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Arizona

Birding Bonanza

Program No. 7414RJ
Explore three of the nation’s top birding destinations to spot Sandhill Cranes, Western Tanagers and myriad other species as you learn from experts and add to your birding list.

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Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Feb 2 - Feb 7, 2025
Starting at
2,149
Feb 16 - Feb 21, 2025
Starting at
2,149
Mar 2 - Mar 7, 2025
Starting at
2,149
Mar 30 - Apr 4, 2025
Starting at
2,149
Apr 13 - Apr 18, 2025
Starting at
2,149
Nov 2 - Nov 7, 2025
Starting at
2,149
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Feb 2 - Feb 7, 2025
Starting at
2,589
Feb 16 - Feb 21, 2025
Starting at
2,589
Mar 2 - Mar 7, 2025
Starting at
2,589
Mar 30 - Apr 4, 2025
Starting at
2,589
Apr 13 - Apr 18, 2025
Starting at
2,589
Nov 2 - Nov 7, 2025
Starting at
2,589
This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!

At a Glance

Three of the Top 10 birding destinations in the U.S. are within a close radius of Sierra Vista. The region is a seasonal home to many migrating species, including the Green-tailed Towhee, Belted Kingfisher and Western Tanager. Visit premier viewing sites in the Huachuca Mountains, San Pedro Riparian area and other sites known throughout the world as premier viewing sites. An average of 100-125 species of birds may be spotted during this birding adventure!
Activity Level
Outdoor: No Sweat
Walking up to one mile and standing up to one hour. Elevation ranges between 3900 and 5800 feet.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • View the migration of Sandhill Cranes during an exploration of the Sulphur Springs Valley.
  • Enjoy opportunities to spot key species inside the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area, encompassing 57,000 acres teeming with birds.
  • Experience premier birding amid the peaks and canyons of the Huachuca Mountains and observe the many water bird species living on and around Patagonia Lake.

General Notes

Birding programs have a maximum participant-to-instructor ratio of 14:1 in the field, according to the American Birding Association’s Code of Ethics. Please note that on day 5 the group will need to travel through the base at Fort Huachuca to arrive at the Huachuca mountains. At this time, the military base is only open to US citizens.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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Matt Brown
Matt Brown has been a birding enthusiast from a young age! In elementary school, Matt taught birding ID to his fellow classmates. He went on to study psychology at Syracuse University before moving to Arizona in 1998 to pursue his passion of bird watching and bird leader. Locally, Matt has worked for the Nature Conservancy, Patagonia Lake State Park, Road Scholar and local birding and butterfly festivals. Since 2002, Matt has owned the Patagonia Birding & Butterfly Company offering custom birding and butterfly programs.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Matt Brown
Matt Brown View biography
Matt Brown has been a birding enthusiast from a young age! In elementary school, Matt taught birding ID to his fellow classmates. He went on to study psychology at Syracuse University before moving to Arizona in 1998 to pursue his passion of bird watching and bird leader. Locally, Matt has worked for the Nature Conservancy, Patagonia Lake State Park, Road Scholar and local birding and butterfly festivals. Since 2002, Matt has owned the Patagonia Birding & Butterfly Company offering custom birding and butterfly programs.
