Annual Wings Over Willcox Birding and Nature Festival

Join us for the 32nd Annual Wings Over Willcox Birding and Nature Festival!!

Schedule of Events:

6:50 am - 4:30 pm: Southwest Winter Specialties - FRI - $95

Some of the most sought-after birds in North America spend their winters here in Cochise County. The tour travels the wetlands, grasslands, agriculture fields, and foothills of the Sulphur Springs Valley and may include stops at Sunsites, Cochise Stronghold, and Whitewater Draw. The tour will look for Scaled Quail, Arizona Woodpecker, Mountain Plover, Sage Sparrow, Chestnut-Collared Longspur, Mexican Jay, and Bendire's Thrasher, as well as a variety of waterfowl, raptors, and shorebirds. Be ready for other rare and exciting finds. Approximately one mile of easy to moderate walking with several stops, and long vigils sitting on the bus waiting for birds to appear. Intermediate to Advanced. Includes lunch, drinks, and rest stops. Capacity-14

7:20 am - 12:00 pm: Birding Roper Lake and Dankworth Pond - FRI - $70

Some of the most sought-after birds in North America spend their winters here in Cochise County. The tour travels the wetlands, grasslands, agriculture fields, and foothills of the Sulphur Springs Valley and may include stops at Sunsites, Cochise Stronghold, and Whitewater Draw. The tour will look for Scaled Quail, Arizona Woodpecker, Mountain Plover, Sage Sparrow, Chestnut-Collared Longspur, Mexican Jay, and Bendire's Thrasher, as well as a variety of waterfowl, raptors, and shorebirds. Be ready for other rare and exciting finds. Approximately one mile of easy to moderate walking with several stops, and long vigils sitting on the bus waiting for birds to appear. Intermediate to Advanced. Includes lunch, drinks, and rest stops. Capacity-10

8:00 am - 10:00 am: Beginning Bird Photography - FRI - $25

Learn and practice basic photography skills. Time will be spent at the Willcox ponds and nearby areas. Bring your own camera. Your camera should have a zoom lens and the ability to control shutter speed. Please familiarize with how to change these two things on your camera. Less than 1/2 mile of easy walking. Beginner. Capacity-10

9:00 am - 3:00 pm: Daylong Hawk Stalk - FRI - $95

Explore Sulphur Springs Valley a hawk-watcher's dream during the winter months when large numbers of raptors are seen throughout the area. Approximately 1/2 mile of easy walking. Beginner to Intermediate. Rest stops are included. Capacity-18

9:30 am - 2:00 pm: Whitewater Draw Sandhill Crane - FRI - $50

Head to the south end of Sulphur Springs Valley looking for Sandhill Cranes foraging in the fields along the way. Then enjoy their return to Whitewater Draw as they fly in to loaf after their morning feeding. Less than 1/2 mile of easy walking. Beginner to Intermediate. Includes rest stops and lunch. Capacity-35

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm: Geology of the Willcox Playa - FRI - $60

Willcox Playa and the adjacent Dos Cabezas Mountains, which form the geologic framework along the northern end of Sulphur Springs Valley, have caused major restrictions to travel and land use since pre-historic times. We will observe these features and learn about their origin and the impacts they've had and are still having. Discussion is encouraged. No prior knowledge of geology is needed. Capacity-10

4:00 pm - 6:00 pm: Sunset Sandhill Crane - FRI - $25

This tour will start with a circuit of Cochise Lake for late afternoon arrivals of waterfowl. Next stop will be at a known roosting site as dusk begins to fall, with Sandhill Cranes coming in from the fields to spend the night. Up to 3/4mile of walking may be required along unpaved, sandy roads. Be prepared for cold temperatures as the sun sets, and bring a flashlight for the return walk to the vehicle. Capacity-35

6:00 pm - 8:30 pm: Exclusive Dinner with John Marzluff - FRI - $150

Enjoy an intimate dinner with John Marzluff. There will be no set schedule, just the opportunity to relax, enjoy conversation, a locally sourced gourmet meal, an alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage also local. Proceeds help to keep the festival growing! Books will be available for purchase, or you can bring your own. Capacity-12.