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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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BirdingOutdoor AdventuresSmall GroupAnimals & Wildlife
Length
6 days
Rating (4.98)
Activity Level
Starts at
1,899

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6 days
5 nights
15 meals
5B 5L 5D
1
Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation, Bird Class
Sierra Vista AZ
2
Sulphur Springs Valley, Whitewater Draw Seasonal Wetland
Sierra Vista AZ
3
San Pedro National Conservation Area, Mary Jo’s Feeders
Sierra Vista AZ
4
Patagonia Lake State Park, Paton’s Center for Hummingbirds
Sierra Vista AZ
5
Birding in Huachuca Mountains & Canyons
Sierra Vista AZ
6
Ramsey Canyon Nature Conservancy, Program Concludes
Sierra Vista AZ
View Full Itinerary

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
Profile Image
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.
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Start Enrolling
Program No.
7414
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
Sierra Vista AZ
Program Concludes
Sierra Vista AZ
Group Type
Small Group
Activity Level
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!
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.
View Full Itinerary
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
Profile Image
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 the program
Profile Image of Sharon Goldwasser
Sharon Goldwasser
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.
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
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List: 8 Books
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call 800-454-5768
Start Enrolling
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
  • Nov 17, 2024 - Nov 22, 2024
  • Jan 12, 2025 - Jan 17, 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.
TripAdvisor Reviews
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.
TripAdvisor Reviews
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.
TripAdvisor Reviews
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.
TripAdvisor Reviews
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.
TripAdvisor Reviews
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.
TripAdvisor Reviews
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.
TripAdvisor Reviews
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.
TripAdvisor Reviews
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.
TripAdvisor Reviews





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