Profile Image of Sharon Goldwasser
Sharon Goldwasser View biography
Sharon Goldwasser became an avid birder and naturalist as a student at UC-Santa Cruz. She worked as a field biologist for several years, then moved to Tucson for graduate school in ecology where she studied song mimicry by Lesser Goldfinches. In 1987, she routed her career into education, bringing love of science to thousands of middle school students. Since retiring from the classroom in 2020, she has renewed her birding passion and is excited to share knowledge of birds and the ecology of southern Arizona.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
6 days
5 nights
What's Included
15 meals ( 5B, 5L, 5D )
9 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
5 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
Program Registration: 5:00 p.m. After you have your room assignment, come to the Road Scholar table in the lobby to register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing your name-tag, up-to-date schedule that reflects any changes, other important information, and to confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please ask for your packet when you check in.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
Orientation: 7:00 p.m. at the hotel. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. This program is staffed with a Study Leader, who will provide educational content, and a Group Leader who will deal primarily with logistics and will also serve as our Study Leader presenting lectures and conducting field trips. Program-related travel and transfers will be via passenger vans unless noted otherwise. Meals will feature local cuisine in a variety of settings. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Our Group Leader will then provide some detailed information on over 100 different species of bird that we may catch sight of throughout the program. This lecture will be a fitting introduction serving to familiarize us with some of the local wildlife in the beautiful high desert region. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Activity Note
Getting in/out of vans; driving about 65 miles one-way to Sulphur Springs Valley, over 2 hours riding time with stops. Walking about 1 mile, approximately 2 hours on level ground.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Setting out from the hotel via van, our destination for the day will be the Sulphur Springs Valley and its Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area, where we will seek to view an abundance of migrating sandhill cranes and hawks, among others such as Mexican ducks that commonly nest in ponds created by farmers for the reuse of irrigation tailwater. The number of wintering sandhill cranes has increased dramatically since the 1950s, probably in response to the abundant food available in harvested grain fields, primarily corn. Similarly, numbers of mourning and white-winged doves, as well as both mule deer and collared peccary, have also increased since historic times likely as the result of agriculture. At Whitewater Draw, we will congregate at the viewing area where our Group Leader and staff instructor, both wildlife and birding experts, will offer commentary. Then we’ll walk with them on the maintained trail around the Draw. There will be birding stops and spottings along the way as we travel to the Sulphur Springs Valley.
Lunch:
At a local family restaurant in the rural community of Elfrida.
Afternoon:
Afterwards, we will continue our exploration of the Sulphur Springs Valley, which is teeming with many birds to see. The sheer amount of sandhill cranes in flight formation as they come in to roost can sometimes seem to darken the skies. These cranes appear sleek in flight but are very rugged when viewed on land.
Dinner:
At a restaurant in Sierra Vista near the hotel.
Evening:
At the hotel, we’ll review our birding list with our Group Leader and recount some of the species of birds we saw today for a great start to a stellar birding week! The remainder of the evening will be at leisure.
Activity Note
Getting in/out of vans; driving about 30 miles, approximately 1 hour riding time. Walking about 1.5 miles, approximately 3 hours along the San Pedro River; level path.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After boarding our van, we will depart for the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area, a 56,000-acre preserve managed by the Bureau of Land Management that is located along the upper San Pedro River. Home to approximately 80 species of mammals, several species of fish, and many amphibians and reptiles, the expansiveness of the ecological community can be surprising because, in this high desert, you may not expect to be looking for beaver dams! The area is also home to about 250 species of migrant and wintering birds. Many archaeological sites can be found in the area that reveal human occupation from over 10,000 years ago. While here, we’ll set out to explore some of the area and enjoy insightful commentary from our Group Leader and staff instructor along the way.
Lunch:
At a restaurant in Sierra Vista.
Afternoon:
We’ll then transfer to the Ash Canyon Bird Sanctuary located in the Huachuca Mountains to see some of the Sky Island region’s birds at close range, such as the Arizona woodpecker, bridled titmouse, and Gould’s wild turkey. There are many species of hummingbirds and a wide range of resident Arizona birds to view along with migrating birds.
Dinner:
At a restaurant in Sierra Vista.
Evening:
We’ll then return to the hotel where we will go over the birding list together. The remainder of the evening will be at leisure.
Activity Note
Getting in/out of vans; driving about 160 miles roundtrip west to the Patagonia area, approximately 3 hours riding time. Walking about 1.5 miles, approximately 3 hours on level trails.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Today's birding destination will be Patagonia Lake State Park, a 265-surface-acre lake established in 1975. The canyon towhee, Inca doves, vermilion flycatcher, black vulture and several species of hummingbirds may be spotted in the State Park. Be on the lookout for the great blue heron walking along the shore line and white tail deer roaming the area. While here, we’ll stroll along the beautiful creek trail and keep our eyes out for a variety of birds and wildlife.
Lunch:
At a restaurant in Patagonia.
Afternoon:
Our field trip will then continue to Paton’s Center for Hummingbirds. Located just outside the town of Patagonia, Paton’s Center for Hummingbirds has a lovely garden providing a native habitat for lots of insects and wildlife who share this garden with many bird species.
Dinner:
At a restaurant in Sierra Vista.
Evening:
Back at the hotel, the group will go over the birding list together, and the remainder of the evening will be at leisure.
