Upcoming Field Trips and Surveys
Let's go birding! Our field trips are generally free and open to the public. If driving is required, we will try to carpool using participants’ vehicles. We do ask passengers to reimburse the driver at a rate of $.15 (15 cents) per mile, to be split between all passengers in the vehicle. Bring binoculars, comfortable walking shoes and gear, and all the water and snacks you will need.
To manage the group size on some of our trips, we ask that you sign up in advance. Just click the listed email address to contact the trip leader for details, start time, carpooling, etc.
Please provide your cell number.
Watson Woods Monthly
Bird Walks for 2026
We've completed our 2025 walks, and we wish you all the best for the holidays ahead. Here's our 2026 schedule:
February 7, 2026, 9:30 a.m.
March 7, 8:30 a.m.
April 4, 8:00 a.m.
May 2, 8:00 a.m.
June 6, 7:30 a.m.
July 4, 7:00 a.m.
August 1, 7:30 a.m.
September 5, 7:30 a.m.
October 3, 8:00 a.m.
November 7, 9:00 a.m.
On the first Saturday of the month (beginning in February), we lead bird walks in Watson Woods, one of our favorite Prescott birding sites!
The walks are approximately 2 hours long and are open to birders of all ages and levels. Experienced Prescott Audubon birders lead these outings. This is a great way to get acquainted with birds and birding or to improve your skills.
Meet at the Peavine Trailhead parking area on Sundog Ranch Rd.
(GPS: 34.57542; -112.42723; fee $3/vehicle).
No registration required; everyone is welcome.
**We begin promptly at the listed start time**
Start Your Year Right!
January 1, 2026
This field trip is an annual Prescott tradition. It's for all who want to get out birding in 2026 ASAP-- and for those who enjoy keeping annual county lists of birds seen. We try to hit the best spots for winter bird sightings in the Prescott area. We begin at a reasonable 9 AM and, weather permitting, some of us might bird into the afternooon.
This Trip is now full.
Register here to be added to our waitlist: [email protected] .
Gilbert Water Ranch
February 7, 2026
Hopefully weather will cooperate on Saturday, February 7, for a visit to Gilbert Water Ranch Riparian Preserve. This location is one of the finest urban wetlands in the state for wintering shorebirds, warblers, hummers, and often a rarity or two. Limit is flexible and depends on the number of drivers. To register and for details contact [email protected].
Badger Springs/Agua Fria River Canyon
Thursday March 26, 2026
Less than an hour from Prescott, the Badger Springs trail follows a wash down to the Agua Fria River canyon. The gravel trail, about a mile one-way, is uneven footing and may be wet or muddy. The habitat ranges from chaparral to cottonwood-willow to saguaros, and we expect to see a variety of sparrows (including towhees), raptors and woodpeckers. We may find some early migrants as well. This will be a full morning and participants may wish to bring a lunch. Limit 8. To register and for details, contact [email protected].
Rockin’ River Ranch State Park
Monday April 20, 2026
Join us as we venture to Arizona’s newest State Park, near Camp Verde. Here we’ll meander along the Verde River to look for feathered spring arrivals, as well as migrants passing through and residents of the Verde Valley. For those who would like to stay a bit after birding, we’ll plan on picnicking at the park. Limit 12. To register and for details, contact [email protected]
Upper Verde River Surveys
IBA Surveys
These ongoing surveys document changes in bird populations over time in this riparian habitat east of Paulden. The data contribute to the Audubon Southwest IBA database and help to preserve the IBA status of this beautiful area. The survey transects include off-trail walking over somewhat difficult terrain.
Yellow-Billed Cuckoo Surveys
These surveys are a chance to help document the presence of a threatened species in this riparian habitat east of Paulden. The survey transects include off-trail walking over somewhat difficult terrain. The weather will likely be hot and will include a chance of thunderstorms.
Bird Walks by The Lookout
Walks in the Prescott region
sponsored by one of our local birding shops (formerly Jay's Bird Barn)