Upcoming Field Trips and Surveys
Let's go birding! Our field trips are generally free and open to the public. If driving is required, we will try to carpool using participants’ vehicles. We do ask passengers to reimburse the driver at a rate of $.15 (15 cents) per mile, to be split between all passengers in the vehicle. Bring binoculars, comfortable walking shoes and gear, and all the water and snacks you will need.
To manage the group size on some of our trips, we ask that you sign up in advance. Just hit the "Register Here" button to contact the trip leader for details, start time, carpooling, etc.
Please provide your cell number.
Watson Woods Monthly Bird Walk
December/January - no walk
February 1, 9:00 a.m.
March 1, 8:30 a.m.
April 5, 8:00 a.m.
May 3, 8:00 a.m.
June 7, 7:30 a.m.
July 5, 7:00 a.m.
August 2, 7:30 a.m.
September 6, 7:30 a.m.
October 4, 8:00 a.m.
November 1, 9:00 a.m.
This will be our last walk of 2025
We begin again on February 7, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.
On the first Saturday of the month, we lead bird walks in Watson Woods, one of our favorite Prescott birding sites!
The walks are approximately 2 hours long and are open to birders of all ages and levels. Experienced Prescott Audubon birders lead these outings. This is a great way to get acquainted with birds and birding or to improve your skills.
Meet at the Peavine Trailhead parking area on Sundog Ranch Rd.
(GPS: 34.57542; -112.42723; fee $3/vehicle).
No registration required; everyone is welcome.
**We begin promptly at the listed start time**
Gilbert Water Ranch
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
We'll begin at 6 a.m. and head downhill to warmer climes to the finest urban wetland in the state, the Riparian Preserve (aka the Water Ranch) in Gilbert. Here you can find wintering shorebirds, warblers, hummers, and often a rarity or two. Limit flexible, depends on number of drivers. To register and for details contact [email protected].
GBBC Big Sit
February 14, 10:00AM - Noon
GBBC stands for the annual Great Backyard Bird Count sponsored by eBird and the Cornell Lab. "Big Sit" stands for a wonderful way to bird--just sitting at one spot and counting the birds that venture through. Not only relaxing, a "Bit Sit" can be one of the most productive ways to see birds. We have a site selected for this year, with a promise of hot drinks and snacks besides!
Drop by for a short visit or stay and share the morning.
To register and for details, contact [email protected]
Badger Springs/Agua Fria
Thursday, March 6, 2025
Less than an hour from Prescott, the Badger Springs trail follows a wash down to the Agua Fria River canyon. The gravel trail, about a mile one-way, is uneven footing and may be wet or muddy. The habitat ranges from chaparral to cottonwood-willow to saguaros, and we expect to see a variety of sparrows (including towhees), raptors and woodpeckers. We may find some early migrants as well. This will be a full morning and participants may wish to bring a lunch. Limit 8. To register and for details, contact [email protected].
Black Canyon City's Heritage Park
Friday, April 11, 2025
Join us for a desert riparian birding morning at Black Canyon Heritage Park in Black Canyon City. This small park is an oasis for spring migrants and desert residents. We’ll spend the morning on the easy path that surrounds a spring-fed pond and meanders along a short shaded stream. And for those who would like to stay a bit longer, enjoy a picnic lunch.
To register and for details contact [email protected].
Rockin' River Ranch State Park Areas
Friday, April 18, 2025
This trip is full, waitlist only
Join us as we venture to Arizona's newest State Park. At Rockin' River Ranch we'll meander along the Verde River to look for feathered spring arrivals, as well as migrants passing through and residents of the Verde Valley. For those who would like to stay a bit after birding, we'll plan on picnicking at the park. Limit 12. To register and for details contact [email protected].
Willow Lake North Shore & White Dot Trails
Saturday, April 26, 2025
Explore the north side of Willow Lake on the Approach and white-dot Basin Trails. This is a 1.7 mile hike through a variety of habitats: chaparral, pines, oaks and manzanita with a quick detour to view Willow Lake, and could take 3 hours. Participants should be comfortable hiking on uneven surfaces and short steep slickrock sections. We hope to find Crissal Thrashers and spring migrants. Limit 8. To register and for details, contact [email protected].
Upper Verde River Surveys
IBA Surveys
These ongoing surveys document changes in bird populations over time in this riparian habitat east of Paulden. The data contribute to the Audubon Southwest IBA database and help to preserve the IBA status of this beautiful area. The survey transects include off-trail walking over somewhat difficult terrain.
Yellow-Billed Cuckoo Surveys
These surveys are a chance to help document the presence of a threatened species in this riparian habitat east of Paulden. The survey transects include off-trail walking over somewhat difficult terrain. The weather will likely be hot and will include a chance of thunderstorms.
Bird Walks by The Lookout
Walks in the Prescott region
sponsored by one of our local birding shops (formerly Jay's Bird Barn)