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REGISTRATION IS CLOSED AND WILL OPEN ON SITE on January 11 at 1pm.

The festival will be held in Willcox, Arizona, at the Willcox Community Center, 312 West Stewart Street, on January 11th through January 14th, 2024.  If there are any problems or delays in your registration process or if you have questions, please contact the Willcox Nature Association at (520) 384-2874 and leave a message.

Registration is now closed. We will open again to those who are on site to register at the Willcox Community Center, January 11th after 1pm. Please do not call in your registration, you must be on site

There is a $20.00 non-refundable registration fee for each registrant. This is applicable to any trip. 

Seminars are walk-in, no registration is required. 

T-shirts will only be available on site for purchase.

For information about cancellations, refunds, etc., please click on the menu item titled Participant Information.

 

 

 

 





Calendar View

Thursday    Friday    Saturday    Sunday     All


Seminars
Thursday 01/11/24
1 Beginning Birdwatching - THU   Remaining Tickets: -1
Meet at WCC:   1:20 PM  Return:   3:30 PM  $25.00   

Learn and practice basic identification skills. Time will be spent at the Willcox ponds and nearby areas observing and identifying common bird species.  The trip leader will likely have a spotting scope; however, this tour will require that you bring your own binoculars.  Less than 1/2 mile of easy walking. Beginner.

Trip Leaders: TBD -   

2 Sunset Sandhill Crane - THU   Remaining Tickets: 0
Meet at WCC:   3:50 PM  Return:   6:00 PM  $25.00   

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. Approximately ¾ mile of walking is required along an unpaved, sandy road. Be prepared for cold temperatures as the sun sets, and bring a flashlight for the return walk to the vehicle.

Trip Leaders: TBD -   

Featured!! 3 Welcome Reception   Remaining Tickets: 190
Meet at WCC:   5:50 PM  Return:   7:30 PM  FREE   

Join us for our welcoming reception of Wings Over Willcox!  We will have a local band and hors d'oeuvres to enjoy.  Many of our vendors will be set up to show their wares as well.  Come on in and say hello!

Trip Leaders: TBD -   


Friday 01/12/24
4 Southwest Winter Specialties - Fri   Remaining Tickets: -3
Meet at WCC:   6:50 AM  Return:   4:30 PM  $95.00   

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.

Trip Leaders: TBD -   

5 Birding Roper Lake & Dankworth Pond   Remaining Tickets: -1
Meet at WCC:   7:20 AM  Return:   12:00 PM  $70.00   

Roper Lake is an excellent place for bird watching. Species commonly seen are Gambel's Quail, Red-winged Blackbird, Yellow-headed Blackbird, Great Horned Owl, Northern Cardinal, as well as flycatchers, kingfishers, ducks, grebes, egrets, herons, and mergansers. Dankworth is a very popular southern Arizona birding destination and a large variety of migratory birds spend their winters soaking up the Arizona sun here.  Beginner to Intermediate. 

Trip Leaders: TBD -   

6 Beginning Birdwatching   Remaining Tickets: 0
Meet at WCC:   7:50 AM  Return:   10:00 AM  $25.00   

Learn and practice basic identification skills. Time will be spent at the Willcox ponds and nearby areas observing and identifying common bird species.  The trip leader will likely have a spotting scope; however, this tour will require that you bring your own binoculars.  Less than 1/2 mile of easy walking. Beginner.

Trip Leaders: To Be Determined

7 Daylong Hawk Stalk   Remaining Tickets: 2
Meet at WCC:   8:50 AM  Return:   3:00 PM  $95.00   

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.

Trip Leaders: TBD -   

9 Whitewater Draw Sandhill Crane - FRI   Remaining Tickets: 17
Meet at WCC:   9:20 AM  Return:   2:00 PM  $50.00   

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.

Trip Leaders: TBD -   

10 Geology of the Willcox Playa   Remaining Tickets: 0
Meet at WCC:   12:50 PM  Return:   3:30 PM  $65.00   

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.   

