Tohono Chul: Desert Dialogues – Birds of Southern Arizona

Thursday, Dec 12th | 1 – 2:30 pm | Wilson Room Did you know that Southern Arizona has the highest number of bird species compared to other inland states? Aside from our costal states, we have the highest bird diversity in the country, and we do not need to leave Tucson to enjoy them. Join Tohono Chul Docent Ray Deeney as he leads a discussion of the most common birds found at Tohono Chul and the Tucson area. This lecture will include a 30 minute Q&A with Ray to answer your birding questions. $5 for members | $10 for the general public Meet The Speaker A Brooklyn native, Ray Deeney began birding seriously about 1990 in New Jersey where he spent most of his adult life prior to moving to Tucson in 2011. At that time he retired as an attorney specializing in law and mental disability issues. Previously he had been a special education teacher, a social worker and a teacher at Seton Hall Law School for twelve years. In New Jersey he was also very active with New Jersey Audubon including field trips, Christmas bird counts and various citizen science projects. Currently, Ray regularly leads bird walks at Tohono Chul Park and seasonally at Arthur Pack Park and the Mason Center. In these roles connecting with out of state visitors looking to understand and appreciate Southern Arizona birds are a special source of fun and satisfaction for Ray.