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 click the listed email address to contact the trip leader for details, start time, carpooling, etc.
Please provide your cell number.
Watson Woods Monthly Bird Walks for 2026
Only two walks remaining in 2026!
October 3, 8:00 a.m.
November 7, 9:00 a.m.
On the first Saturday of the month (beginning in February), 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 $5/vehicle).
No registration required; everyone is welcome.
**We begin promptly at the listed start time**
Quakey Trail # 741
Saturday, September 26
The Quaky Trail #741 wanders through mixed aspen, pine and oak forest. Participants should be comfortable hiking a dirt trail at a mild incline, sometimes with loose surfaces. We hope to see migrating warblers as well as vireos, flycatchers, and summer resident species. We will meet at the trailhead at 7 AM. Limit 12.
Trailhead directions will be sent to participants prior to the trip.
To register and for more information, email Sept26@PrescottAudubon.org.
October 10th is October Big Day!
Just like the springtime Global Big Day held worldwide in May, this autumn event from eBird and Cornell can be a time to get out and get into it, even right from your home. Take a moment--or a full day -- to bird on Oct 10th and send your results to eBird. This is both citizen science and a good time. Bird alone or with friends. For more, click below.
Wherever you are on 10 October, take a few minutes to enjoy birds and the world we share!
Birds + Local History
Saturday October 24 - 8:00 AM
Join us for a unique birding and history walk at the Odd Fellows Cemetery and adjacent Acker Park. We will look for and identify birds that call the cemetery and Acker Park home, while discovering the stories of several notable Prescottonians who rest in this 124 year old cemetery.
Prescott Christmas Bird Count (CBC) & Party
Wednesday, December 16 - Save the Date!
Again this year, we will gathering at The Lookout to share the holiday spirit together! Whether you participate in the CBC or not, we hope to see you at our holiday party.
If you are not familiar with CBC's, these bird counts offer everything - being part of a birding team, contributing to citizen science, and learning more about wintertime birds. CBC's have been an Audubon tradition nationwide since the year 1900!
So - save the date, and we will post event details & registrations soon!
Prescott-Area Christmas Bird Counts
December 19 - Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge
December 21 - Chino CBC
We've been hosting this count for decades, and it never disappoints. The Chino area can be quite birdy in December. Contact coordinator Russell Duerksen at Duerksen@msn.com to join up!
Black Canyon City CBC
New to our region, this count is centered at the wonderfur Black Canyon Heritage Park. Another plus - it's warmer here! Date and Registration details to come.
Urban Forest Park/Yavapai Lakes
Wednesday December 23 - 9:00 AM
Yavapai Lakes is the perfect spot for a peaceful stroll along its shores, where you can spot a variety of winter birds and ducks. Come join us on this easy-to-walk paved trail and experience a bird walk in the heart of Prescott Valley.
January 1 -Start Your Year Right!
Friday, January 1, 2027
This has been a popular field trip for the past many years, when weather permits! We will bird the most productive spots around Prescott starting at a sensible 9 AM. We try to be done by noon, but some of us continue into the afternoon if the birding is good. (Bring your lunch.)
Upper Verde River Surveys
Upper Verde IBA Surveys
2026 Surveys are Complete.
Dates for 2027 surveys will be posted here.
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. All surveys are on a Wednesday.
Yellow-Billed Cuckoo Surveys
2027 Survey Dates are expected to be:
June 30
July 14
July 28
August 11
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. All surveys are on a Wednesday.
Read about the 2025 survey results HERE
Bird Walks by The Lookout
Walks in the Prescott region
sponsored by one of our local birding shops (formerly Jay's Bird Barn)