Arizona
Birding Bonanza
Program No. 7414RJ
See More Photos
Birding Bonanza
Birding Bonanza
1 of 5
Participant Reviews
Based on 67 Reviews
SHOWING
A thoroughly wonderful experience in a lovely part of SE Arizona. Outstanding, highly qualified leaders who outperformed my expectations. This was a memorable trip that I would take again. Book it!
— Review left November 24, 2025
Our “Birding Bonanza” trip was a rewarding experience in learning more about bird watching and ways to help identify birds… sounds, sight, color and patterns, habitat, and more… info we can use throughout our future. As always, Road Scholar gets a “Ten” from me
— Review left November 24, 2025
Wonderful birding trip with outstanding, knowledgeable leaders in wonderful locations, superb accommodation and excellent food - I picked up 9 lifers, so a fantastic experience for me.
— Review left November 19, 2025
Most of my past travel experiences have been as a solo traveler as I have had mixed experiences with group travel. I was pleasantly surprised with Road Scholar. Road Scholar provides the right balance of educational content, leadership and social aspect for me. I look forward to my next trip.
— Review left November 11, 2025
The Arizona Birding Bonanza program is so worth the investment. The leaders are knowledgeable and make the whole experience fun and educational. I would highly recommend this for anyone despite skill level to consider this program because you will be impressed.
— Review left November 9, 2025
Matt and Sharon conducted an excellent trip for Road Scholar in and around the Sierra Vista area of SE AZ. Birding was great for late winter, with only a few missed species. The friendliness and professionalism we experienced is to be commended. The ability of our leaders to address the birding and other trip needs of a diverse group was exceptional ! No question went unanswered. The meals in diverse restaurants were excellent and gave a great exposure to local flavors and diversity.
The seat belts of the travel vans were occasionally an inconvenience and may need to be addressed for future trips.
I would gladly book another trip with Road Scholar to this area with these leaders and look forward to returning for the spring trip to the Portal, AZ area.
— Review left July 19, 2025
The "Birding Bonanza" program was exceptional! You will see birds all day, everyday, as well as the beautiful southeastern AZ environment. We had great group leaders in Matt & Sharon who had all the knowledge & expertise needed to offer a wonderful birding experience. Do not pass this up; go!
— Review left April 21, 2025
An excellent program for seeing and learning about SE Arizona and the unique birds found there!
— Review left April 7, 2025
What a great opportunity this was to see birds I hadn't seen before! The leaders shared so much knowledge with us. I loved the small group format, and getting to know our other travelers well.
— Review left March 17, 2025
Had a great time with our guides Matt and Sharon exploring this fascinating area of SE Arizona.
— Review left March 7, 2025
I learned about the complete ecology of the area: biodiversity areas, climates, elevations, flora, fauna. We were taken to many habitat types for birding. The leaders were friendly, inclusive, patient, and were expert teachers and birders. The group was friendly and welcoming to the solo travelers. Eating meals with the group was particularly fun.
— Review left February 17, 2025
It was great fun.
— Review left February 11, 2025
Birding Bonanza was an outstanding experience: hanging out with birds and birders with two top-notch leaders in the warm Arizona winter was everything I had hoped it would be and more.
— Review left February 9, 2025
Road Scholar acutely describes itself as travel for active, engaged people 55+. Groups are generally welcoming and inclusive, respectful and curious about people. Most are professional, some try hard to tamp down their “in charge” personality but in general there are no loners or complainers, at least in the groups I’ve been in. You will find some very interesting people to talk to.
— Review left February 8, 2025
The Birding Bonanza was a great experience. The leaders work well with birders of every skill level,and are themselves expert birders. I recommend this trip to anyone who wants to experience the birds of SE Arizona.
— Review left January 27, 2025
5 stars for Birding Bonanza!
This was the perfect adventure to explore Southeast Arizona and learn about birding. As a novice bird watcher, I enjoyed observing birds at feeders at San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area, Ash Canyon Bird Sanctuary, Paton's Center for Hummingbirds, and Ramsey Canyon Nature Conservancy. The walks were well paced in different habitats. The food was outstanding especially the catered dinner by Ador Cuisine with fresh, healthy, and flavorful dishes. We were treated to Celtic music performed by guide Sharon and one of our participants! Matt and Sharon were outstanding guides. The other participants were interesting and helpful.
— Review left January 19, 2025
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
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
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
Overall a wonderful birding trip with knowleable and enthusiastic leaders. I highly recommend traveling on this excursion.
— Review left November 24, 2024
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
I experienced at least 50 new birds to me on this trip, an exciting adventure!
— Review left November 24, 2023
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
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
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
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
I would like to go back to Arizona eventually.
— Review left March 6, 2023
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
Fantastic trip with excellent leaders! Only disappointment was the hotel.
— Review left July 21, 2022
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
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
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
These instructors are super cool and knowledgeable!
— Review left April 4, 2022
130 species in 4.5 days!
— Review left April 4, 2022
This is a very informative and worthwhile program, lots of fun and in a really great location.
— Review left March 14, 2022
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
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
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
This program is a must for birders. Wide variety of birds in a spectacularly beautiful location with fabulous leaders.
— Review left February 8, 2020
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
The Sierra Vista Birding Adventure is fantastic with well qualified guides and with many inspiring sites for birding!
— Review left March 15, 2019
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
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
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
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
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
Great trip, great leaders, great birds & beautiful area.
— Review left February 22, 2019
Lovely winter break in sunny AZ with great birding!
— Review left February 1, 2019
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
I saw no review section of our primary leader, Matt Brown. How come?
— Review left January 26, 2019
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