colours of the canyon are beautiful and ever-changing. The story of the Colorado Plateau and its wild, carving river is revealed in rock layers that bind over a billion years of Earth's history. We take a modern park shuttle tram to numerous viewpoints, each one distinct with different contrasts of mesas and buttes. Forests on the rim provide great birding opportunities - if we can take a break from the scenery! Our final celebration dinner is at the historic El Tovar.
Overnight Grand Canyon
Day 14
Early risers will be able to gaze at the sunrise today at the rim of the Canyon.
We then depart, and en route back to Phoenix we will stop at historic Cameron Trading Post for another chance of some interesting shopping. Just north of Flagstaff, we take the road up to a local ski area where we can listen and look for higher elevation species such as Clark's Nutcracker, Steller's Jay, Ruby-crowned Kinglet and Mountain Chickadee. Views from Mt. Humphreys are impressive and here we will enjoy a final picnic lunch. We plan to arrive at Phoenix airport late afternoon, in time for an evening flight to London, arriving home on Day 15
Accommodation: Hotels and lodges with all rooms en suite.
Numbers: Max. 14 clients
Day 1
We take a scheduled flight from London to Tucson, Arizona. Tucson lies in an attractive setting where different types of deserts meet with high mountains to the east and west, rising to over 2,700m.
Overnight Tucson
Day 2
Today our first stop is the internationally acclaimed Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Be prepared with cameras and binoculars, as we should see Cactus Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, Black-throated Sparrow, White-winged Dove, and other species while we enjoy the variety of outdoor displays. A walk through the bird aviary is a great introduction to the species we see in the wild; a visit to the hummingbird gallery, with birds flying all around, is memorable.
We then head south and east from Tucson to Portal, our base for great birding and mountain exploration in the Chiricahua Mountains, the largest of southeast Arizona's 'Sky Island' ranges. On the way we'll stop near the town of Willcox to check out the recharge ponds at Willcox Playa. Here we scan for water birds and waders, such as Black-necked Stilt, American Avocet, Wilson's Phalarope, Dunlin, and Least and other sandpipers.
From here we drive into Chiricahua Mountains, where we stop at the rock wonderland of the Chiricahua National Monument. In this area of spectacular rock pillars formed by volcanic activity and erosion, famous Apache leaders Cochise and Geronimo and their followers once hid from American troops. Today, Zone-tailed Hawk and Peregrine Falcon patrol the rugged rock landscape.
We walk a short trail between the rock formations, looking for Rock and Canyon Wrens, Painted Redstart, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Red-faced Warbler, and Mexican Jay. With luck, we may spot an inquisitive Coatimundi, a relative of the raccoon. Claret-cup Cacti and Yucca should be in bloom, and huge Arizona Cypresses and Ponderosa Pines lining the path provide shade for much of the walk.
Then we move on to Portal, driving down scenic mountains switchbacks to reach the stunning Cave Creek Canyon. For the next three nights we stay in lodgings at the American Museum of Natural History's Southwestern Research Station, where for over 50 years scientists from around the world have studied the incredible natural diversity of the region.
Overnight Portal
Day 3
We start the day with some early morning birding before breakfast Today we explore Cave Creek Canyon, one of the most biologically diverse places in the U.S. Here the ecosystems of the Rocky Mountains, the Sierra Madre, the Chihuahuan Desert, and the Sonoran Desert intersect. Bird calls echo through the canyon. Dusky-capped and Brown-crested Flycatchers nest in the area, as do a host of interesting warblers such as Grace's, Virginia's and Red-faced. Mexican Jays quickly make their presence known.
One of the best birding spots in the canyon is the trail along the South Fork of Cave Creek. Against pinnacles and crenellated walls of orange rock, yuccas stand above bracken fern and Douglas Fir entwine with Arizona Sycamore. Several pairs of Elegant Trogon have nested here for many years, as well as Northern Goshawk. While walking the cool and shaded paths we're also likely to see Painted Redstart, Cordilleran Flycatcher, and Mexican Chickadee, just to name a few! Perhaps we will be able to whistle up a Pygmy Owl this morning.
After lunch and some time to relax back at the research station, we bird around the town of Portal in the afternoon - it's hard to believe the number of species to be seen right on the main street of this little village! Acorn Woodpecker, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's race), and Canyon Towhee are common here; we also may see Blue Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting, Hooded, Scott's, and Bullock's Orioles, Wilson's Warbler, and Yellow-breasted Chat. A pair of American Kestrels has nested in one of the Arizona Sycamores at the end of the street for many years. A resident Cooper's Hawk often swoops down on feeders in the yards, scattering the eating birds in a panic as the Acorn Woodpeckers screech in protest. Nineteen species of hummingbirds can be found in southeastern Arizona, and we are likely to get great views of many species at local feeders.
