Tucson Bird Alliance: Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve Birding

Trip difficulty: Moderate. 2-2.5 miles over mostly level, but occasionally uneven, terrain. Chance of moist, muddy brief portions near wetland areas. A portion of the trail is a former railroad bed, with concrete abutments at either end, bordering the creek. Benches are available at several points along the route. Trail fees apply: $8.00 (good for 7 days); $5.00 for TNC members, Santa Cruz & Cochise County residents, free to Patagonia residents and to Ramsey Canyon/ Annual Pass holders. This Nature Conservancy property and trail system provides access to a mixed habitat of primarily riparian area, with a free-flowing creek as a boundary. Woodland areas of Fremont cottonwood, ash, and netleaf hackberry alternate with grassland areas, mesquite bosque, and wetland portions. This diverse habitat provides the opportunity to search for a wide variety of resident and migrating birds, as well as the opportunity to enjoy local wildlife. Highlights may include Gray Hawk, Wild Turkey, Vermilion Flycatcher, Inca Dove, Yellow-breasted Chat, or a visiting Violet-crowned Hummingbird. Restrooms, picnic tables and drinking water available at the Visitor Center. Wear sturdy shoes, dress in layers and bring binoculars. Meet at the TNC Visitors Center; adequate parking is provided. Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve is accessed via a 1.25 dirt road from the town of Patagonia. (If traveling via Nogales, there is no access via Solera Rd as directed by Google maps. Turn by the Wagon Wheel restaurant as you enter the town of Patagonia.) Participants will receive detailed driving instructions in the pre-trip email. Limited to 8 participants. Leader: Donito Burgess (dburgess@tucsonbirds.org)