Activity Note
Getting in/out of vans; driving about 25 miles, approximately 1 hour riding time. Walking about 1.5 miles, approximately 3 hours on uneven trails. To visit Fort Huachuca Military Base, visitors must bring a valid driver's license or government-issued photo identification. All 50 states now offer Driver's License compliant with the Real ID Act identification. You must be a US citizen to visit the Military Base.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Our next premier birding adventure will take place in the Huachuca Mountains in Garden Canyon, accessed from Fort Huachuca. Established in 1877, Fort Huachuca today is an important military intelligence and communications center, and one of Arizona’s largest military installations that also helps to manage and maintain the area’s biodiversity. Garden Canyon is often referred to as the most beautiful canyon of the Huachuca Mountains, due in part to the large variety of plants and animals that can be found in the Canyon along with many different bird species. While here, we’ll take a walk with our Group Leader and keep an eye out for some of the local creatures that call this haven home.
Lunch:
At a restaurant on Fort Huachuca military base.
Afternoon:
We’ll continue birding in the Huachuca Mountains and canyons on a hike to a rock art site believed by historians to have been a site of religious significance for the Apache Native Americans.
Dinner:
At a restaurant in Sierra Vista. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
Upon our return to the hotel, we’ll go over the birding list and enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and departure after lunch tomorrow.
Activity Note
Getting in/out of vans; driving about 15 miles roundtrip, less than 1 hour riding time with many stops for wildlife viewing. Walking about 1/2 mile, approximately 1.5 hours on well-maintained trails. Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m.; the hotel will store luggage before the morning field trip.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After checking out of the hotel and boarding our vans, we’ll head to Ramsey Canyon Nature Conservancy, a very popular nature viewing area. Home to more than 20 species of rare and endangered plants and animals, this conservation area hosts plenty of birds and wildlife as well as a rich history. Lush in comparison to much of the surrounding area, you may even forget we are in the desert when walking the trails in the conservancy, making stops on the way up the canyon to get a look at any wildlife and birds that can be spotted.
Lunch:
At a restaurant in Sierra Vista. This concludes our program.
Afternoon:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
15 Meals
5 Breakfasts
5 Lunches
5 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
Nov 16, 2025 - Nov 21, 2025
  • Nov 16, 2025 - Nov 21, 2025
  • Feb 02, 2025 - Feb 07, 2025
  • Feb 16, 2025 - Feb 21, 2025
  • Mar 02, 2025 - Mar 07, 2025
  • Mar 30, 2025 - Apr 04, 2025
  • Apr 13, 2025 - Apr 18, 2025
  • Nov 02, 2025 - Nov 07, 2025
  • Nov 16, 2025 - Nov 21, 2025
Best Western Plus Sun Canyon
5 nights
Location: Sierra Vista
Located in the City with a spectacular view of the Huachuca Mountains. Enjoy the ambiance of the mountain views from the patio with BBQ grills or the serenity of the heated outdoor pool and hot tub. A full modern gym is available to all guests. Rooms feature flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi as well as microwaves and minifridges and comfortable pillow mattress. You will feel like you have come home in this newly renovated property.
Best Western Plus Sun Canyon
5 nights
Location: Sierra Vista
Located in the City with a spectacular view of the Huachuca Mountains. Enjoy the ambiance of the mountain views from the patio with BBQ grills or the serenity of the heated outdoor pool and hot tub. A full modern gym is available to all guests. Rooms feature flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi as well as microwaves and minifridges and comfortable pillow mattress. You will feel like you have come home in this newly renovated property.
Best Western Plus Sun Canyon
5 nights
Location: Sierra Vista
Located in the City with a spectacular view of the Huachuca Mountains. Enjoy the ambiance of the mountain views from the patio with BBQ grills or the serenity of the heated outdoor pool and hot tub. A full modern gym is available to all guests. Rooms feature flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi as well as microwaves and minifridges and comfortable pillow mattress. You will feel like you have come home in this newly renovated property.
Best Western Plus Sun Canyon
5 nights
Location: Sierra Vista
Located in the City with a spectacular view of the Huachuca Mountains. Enjoy the ambiance of the mountain views from the patio with BBQ grills or the serenity of the heated outdoor pool and hot tub. A full modern gym is available to all guests. Rooms feature flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi as well as microwaves and minifridges and comfortable pillow mattress. You will feel like you have come home in this newly renovated property.
