Painted Redstart— Photo: Barry Zimmer

Fantastic winter birding in famous Southeastern Arizona. Generally pleasant weather combined with southwestern specialties, an abundance of raptors and sparrows, and a great potential for Mexican vagrants. Can be taken in combination with Winter Southern California.

Winter is an excellent time to bird Southeastern Arizona. Many of the Arizona specialty birds such as Whiskered Screech-Owl, Arizona Woodpecker, Gilded Flicker, Vermilion Flycatcher, Bridled Titmouse, Mexican Jay, Crissal and Bendire's thrashers, Painted Redstart, Abert's Towhee, Yellow-eyed Junco, and Rufous-winged Sparrow are residents and are readily found at this season. In addition, winter brings an influx of raptors to the deserts and grasslands with a dozen species possible including such highly sought species as Ferruginous Hawk, Prairie Falcon, and Golden Eagle. Other possible wintering species include the declining Mountain Plover, all three species of bluebirds, and Townsend's Solitaire.

Sparrows are likewise abundant at this season with Green-tailed Towhee, Lark Bunting, Brewer's Sparrow, and Black-chinned Sparrow all likely. As an added bonus, winter has proven to be the best time for finding Mexican vagrants. Ruddy Ground-Dove has become annual in recent years and Rufous-backed Robin nearly so. Black-capped Gnatcatcher has been seen with increasing regularity (a few pairs have become resident), and other even rarer strays such as Nutting's Flycatcher, Aztec Thrush, Blue Mockingbird, and Streak-backed Oriole have been recorded on occasion. All this in combination with generally pleasant winter weather and one hotel for the entire trip!

Good accommodations with no hotel changes; easy to moderate terrain; short hikes and roadside birding; generally pleasant weather conditions.