After dinner, those interested can venture out for some night birding with a local expert. Looks at Elf, Western Screech, and Whiskered Screech Owls are possible, among other species.
Overnight Portal
Day 4
This morning we drive a winding forest road up several thousand feet to Rustler's Park in the Chiricahuas. On our drive up, we witness the dramatic changes in vegetation that occur as we gain elevation. At the park we enjoy spectacular views of the mountains and the flatlands below, while birding in forests of fir, spruce, and Ponderosa Pine. This is the realm of many fascinating birds, including: Townsend's, Olive, and Red-faced Warblers; Western Tanager; Western Bluebird; Mexican Chickadee; and Yellow-eyed Junco. Raucous Steller's Jays may beg at our picnic lunch under the tall pines, and we may find sign of resident Black Bear.
After lunch and a break in the afternoon, we'll visit resident birding expert Dave Jasper's feeders along Cave Creek. Crissal, Curved-bill, and Bendire's Thrashers are all regular visitors here, as well as Scott's Oriole, Gambel's Quail, and Canyon Towhee.
Overnight Portal
Day 5
Today we travel back in time to enjoy some Western history! After some early morning birdwatching and breakfast, we drive to the historic mining town of Bisbee, where you have some free time to shop (numerous artists reside here), check out the local museum (a mining history museum associated with the Smithsonian). Then it's on to historic Tombstone, Arizona for lunch and time to check out those memorable western movie sites like the O.K. Corral. Whistling 'Do not forsake meÉ', we stroll the streets of this famous western town, known for its outlaws and mining wealth.
After lunch we continue to the San Pedro river, a lush corridor of cottonwood trees frequented by Vermilion Flycatcher, Summer Tanager, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Bullock's Oriole and other colourful species. Here we settle into our delightful accommodation and enjoy a delicious catered dinner.
Overnight Hereford
Day 6
After a delicious (some say outrageous!) breakfast, we head out to Carr Canyon, driving up a mountain road to hear the rich chorus of birdsong in the high pine forest. Here we may find Greater Pewee, Buff-breasted Flycatcher, Olive & Grace's Warblers, and - with luck - a Northern Goshawk. Beautiful Ponderosa Pine trees dominate our trail, which is punctuated by exhibits about the silver mines run here over 100 years ago on a geologically dramatic cliff known as 'The Reef.'
Descending Carr Canyon, we continue on to feeders at the Ash Canyon Bed & Breakfast, a delightful spot where (from comfortable chairs) we hope to observe the Lucifer Hummingbird, as well as the more regular Anna's Black-chinned, and possibly migrant Rufous Hummingbirds. Acorn and Strickland's Woodpeckers, Mexican Jay, and White-winged Dove are all regulars at the feeders
After a restaurant lunch, we visit the Nature Conservancy Preserve at Ramsey Canyon. In the foothills of the mountains a beautiful clear stream descends through oak woodlands, its banks lined with massive Arizona Sycamores. These sycamores are favoured nesting trees of the Elegant Trogon. We also hope to see Wild Turkey, Strickland's Woodpecker, Golden Eagle, Black-throated Gray and other warblers, and a variety of colourful hummingbirds at close range. Butterflies occur here in abundance, as do a number of rare plants, reptiles, and amphibians.
Overnight Hereford
Day 7
This morning we head up into Fort Huachuca's Garden Canyon, home to Elegant Trogon and Dusky-capped Flycatchers. We walk along a sycamore-lined creek to look for Strickland's Woodpecker, Plumbeous Vireo, and other species. In a nearby pine-rimmed meadow we look for the Buff-breasted Flycatcher, a bird found in very few locations in Arizona. There is rock art in the canyon, along the stream where we often encounter blooming Columbine and Monkey Flower.
After a picnic lunch we visit Sawmill Canyon. In this rather open canyon, tall grasses grow beneath a canopy of large pines; it's the perfect place to search for Buff-breasted Flycatcher, Steller's Jay, and Western Tanager.
In the afternoon we take a guided tour through Karchner Caverns State Park, a fabulous cave system.
Overnight Hereford
Day 8
Today we venture west, passing through lush grasslands of the Sonoita area; along the way we look for Scaled Quail and hope to see a herd of Pronghorn. In the little hamlet of Patagonia, we drive a back road to the lush riparian corridor of the Nature Conservancy's Sonoita Creek Preserve. Walking trails among huge cottonwood trees, we may find Yellow-breasted Chat, Verdin, and possibly Zone-tailed Hawk. We also visit some local feeders known to attract Violet-crowned Hummingbird, migrant Lazuli Bunting, and Inca Dove.