Best Western Plus Sun Canyon
5 nights
Location: Sierra Vista
Located in the City with a spectacular view of the Huachuca Mountains. Enjoy the ambiance of the mountain views from the patio with BBQ grills or the serenity of the heated outdoor pool and hot tub. A full modern gym is available to all guests. Rooms feature flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi as well as microwaves and minifridges and comfortable pillow mattress. You will feel like you have come home in this newly renovated property.
Best Western Plus Sun Canyon
5 nights
Location: Sierra Vista
Located in the City with a spectacular view of the Huachuca Mountains. Enjoy the ambiance of the mountain views from the patio with BBQ grills or the serenity of the heated outdoor pool and hot tub. A full modern gym is available to all guests. Rooms feature flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi as well as microwaves and minifridges and comfortable pillow mattress. You will feel like you have come home in this newly renovated property.
Best Western Plus Sun Canyon
5 nights
Location: Sierra Vista
Located in the City with a spectacular view of the Huachuca Mountains. Enjoy the ambiance of the mountain views from the patio with BBQ grills or the serenity of the heated outdoor pool and hot tub. A full modern gym is available to all guests. Rooms feature flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi as well as microwaves and minifridges and comfortable pillow mattress. You will feel like you have come home in this newly renovated property.
Participant Reviews
4.98
Based on 51 Reviews
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This participant did not give a star rating.
Brenda | Falls Church, VA
An excellent and enjoyable trip. I credit the trip's enthusiastic, talented, helpful, and interesting leaders, Matt and Sharon, who were subcontractors to Geronimo, the trip's contractor. However, I also credit Geronimo for all other aspects of the trip that were not under the purview of Matt and Sharon, including the son of Geronimo's owner, a chef, who provided a wonderful meal one night. I also credit all of the wonderful and enthusiastic participants, who were very collegial, interesting, interactive, helpful, and otherwise wonderful to bird with.
— Review left November 29, 2024
Sharon – Class of 2024 | Carmichael, CA
Anyone interested in birds should consider this trip! Matt and Sharon are superb leaders who know their area, down to finding a target bird in a parking lot! I added 25 to my life list, enjoying every minute of the trip. Excellent accommodations and dining, with beautiful scenery to boot! Go on a Birding Bonanza - you won't be sorry!
— Review left November 26, 2024
This participant did not give a star rating.
Nadine | Arvada, CO
I would highly recommend this Road Scholar trip! The primary reason for this high recommendation was the very knowledgeable guides, Matt Brown & Sharon Goldwasser. We entered this venture cautiously because we were novice bird watchers, however, this was never an issue. Together Matt and Sharon provided daily reviews of itinerary and expectations - all while being patient, helpful and supportive. We are now much more comfortable being bird watchers - thanks to Matt and Sharon. We hope to have more adventures with them!
— Review left November 25, 2024
Andrew – Class of 2024 | West Hartford, CT
Overall a wonderful birding trip with knowleable and enthusiastic leaders. I highly recommend traveling on this excursion.
— Review left November 24, 2024
Jeannine – Class of 2011 | New Carrollton, MD
Great trip, as always! Matt's a really good guide and birder and Sharon is an ornithologist... and Celtic fiddle player! I had a great time, will probably do the Portal trip next year...
— Review left May 22, 2024
This participant did not give a star rating.
Deanne – Class of 2017 | Sierra Madre, CA
Excellent trip. Returned after doing two weeks last year in SE Arizona with these same trip leaders. Well-planned; organized; very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about birding and natural history; helpful and receptive to group participants; great birding locations and coordination with local resources.
— Review left April 30, 2024
June – Class of 2017 | Scotts Valley, CA
An amazing experience exploring the Sky Islands and canyons of SE Arizona. With the help of our terrific guides--Matt & Sharon--we identified over 140 bird species. Bird data was captured in an eBird Trip Report that included a map, species list, and photos. Our group was composed of fun, helpful, bird enthusiasts - I made many new friends and hope to reconnect with them on future adventures. The Best Western Hotel in Sierra Vista was comfy and the staff super-sweet. A special treat was the gourmet multi-course dinner catered by Chef Ador of Ador Cruisine in Tucson. The avocado gazpacho was divine! This trip was advertised as "birding at a slower pace" but it was still too fast for me. Happily, this did not affect my enjoyment because the leaders made accommodations for my physical limitations. When the going got too tough, we found a spot where I could sit and watch and listen -- the kind of slow birding I most enjoy. I highly recommend this trip to birders of all levels of ability!
