We looked forward to our second attendance at the Southwest Wings Birding and Nature Festival, Arizona’s oldest birding festival. The first week in May is a peak birding time in…
The Arizona trip featured exciting birdwatching, notably the California Condor, scenic views, and lovely visits with friends, culminating in a rewarding experience at various natural sites and parks.
Our 2015 Little Big Year pushed us across deserts, mountains, coastlines, and countless miles of weekend travel. Along the way we met incredible guides, discovered unforgettable places, and learned just how much you can accomplish with planning, persistence, and a love for birds. We ended the year with 519 species—and a lifetime of memories.
Our third trip of the year to Southeast Arizona brought everything we hoped for: Sky Island scenery, rare flycatchers, Mexican Chickadees in the Chiricahuas, and a final Gilded Flicker just before our flight home. A spectacular September weekend in one of America’s best birding regions.
Southeast Arizona delivered everything it’s famous for: Sky Island canyons, desert grasslands, legendary guides, and a lineup of specialties from Elegant Trogons to Violet‑crowned Hummingbirds. Three days across the Huachucas, Patagonia, and Las Cienegas made this one of our most memorable birding trips.
Our two days at the Verde Valley Birding & Nature Festival delivered everything from Painted Redstarts on Mingus Mountain to Lark Buntings, Western Screech‑Owls, and a final lifer, the Lesser Nighthawk. A perfect, bird‑packed chapter in our 2015 Little Big Year.
Our eight‑day Grand Circle Tour through Arizona and Utah delivered unforgettable scenery and a strong mix of regional specialties. With 36 year birds and six lifers added along the way, this trip marked a turning point in our 2015 Little Big Year.