Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival: Clarkdale – Sycamore Canyon Field Trip

See for yourself why Sycamore Canyon Wilderness is Arizona’s first Wilderness. Profound geology and hydrology on display, varied habitats, high plant diversity, arthropods and reptiles all support the birds to be found in this mid-elevation Verde River tributary. On the rim, xeric-adapted birds such as Gray Vireo, Loggerhead Shrike, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Brewer’s, Lark and Black-throated sparrows may be found among many other species. Within the Canyon, Common Black Hawk, White-throated Swift, Bell’s Vireo, Verdin and Summer Tanager may be observed. Overall, this trip may provide experiences with various flycatchers, vireos, swallows, wrens, warblers, sparrows and orioles. Rare species have included Costa’s Hummingbird, Willet, Golden Eagle, Broad-winged Hawk, Pinyon Jay, Evening Grosbeak, Lark Bunting, Nashville Warbler, and Red-faced Warbler, etc. There are no bathroom facilities during this trip. After birding the rim, participants pack their lunch and water into the canyon. There is an approximate 160 foot descent into the canyon after which the trail is fairly level. Round-trip distance in the canyon is about 2.5 miles. There are no creek crossings. This is one of the more challenging of Festival trips and participants should be in good physical condition. Rating: 4 Transportation: Vans Meal: Bring your own lunch Cost: $75 Group Limit: 12 Trip Guide: David MollReverence and enthusiasm for nature resides with David Moll. To his 40+ years in Central Arizona, David adds his lowland, east coast roots. Moving from New York, he attended Prescott College and has lived in Prescott ever since. From Arizona’s borders with Mexico, New Mexico and California, to the north rim of the Grand Canyon, David has examined the more-and less-traveled areas for learning. While finding Arizona birds is his specialty, Mr. Moll places them within a context of meteorology, geography, topography, botany, entomology and interactions among each other and with other vertebrates.       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.