— Review left April 22, 2024
Sue | CORONA, CA
This was an engaging and informative program with passionate and knowledgeable leaders. They ensured that we were given opportunities to experience great birding areas and spot many bird species. We will be going on more Road Scholars trips in the future!
— Review left April 9, 2024
Pamela – Class of 2024 | Morgantown, WV
Varied habitats and species; great and informed leaders; used our time well with 118 species spotted by all during trip.
— Review left March 28, 2024
Mary Beth – Class of 2019 | Madison, WI
Matt and Sharon demonstrated an obvious love and enthusiasm for birds which they were able to convey to the participants. They were very knowledgeable about not only birds but the flora and fauna in the area. They went out of their way to maximize the birds we were able to see. They were patient and accommodating. I would highly recommend the program to all levels of birders.
— Review left March 24, 2024
Dr Frank – Class of 2022 | Shorewood, IL
This was an outstanding birding trip for both serious and novice birders. Matt and Sharon made the experience even more enjoyable through their exceptional birding abilities and people skils. Highly recommended! --Dr. Frank Rink
— Review left March 9, 2024
Georgia | Sandpoint, ID
Birding Bananza in Sierra Vista was a complete success! Group Leader Matt Brown was a fantastic guide to the birds in the area; he is also enthusiastic, kind, and helpful. The Instructor Sharon Brown was a wealth of information and also an enthusiastic leader......this trip is terrific!
— Review left March 9, 2024
Jo Ann | Garland, TX
The Birding Bonanza program was truly an amazing experience. Matt and Sharon were the best group leaders you could ask for; and there passion for birding really shown through their presentation of the program. They made it educational, fun, rewarding, and interesting. I would definitely recommend this trip to anyone interested in birding.
— Review left March 2, 2024
Patricia – Class of 2015 | West Bend, WI
Having never been birding in southern Arizona, I was delighted at the variety and beauty of the birds we saw. There were several participants who were repeat attendees, and I can see why.
— Review left February 25, 2024
Patti | Pinehurst, NC
This was my first experience with birds of the Southwest and I notched 51 lifers. Matt does an incredible job of getting you to varied habitats to show you the greatest number of birds. He knows them all, along with the mammals, insects, and plants and his explanations were interesting for all experience levels. I thoroughly enjoyed the program.
— Review left January 29, 2024
Cynthia – Class of 2022 | Onset, MA
I experienced at least 50 new birds to me on this trip, an exciting adventure!
— Review left November 24, 2023
David – Class of 2003 | St Petersburg, FL
If you really like birding and if you’ve never birdied in the southwest, especially southern Arizona , this program is for you. It’s a week of total immersion with very knowledgeable leaders who are fanatical about birding. They know what they are doing and you will see and learn much about the birds of this region during your week.
— Review left November 17, 2023
Elizabeth – Class of 2023 | Sarasota, FL
The Birding Bonanza Program was simply amazing! I saw over 60 Life Birds in addition to many more I had rarely seen. The scenery was varied and dramatic, the weather perfect, and the guides incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. I would highly recommend it for anyone who has an interest in birds.
— Review left May 1, 2023
Roger – Class of 2023 | Ann Arbor, MI
The trip to the Sky Islands around Sierra Vista in SE Arizona was a gem. The birding was superb and I went wild over all the great new butterflies I found there. I wish Rhode Scholar just had a trip that concentrated on butterflies, dragonflies, plants and wildflowers in the Monsoon season in August there. I would definitely come back for it.
— Review left April 25, 2023
John – Class of 2022 | Hemet, CA
This program was one of the best Rhodes Scholar programs that I have participated in. I particularly appreciated the time in the evening sessions as we summarized our daily experiences.
— Review left March 22, 2023
Johane | Montreal, Canada
I would like to go back to Arizona eventually.
