Tropical Birds of Sonora

Early spring in Sonora offers a spectacular combination of fabulous birds, breathtaking scenery, delightful weather, and so much more. 



The Wildlife: Bird highlights of previous spring trips include Common Black-Hawk, Gray Hawk, Blue-footed Booby, Magnificent Frigatebird, Yellow-footed Gull, Mexican Parrotlet, Squirrel Cuckoo, Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl, Plain-capped Starthroat, Russet-crowned Motmot, Social Flycatcher, Nutting's Flycatcher, Happy Wren, Black-throated Magpie-Jay, Mangrove Swallow, Brown-backed Solitaire, Blue Mockingbird, Slate-throated Redstart, Yellow Grosbeak, and Streak-backed Oriole. If the winter rains are generous, there may also be a good variety of butterflies and flowers as well.

The Destinations: Our tour will begin and end in Bisbee, a mining-town-turned-artist-colony just a few miles from the Mexican border. We'll spend our first night at Navojoa, a bustling agricultural and business center on the banks of the Rio Mayo. Alamos, a charming colonial town founded in the 16th Century, will be our home base for three nights. We'll be staying at in cozy casitas at the new birder friendly eco-lodge, El Pedregal. On the way back to Arizona we'll spend a night in the scenic resort city of San Carlos on the Gulf of California (a.k.a. Sea of Cortez). Sample itinerary...

The Leader: Sheri Williamson, co-founder and co-director of the Southeastern Arizona Bird Observatory, has extensive experience in tropical birding, including conducting tours and workshops in northwestern Mexico. Her well-rounded natural history knowledge, enthusiasm, and good humor have earned her a loyal following among birders and other nature lovers.

$1295 per person for SABO members, $1340 per person for non-members. Space is limited at El Pedregal; double occupancy is strongly encouraged, single occupancy is available for an additional $235 per person. Includes transportation from Bisbee, 5 nights' lodging, all meals, non-alcoholic beverages, and local guide services. Alcoholic beverages, tourist permit, and guide gratuities not included. Limited to 5 to 8 participants. A deposit of $200 is required to hold your reservation. For additional information, please contact SABO at reservations@sabo.org or (520) 432-1388.