October 22: We will leave the Phoenix area about 6:30 a.m. to drive to the Hassayampa River Preserve for birding for about 2 hours. Head to Prescott on Highway 89, with perhaps a stop or two to bird, then to White Spar Campground and Goldwater Lake for a picnic and more birding. After leaving the Lake, plan on a bit more birding and dinner at a restaurant.
October 23: Go straight to Walker, a tiny settlement at 6,200’ and work our way down the north side of the Bradshaw Mountains back to Prescott, hitting hotspots such as the Highlands Center and Watson Woods Preserve. Leave the Prescott area about noon, lunch at Café Perez near Prescott Valley and return to the Phoenix area about 3-4pm.
Expenses: one night in a moderate hotel in Prescott, three meals out, entrance fees (not more than $10 total), and a $15-20 gas donation to your driver. Donations in my car will go to CEDO, the binational conservation/education/research institution that Maricopa Audubon supports. Please register by Sept 1 to keep hotel options open. Carpools and logistics decided a few days before the trip.
Limit: 7
Difficulty: 2-3 (most birding will be at 5000’ and above)
Leader: Kathe Anderson