Southeastern Arizona is often considered the premier birding location in North America, with over 200 breeding species and a checklist of over 475 species. Join us for a virtual trek through desert scrubland, riparian canyons, and forested mountain ridges in our quest for this region’s special birds. The amazing diversity is highlighted by 11 species of owls, nightjars, trogons, many species of flycatchers, grassland sparrows, and much more!  Most popular are the hummingbirds, with 15 species possible!! We will search for regional specialties like Elegant Trogon, Five-striped Sparrow, Mexican Chickadee, Yellow-eyed Junco, Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet, Olive Warbler, and Rufous-winged Sparrow – most found no where else in the United States. This area has also hosted a phenomenal number of Mexican strays, such as Flame-colored Tanager, Rufous-capped Warbler, and Plain-capped Starthroat. Spectacular scenery and world renowned places like Madera Canyon, Ramsey Canyon, Patagonia-Sonoita Creek, and Cave Creek Canyon will be the backdrop on this unforgettable excursion!

Brett Ewald is a biologist and naturalist who has been studying and enjoying birds and nature for over 35 years. His passion for birds and their conservation has led to his involvement in many research and educational projects, specializing in migration and distribution patterns. These endeavors have taken him from the mountains of New Mexico to the beaches of New Jersey. Locally, he conducted the Hawkwatch at Braddock Bay for several years and was the Director of the Hamlin Beach Lakewatch for Braddock Bay Raptor Research, co-authoring a publication on waterbird movements on Lake Ontario. He is the founder of Lakeshore Nature Tours and has led over 60 Extended Tours in North America since 2000 – putting his knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm to work for you.