Granite Reef – Lower Salt River

This well-known site along the Salt River and close-to-the-city field trip involves birding the first recreation site called Granite Reef, located where Power Rd meets the Salt River and becomes Bush Highway.

With fall migration nearly complete, many unusual migrants show up at this time.  We may get views of Vireos and Warblers, Flycatchers, and Phainopeplas.  We can expect numerous duck species just returning from the north. We may spot lingering summer resident Orioles, Tanagers, Chats, etc.

We will spend approximately three hours walking and observing birds and hopefully other wildlife along our path.

The destination of this field trip is within Tonto National Forest and requires a parking pass for all cars.  Acceptable passes range from an $8 day pass to a lifetime America the Beautiful pass. More information on how to purchase passes will be emailed upon registration for this trip.

Bring a snack, binoculars and a scope if you have one.

Limit: 8.

Difficulty: 2/3 (Some moderate terrain, several miles of walking).   Suggested for people that are just getting started in the birding hobby.

Register: Karen Stucke-Jungemann at [email protected]

Phainopepla – Photo Mike Henry/Audubon Photography Awards