— Review left March 6, 2023
Wendy – Class of 2019 | Carmel, IN
I didn't consider myself a 'birder' but I think I am now. So many interesting and beautiful birds to see, along with a part of the country that was new to me. The leaders and group were very welcoming to helping me learn more and get the most out of this trip. I highly recommend!
— Review left February 18, 2023
Ervand – Class of 2020 | Petaluma, CA
Fantastic trip with excellent leaders! Only disappointment was the hotel.
— Review left July 21, 2022
This participant did not give a star rating.
Marilyn – Class of 2003 | Fishers, IN
Fabulous trip to beautiful Arizona with great guides Matt and Sharon G. I took this trip in 2003 as my first Road Scholar trip, and wanted to come back and revisit the sites again. Thanks so much, Matt & Sharon, for a great experience! I love the birds of Arizona!
— Review left April 28, 2022
Anne – Class of 2017 | Grasonville, MD
This trip lived up to our expectations! Leaders Matt and Sharon were excellent--both were friendly, knowledgable and informative. The experience was very well organized and kept us very busy--we visited a great variety of locales and spotted so many new birds. Our trip had all levels of birders, from beginners to very experienced, and all were accommodated well. It was a friendly group and everyone got along well. I learned so much and am glad I participated.
— Review left April 18, 2022
Ellen – Class of 2017 | Blue Mountain Lake, NY
The birding on this trip was great. I loved the variety of habitats and locations visited, with the very knowledgeable and personable leaders. I was able to see a number of species for the first time, including several that I was particularly hoping for.
— Review left April 14, 2022
Patricia Anne – Class of 2018 | Port Townsend, WA
These instructors are super cool and knowledgeable!
— Review left April 4, 2022
Marsha – Class of 2014 | Landenberg, PA
130 species in 4.5 days!
— Review left April 4, 2022
Joan – Class of 2022 | Denver, CO
This is a very informative and worthwhile program, lots of fun and in a really great location.
— Review left March 14, 2022
This participant did not give a star rating.
Timothy – Class of 2013 | Ada, MI
This was a wonderful trip. Matt and Malcolm, our two guides, were great. They had extensive knowledge and enthusiasm for this subject. There were people of different birding experience on the trip and, as one of the novices, I never felt left behind, yet I perceived that those with more experience also rated this trip highly. I will do future birding trips with Road Scholar.
— Review left March 6, 2022
This participant did not give a star rating.
Elizabeth | North Hero, VT
Wonderful, knowledgeable guides. Birds and scenery were fantastic. Was able to get some great bird photos. Thanks for the experience!
— Review left January 29, 2022
Dorothy – Class of 2008 | New Braunfels, TX
I enjoyed this program, and saw quite a few birds I hadn't seen before. Weather in early March can be unpredictable, but nice except for 1 windy day and 1 rainy day. Small group of 18 with 2 leaders so good balance.
— Review left March 15, 2020
Martin – Class of 2017 | Elkins Park, PA
The southern Arizona birding trip was a great outdoor adventure. Given that this trip took place in the winter we still saw quite a number of bird species, many native only to this region of the country. We braved a cold snap to hike in a number of canyons, but we also gathered in one place to observe hummingbirds and other birds at two different birds feeding centers. Take to heart the program information about bringing along layers of clothing and a sturdy, comfortable pair of shoes. Particularly memorable was the bird walk on the Ft. Huachuca army base where we ate lunch in the post commissary. We drove through the tourist towns of Tombstone and Bisbee but our focus was on birding so we didn't have free time to explore. Perhaps future programs will build in some free time to roam around one of these towns or take a short side trip to the border town of Nogales. And as always, an interesting and friendly Road Scholar group. You can be a casual birder to enjoy this trip.
— Review left February 8, 2020
Nancy – Class of 2017 | Elkins Park, PA
This program is a must for birders. Wide variety of birds in a spectacularly beautiful location with fabulous leaders.
— Review left February 8, 2020
Paula – Class of 2020 | Nichols, NY
We enjoyed the birding bonanza very much and the experience exceeded our expectations. The chance to see life list birds, wildlife and flora of the region was just what the doctor ordered to combat the winter doldrums. Matt and Malcolm are exceptionally engaging, personable, and knowledgeable. They make a fine team. Highly recommend this program to all- both seasoned birders and novice learners.
