Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival: Birding, Hiking, and History tour of the Upper Red Rock Loop Rd

On this trip you’ll visit the area where the town of Sedona began. Originally known as Red Rock, Arizona Territory, this rural community is steeped in Pioneer history, hikes for gorgeous views, and abundant bird life in this riparian area in the desert. We’ll visit the Armstrong yard which boasts over 150 species; we’ll take a short half mile round trip hike to see the pools of water on Secret Slick Rock Mesa, and end at Red Rock Crossing—the quintessential photo spot for the view of Cathedral Rock. Nanette will talk non-stop history and birds. Bring your camera. Light breakfast included–hot beverages, juice, fruit, homemade muffins. Rating: 2 Transportation: Vans Meal: Light Breakfast Cost: $125 Trip Guide: Nanette Armstrong Nanette Armstrong graduated from West Virginia University with a degree in Biology. She completed Nuclear Medicine Technology School and worked in the field for 10 years. She and husband Rich have been married 36 years and have been birding most of them. They’ve lived in Sedona 11 years. Her favorite job is being a mom. She has been involved in the local Audubon Societies everywhere they lived, participating in many Christmas bird counts. For Northern Arizona Audubon Society, she’s a Board member, the hospitality chair, the programs chair, and a Facebook moderator. Nanette occasionally leads field trips. She’s the workshop coordinator for the VVBNF. Nanette has lots of favorite birds especially the Western Kingbird and Common Nighthawk. She loves feeding the assortment of birds that live in or visit her backyard.         Part of the Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival It’s the 2024 Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival! In 2024, join us as we explore the theme of migration and its impact on riparian areas in our environment. Our keynote speaker, Richard Crossley, will lead discussions, and the featured bird for the year is the common black hawk. The Free Family Nature Festival at the Verde Valley Birding & Nature Festival will be in the lagoon area on Saturday, April 27th from 9am to 3pm. There will be armchair birding and guided bird walks all across the Verde Valley from April 25th - 28th that you do need to register for.