Coming in July 2027: Join us for a summer exploration of the remarkable Sky Islands of Southeast Arizona, a region celebrated for its extraordinary variety of birds, wildlife, habitats, and scenery and considered by many as one of the most biodiverse locations in the US! We will explore the Sonoran Desert around Tucson, as well as the beautiful Chiricahua and Huachuca Mountains.
Experience Southeast Arizona in its most spectacular season. Each summer, the arrival of the monsoons transforms the desert into a vibrant “second spring,” bringing fresh blooms, lush vegetation, cooler afternoons, and an extraordinary surge of bird activity. Hummingbirds fill the canyons and mountain forests, while some of the Southwest’s most sought-after specialties become increasingly active. Our exploration takes us from cactus-studded desert lowlands to cool, pine-covered mountains and canyons in search of signature species such as Elegant Trogon, Arizona Woodpecker, Mexican Chickadee, and Red-faced Warbler. The Sky Islands also provide exceptional opportunities for hummingbirds, with breeding residents, migrants, and post-breeding wanderers converging in the region. With as many as 15 hummingbird species possible, including Lucifer Hummingbird, Blue-throated Mountain-Gem, Rivoli’s Hummingbird, Violdet-crowned Hummingbird, and more.
Join us for an unforgettable journey through one of North America’s premier birding destinations, when Southeast Arizona is alive with color, sound, and birds.
Your Guides
The tour will be led by Gabriel Willow, who first visited this region as a teen to attend Camp Chiricahua, and ever since this remains one of his favorite places. He will be joined by Southeast Arizona local guides Gordon and Lori Lam.
Some of you may already know Gordon and Lori from their years in New York. Now based in Southeast Arizona, they are Arizona Borderlands Master Naturalists and longtime bird and nature guides who have been leading walks around the United States for nearly two decades.
They also serve as docents at the famous Ash Canyon Bird Sanctuary and have guided for several of the premier local birding festivals including Southwest Wings, Tucson Bird Alliance, and Wings Over Willcox. Their guiding philosophy is summed up by three letters: A.B.B., "Always Be Birding." Expect plenty of local knowledge, natural history, enthusiasm, and probably a few dad jokes from Gordon along the way.
9 days, 8 nights. Limited to 10 participants.
Price includes all lodging, all ground transportation from arrival at Tucson International Airport to return, all breakfasts and select other meals, all guide fees, and all park entry fees.
Coming in July 2027: Join us for a summer exploration of the remarkable Sky Islands of Southeast Arizona, a region celebrated for its extraordinary variety of birds, wildlife, habitats, and scenery and considered by many as one of the most biodiverse locations in the US! We will explore the Sonoran Desert around Tucson, as well as the beautiful Chiricahua and Huachuca Mountains.
Experience Southeast Arizona in its most spectacular season. Each summer, the arrival of the monsoons transforms the desert into a vibrant “second spring,” bringing fresh blooms, lush vegetation, cooler afternoons, and an extraordinary surge of bird activity. Hummingbirds fill the canyons and mountain forests, while some of the Southwest’s most sought-after specialties become increasingly active. Our exploration takes us from cactus-studded desert lowlands to cool, pine-covered mountains and canyons in search of signature species such as Elegant Trogon, Arizona Woodpecker, Mexican Chickadee, and Red-faced Warbler. The Sky Islands also provide exceptional opportunities for hummingbirds, with breeding residents, migrants, and post-breeding wanderers converging in the region. With as many as 15 hummingbird species possible, including Lucifer Hummingbird, Blue-throated Mountain-Gem, Rivoli’s Hummingbird, Violdet-crowned Hummingbird, and more.
Join us for an unforgettable journey through one of North America’s premier birding destinations, when Southeast Arizona is alive with color, sound, and birds.
Your Guides
The tour will be led by Gabriel Willow, who first visited this region as a teen to attend Camp Chiricahua, and ever since this remains one of his favorite places. He will be joined by Southeast Arizona local guides Gordon and Lori Lam.
Some of you may already know Gordon and Lori from their years in New York. Now based in Southeast Arizona, they are Arizona Borderlands Master Naturalists and longtime bird and nature guides who have been leading walks around the United States for nearly two decades.
They also serve as docents at the famous Ash Canyon Bird Sanctuary and have guided for several of the premier local birding festivals including Southwest Wings, Tucson Bird Alliance, and Wings Over Willcox. Their guiding philosophy is summed up by three letters: A.B.B., "Always Be Birding." Expect plenty of local knowledge, natural history, enthusiasm, and probably a few dad jokes from Gordon along the way.
9 days, 8 nights. Limited to 10 participants.
Price includes all lodging, all ground transportation from arrival at Tucson International Airport to return, all breakfasts and select other meals, all guide fees, and all park entry fees.
