Sign Up for Our Shorebird Trip

Registration starts today for our free Tucson Audubon tour to the Sea of Cortez, August 11.

Shorebird numbers should be increasing rapidly at Puerto Peñasco by early August. With high tide not until after 2:00 pm, we can take it relatively easy and let the rising waters push birds up the estuaries and onto the beaches for the best viewing.

In addition to all of the common Arizona shorebird species, we can hope for American Oystercatcher, Wilson’s and Snowy Plovers, Red Knot, Black and Ruddy Turnstones, and Whimbrel. Longer-legged wading birds might include Reddish Egret and Yellow-crowned Night-Heron.

We’ll check the harbor and beachfront for Black-vented Shearwater and Black and Least Storm Petrels, and look for the distinctive and beautiful Large-billed Sparrow on the salicornia flats.

Drivers must purchase Mexican auto insurance before starting the trip; riders must reimburse the driver for that insurance (in addition to the usual 10 cents per mile). We’ll stop in Why and at Organ Pipe for restroom breaks, then cross the border at Lukeville. Bring your passport, sunscreen, a hat, a long-sleeved shirt, lunch and a snack, and abundant water. Plan to arrive back in Tucson at about 8:30 pm.

Strictly limited to four cars; should there not be four drivers, the maximum group size will be reduced.

You can register by dropping me an e-mail at birdaz@gmail.com . Then fill your water bottle, put on your flip flops, and get ready for a day at the beach!