The southwest is renowned for its wildlife, and the variety of birds in the region is certainly no exception. What visitors may not realize, however, is that Arizona is home to one of the foremost conservation organizations in the nation and it is entirely centered around our flying friends. For decades, the Tucson Audubon Society has raised awareness of, and fueled interest in, the birds of Arizona. For longtime residents of Tucson, or first-time visitors, stopping by the Audubon Society should be high on your list of activities.
Even if you think birds aren’t necessarily you’re thing, the free field trips offered by the Society are fun for the whole family. Every Wednesday morning, the Tucson Audubon Society leads groups through the Sweetwater Preserve. Not only are these tours an excellent chance to see the wild animals of the state, but the chance to get out in nature with a large group provides an excellent chance to meet new people and experience the joy of socializing in the great outdoors. Not only that, but these tours are a chance to see some rare birds that you may never see again. There are also tours running all around Tucson, from Oracle State Park to Sabino Canyon to Slaughter Ranch and more!
One of the reasons these tours provide such an incredible opportunity to see rare wildlife is that most of the guides have been doing this for a long time. They know the trails well, know where to look, and even regularly update each other on spottings of birds that might not usually be seen in the area.
The Tucson Audubon Society also operates the Mason Center, which is a 20-acre preserve of saguaro-ironwood desert that provides the perfect opportunity for families to see the flora and fauna of the region for themselves. Because of efforts like this, the Society has truly become a leader among conservationists and continues to foster a love for bird-watching in the Southwest.
Regardless of what you love to do, there is something for everyone in Arizona. From nature hikes to see wildlife, to guided ATV tours in the desert, the entire family can have fun. Check out all of the incredible things to do in Tucson, Phoenix, Scottsdale and more, and feel free to ask any of us here at Desert Monsters for more info!