— Review left January 29, 2020
Chuck – Class of 2020 | Madison, WI
This was a great experience. I learned a lot and had some fun. I would definitely take another Road Scholar of of interest. I got my money's worth, and much more
— Review left January 26, 2020
Andrew – Class of 2015 | New York, NY
Have enjoyed many Road Scholar birding trips since 2015 and this was a true 'bonanza' as it provided the most species of all so far - in excess of 130 in a mere four and a half days ! Superb location and experienced leaders Matt & Malcolm ensured that success. Highlights were the huge Sandhill crane flock at Whitewater Draw , the hummingbirds at Paton Center and Ramsey Canyon and the many species at Mary Jo's feeders at Ash Canyon
— Review left March 29, 2019
Kristine – Class of 2015 | Rochester, MN
Matt Brown and Malcolm Chesworth made a wonderful team of birding instructors! Informed, energetic, and fun! They worked hard to make the class a successful and positive experience for each participant.
— Review left March 28, 2019
Roger – Class of 2015 | Rochester, MN
As a Midwesterner, the opportunities for new life birds at this location are extremely rich. The leadership of this course turned those opportunities into realities. Great birding experience!
— Review left March 23, 2019
James – Class of 2018 | Bulverde, TX
An excellent trip! The leaders were knowledgeable, attentive, and treated us as partners in the exploration. The other participants contributed to make the trip pleasant for all. Plus: lots of birds!
— Review left March 19, 2019
Carmel – Class of 2019 | Dunkirk, IN
The Sierra Vista Birding Adventure is fantastic with well qualified guides and with many inspiring sites for birding!
— Review left March 15, 2019
Susan – Class of 2019 | Tarpon Spgs, FL
If you would like to experience the wonderful world of birds in southeast Arizona, I highly recommend this program. The area around Sierra Vista is full of stunning beauty and has several diverse habitats very close by.Matt Brown, our guide, was great. He has had over two decades of birding in this area.
— Review left March 14, 2019
Gay – Class of 2019 | Seattle, WA
Matt and Malcom are fabulous birders, and provided an excellent experience for the participants in this program. This trip was indeed a "birding bonanza" that I will treasure for years to come.
— Review left March 10, 2019
Linda – Class of 2019 | Hooksett, NH
THIS IS A GREAT PROGRAM!!! Matt Brown and his assistant Malcolm Chesworth are wonderful guides. The birds are wonderful!! An all around wonderful experience. If you are interested in birds you should take this program.
— Review left March 9, 2019
Grace – Class of 2017 | Santa Rosa, CA
This was a wonderful trip. The trip leaders were knowledgeable and helpful and fun to get along with. We didn’t see every possible bird, but we saw so many special ones, it was a joyful experience. The geography of the area is fascinating so there was always something interesting to see. I have some mobility limitations, but was able to enjoy the entire trip and to navigate the light hiking required.
— Review left March 8, 2019
Tom – Class of 2017 | Randolph Ctr, VT
This was a truly outstanding program for birders of all levels. Our leaders were experts who took our relatively small group to widely varied, beautiful environments where we saw more than 115 species of birds. They were helpful and considerate of all participants. It was the birding experience of a lifetime for me!
— Review left February 23, 2019
Linda – Class of 2016 | San Antonio, TX
Great trip, great leaders, great birds & beautiful area.
— Review left February 22, 2019
LaVerne – Class of 2019 | Seattle, WA
Lovely winter break in sunny AZ with great birding!
— Review left February 1, 2019
Jeannine – Class of 2011 | New Carrollton, MD
This area of AZ is a treasure trove for birders - this was my first time there & I got 46 lifers! Matt & Malcolm couldn't have been better guides - had a GREAT time!
— Review left January 30, 2019
Laura – Class of 2017 | Phoenix, AZ
I saw no review section of our primary leader, Matt Brown. How come?
— Review left January 26, 2019
Jean – Class of 2019 | Tucson, AZ
This area was always familiar to me, driving through it, around and into it many times, to and from my parent's and earlier as a child born in Bisbee, and attending the U of A. New eyes now, better knowledge, seeing birds I had never seen before, and wondrously reawakened to an incredibly beautiful landscape, I appreciate what Road Scholar introduced me to, and am hope to go again. Thank you to Malcom and Matt, Jean Beck
— Review left January 16, 2019





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