At the famous 'Roadside Rest' we scan for Black Vulture and listen and look for Rose-throated Becard. Then it's on to Patagonia Lake, where we walk a trail to look for Northern Beardless Tyrannulet and the rare Black-capped Gnatcatcher, which has nested here in recent years. On the lake we may find Olivaceous Cormorant and a variety of ducks.
We return to the Casa for a relaxing evening.
Overnight Hereford
Day 9
After our final fabulous breakfast at the Casa, we head north to Sedona, famous for its dramatic red-rock cliffs and canyons. On our drive north we will once again witness a remarkable change in vegetation, but this time it is even grander in scale as we leave the Saguaro Cacti behind, and pick up pinyon and juniper woodlands. About an hour north of Phoenix, we stop to see Montezuma Castle, an historic National Monument that preserves remnants of a Native American culture that thrived in the fertile valley of the Verde River. Most of the structures we see were made by the Sinagua people, who lived here at the same time the Anasazi were in the four-corners area. By 1150 the Sinagua were building elaborate pueblos and using complex irrigation systems to water their crops. In the early 1400's they disappeared (as did the Anasazi and several other Southwestern tribes).
From here we continue on one of the most scenic roads in the Southwest into Sedona, stopping along the way for photography and to admire the view. For the next three nights we stay at the Best Western Arroyo Robles Hotel which features Southwestern architecture and a great location.
Overnight Sedona
Day 10
Today we explore Red Rock State Park, Peck's Lake and the Page Springs Fish Hatchery, all lush shaded locations along Oak Creek and the Verde River. Throughout the day we should have excellent looks at Black-bellied Whistling Duck, Hooded and Bullock's Orioles and Yellow-billed Cuckoo. In the afternoon we enjoy some free time in Jerome, a famous mining town on the scenic Mogollon Rim. Enjoy dinner at one of the many excellent restaurants in Sedona.
Overnight Sedona.
Day 11
We have a full day to explore another birding paradise - Oak Creek Canyon. This magnificent canyon is a smaller version of the Grand Canyon still to come. Surrounding the canyon, thousand-foot walls display rich red mudstones and massive tan sandstones - all a spectacular backdrop to a rich mix of vegetation that attracts interesting birds. This is oak-pine woodland and we look for Acorn Woodpecker, Hepatic Tanager, Painted Redstart, Spotted Towhee and Hutton's Vireo. In the rushing clear waters of Oak Creek, we look for American Dipper. Enjoy some free time in the afternoon to relax or to shop in Sedona, known for its galleries and Garland's Native American Trading Post.
Overnight Sedona
Day 12
This morning we'll bird the lush cottonwood/sycamore forests in lower Oak Creek, then drive up into the pines where we listen for calls of Bridled Titmouse, a variety of warblers, and the raucous chatter of Western and Cassin's Kingbirds. Along the densely vegetated stream we hope to glimpse the elusive, frog-eating Black Hawk.
We then drive north to the Grand Canyon, passing through Flagstaff at the base of the San Francisco Peaks. We have lunch here and a chance to visit the Museum of Northern Arizona. We arrive at the canyon with time to settle in and to walk out to the rim in time for sunset - a sight you'll never forget. With any luck we'll watch the reintroduced California Condors come in to roost.
Overnight Grand Canyon
Day 13
As the park brochure says, somehow 'grand' does not tell how truly incomprehensible this canyon is... no words can really describe this amazing creation of nature! The colours of the canyon are beautiful and ever-changing. The story of the Colorado Plateau and its wild, carving river is revealed in rock layers that bind over a billion years of Earth's history. We take a modern park shuttle tram to numerous viewpoints, each one distinct with different contrasts of mesas and buttes. Forests on the rim provide great birding opportunities - if we can take a break from the scenery! Our final celebration dinner is at the historic El Tovar.
Overnight Grand Canyon
Day 14
Early risers will be able to gaze at the sunrise today at the rim of the Canyon.
We then depart, and en route back to Phoenix we will stop at historic Cameron Trading Post for another chance of some interesting shopping. Just north of Flagstaff, we take the road up to a local ski area where we can listen and look for higher elevation species such as Clark's Nutcracker, Steller's Jay, Ruby-crowned Kinglet and Mountain Chickadee. Views from Mt. Humphreys are impressive and here we will enjoy a final picnic lunch. We plan to arrive at Phoenix airport late afternoon, in time for an evening flight to London, arriving home on Day 15
Accommodation: Hotels and lodges with all rooms en suite.
Numbers: Max. 14 clients