Tucson Audubon Society: Southeast Arizona Birding Festival – American Kestrel Conservation in Las Cienegas with Olya Weekley and Mike Shaw

Did you know that the smallest falcon of North America, the American Kestrel, is a declining species listed as a species of conservation concern by Arizona Game & Fish? Join Olya Weekley, Tucson Audubon’s Applied Conservation Project Manager, and Mike Shaw of Hawkwatch International on this tour of the kestrel’s preferred grassland habitat in the Las Cienegas grasslands. Las Cienegas is a 45,000-acre national conservation area with high desert grasslands, riparian strips and perennial streams, marshes, and juniper-oak woodlands. Here we’ll look for this special falcon, talk about kestrel conservation efforts, and keep an eye out for other grassland specialty birds as well. Limited to 8 participants. Difficulty: Moderate (Some walking on mild slopes, but still on excellent surfaces. Drive time to location approximately one hour plus driving on gravel/dirt roads)     ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Part of the Southeast Arizona Birding Festival, August 9 - 13. Festival Headquarters: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Tucson – Reid Park. All van trips depart from here. “Drive Yourself” field trips will meet on-site at birding locations and you will received detailed directions. There is a $30 non-refundable registration fee for all festival participants that are attending fee based activities: field trips, workshops, and evening programs. In addition, each activity previously mentioned has its own associated fees.