Guided Field Trips

Green Heron - Photo Shari McCollough

Discover the Wonders of Birding with Desert Rivers Audubon Society

Birding in Arizona is legendary year round thanks to the large variety of resident birds and the many species that migrate through the state.

Each year Desert Rivers Audubon Society acquaints hundreds of people with birds and nature on our field trips.

Desert Rivers Field Trips are free and open to the public. Some are guided and some are informal, pooling the collective knowledge of the group to find birds.

Birders of any skill level are welcome.

We travel to well-known birding locations within the valley and take all-day trips to locations outside the valley.

Special birding trips can be organized for scouts, home schoolers, elementary and middle school students, civic groups, large employers and others.

We provide one or more leaders who share their knowledge and adapt to the needs of the group.

American Kestrel - Photo Joseph Galkowski

Field Trip Requirements

Reservations

Some field trips require reservations, please include your cell number when making your reservation.
The number of participants for each field trip is limited.
Be on time

Please be aware that the time listed to meet is the time the leader wants to leave the meeting area, so come early.
We ask our leaders not to wait for latecomers, to maximize the time spent in the field by those who were on time.
Cancellations

Cancel as soon as you know that you can’t go. We usually have a waiting list. If you become ill the morning of the trip, please let the leader or Field Trip Director know by phone.
Stay together

Stay together and behind the leader.
Please don’t wander in a different direction.
Quietly point out your sightings to the leader.
This way, each participant will be able to see each bird spotted.

American Kestrel - Photo: Joshua Pelta Heller

Great Horned Owl - Photo: Joseph Galkowski

Help novice birders

Show them how to locate birds in the field guide and help with identifying characteristics.
By encouraging new birders, the trip is a success for all!
Leave Pets at Home

We all love our dogs and cats, but there is no place for them on an Audubon birding field trip.
Also, it’s dangerous to leave pets in the car.
Items to Bring

Pack binoculars, lots of water, snacks and sunscreen Wear a hat and walking shoes and dress in layers, so you can lighten up as the day warms up.
Gas Expenses

Ask your driver if they would like to be reimbursed for their gasoline.
We suggest up to 25¢ cents per mile for the trip.
This helps with fuel costs and wear and tear on the vehicle.
Preserve the Wild

Respect the land and its birds and wildlife.
Limit your environmental impact on the land by staying on trails.
Leave nothing behind and take nothing except memories of your day in the field.
Birding Ethics

Everyone who enjoys birds and birding must always respect wildlife, its environment, and the rights of others.
To review the American Birding Association Code of Birding Ethics, please click here.