News

DESTINATION: Empire/La Cienega DescriptionOnce facing an uncertain future that almost certainly included housing and commercial development, today more than 45,000 acres of rolling grasslands and woodlands in Arizona’s Pima and Santa Cruz counties are protected as a National Conservation Area.  The region’s rolling grasslands, oak-studded hills that connect several “sky island” mountain ranges”, and lush riparian corridors are irresistible to both people and wildlife. Cienega Creek, with its perennial flow and lush riparian corridor, forms the lifeblood of the NCA and supports a diverse plant and animal community.   Thanks to the efforts of local governments, elected officials and the public, the...

BIRDING DESTINATION: PIMA CANYON  Lon. -110.92582, Lat. 32.36165, Alt. 3,396 ft Description: Pima Canyon trail is a steep hike up to Mt. Kimbel - but it starts easy. Be sure to go at least as far as the riparian grove and dam, aproximately 2 miles from the parking lot. At three miles in look for an old rock dam (not very evident) and grinding holes in the rock. Above this point the trail reaches oak trees and a different substrate of bunch grasses, as well as a different community of bird species. Habitat: Riparian Area with desert scrub lining the canyon...

BIRDING DESTINATION: TOHONO CHUL PARK Birding at Tohono Chul Park  By KL Lance, Docent at Tohono Chul Park More than twenty years ago, Jon and Shani Friedman introduced The Wild Bird Store to the community by offering beginning bird tours, which I--new to both Tucson and birding--eagerly joined. I was quickly hooked. Today, semi-retired, I'm giving bird walks myself, as a docent at Tohono Chul Park, the beautiful 49-acre natural paradise just off the corner of Ina and Oracle. Tohono Chul is a fabulous place to bird, both for experienced birders and for neophytes. We have desert trails, cultivated, shaded...

Roy Drachman/ Agua Caliente Park, Tucson, AZ 06/17/2011 Agua Caliente, literally meaning hot water, is a unique 101-acre park with a perennial warm spring. An artificial stream links together three ponds within the park. The ponds are fed by the spring water and support diverse wildlife and fish populations. The spring flow fluctuates during the year—at various times, due to drought, visitors may see the lower ponds dry. Human habitation has been found to date back about 5,500 years. The site makes for a perfect place for a picnic or day hike. Agua Caliente Park is located on the far...

BIRDING & CAMPING IN NEW MEXICO The June drought stretched into July, as if the summer monsoon would ever come. It was hot and dry, one dusty sun scorched day following another. Finally, the low pressure and high pressure areas arranged themselves in such a way that moisture fell on us. Monsoon rains scoured the dirt road outside my home. The little ravine ran with water under the suddenly useful footbridge outside my front door. Several “gully washers” caused minor flooding and ensuing travel delays. One momentary giant of a storm prevented some of our friends from reaching our house...