Trip Leaders: TBD -   

11 Sunset Sandhill Crane - Fri   Remaining Tickets: 3
Meet at WCC:   3:50 PM  Return:   6:00 PM  $25.00   

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 ¾ mile 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.

Trip Leaders: TBD -   


Saturday 01/13/24
12 Southwest Winter Specialties - Sat   Remaining Tickets: 1
Meet at WCC:   6:50 AM  Return:   4:30 PM  $95.00   

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.

Trip Leaders: TBD -   

13 Half-day Hawk Stalk #1   Remaining Tickets: 1
Meet at WCC:   7:35 AM  Return:   12:00 PM  $65.00   

A shorter version of the Daylong Hawk Stalk exploring Sulphur Springs Valley in pursuit of the same types of hawks, owls, eagles, and falcons. Morning and afternoon tours offered. NOTE: Due to the excitement this trip offers, the tour may run 15-20 minutes behind schedule. Caravan-style with many stops along the way. Less than 1/2 mile of easy walking. Beginner to Intermediate. Includes limited rest stops.

Trip Leaders: To Be Determined

14 Beginning Birdwatching   Remaining Tickets: 0
Meet at WCC:   7:50 AM  Return:   10:00 AM  $25.00   

Learn and practice basic identification skills. Time will be spent at the Willcox ponds and nearby areas observing and identifying common bird species.  The trip leader will likely have a spotting scope; however, this tour will require that you bring your own binoculars.  Less than 1/2 mile of easy walking. Beginner.

Trip Leaders: TBD -   

15 Half-day Sparrow Seek #1   Remaining Tickets: 1
Meet at WCC:   7:50 AM  Return:   12:00 PM  $65.00   

The grasslands of the Sulphur Springs Valley are well known for the diversity of sparrows, towhees, and longspurs that are winter residents. Over 24 species of Passerellidae (members of the sparrow family) may winter in Cochise County and as many as 19 species have been observed during the festival weekend. The tour includes a field trip seeking a handful of these sparrow species. Less than 1/2 mile of easy to moderate walking and includes brushy areas. Intermediate to Advanced. Includes rest stops.

Trip Leaders: To Be Determined

16 Chiricahua National Monument Tour = SAT   Remaining Tickets: 1
Meet at WCC:   8:20 AM  Return:   12:30 PM  $75.00   

Join biologists from the Chiricahua National Monument for a wondrous hike through select trails of the Chiricahua National Monument. The monument is an enchanting wonderful of towering and inspiring rock formations amidst oaks and pines. You will visit historic sites, including Faraway Ranch, as you watch for birds and wildlife during this casual hike. Up to 2 miles of easy walking, though among uneven trails.

Trip Leaders: TBD -   

17 Geology of Texas Canyon   Remaining Tickets: 6
Meet at WCC:   8:50 AM  Return:   3:00 PM  $80.00   

Huge rock boulders are prominently exposed along Interstate 10 in Texas Canyon a few miles west of Willcox.  How did these strange-looking rocks get there?  We'll examine them and learn how they formed and how they've been changed by geological and related processes. Discussion is encouraged.  No prior knowledge of geology is needed.  

Trip Leaders: TBD -   

18 Working Cattle Ranch   Remaining Tickets: 16
Meet at WCC:   8:50 AM  Return:   3:00 PM  $85.00   

Lush grasslands of the Sulphur Springs Valley supported large ranches, and ranchers once shipped more cattle from Willcox than any other point in the U.S. Visit an historic, working cattle ranch continuously operated by descendants of one of the earliest pioneer ranchers. Your rancher-guide will discuss ranching history, show and explain modern cattle and range management practices, and discuss relationships between ranching and wildlife. If it's cold in Willcox, it's cold on this tour! Less than 1/4 mile of easy, short walks. Includes sack lunch, drinks, and rest stops.

Trip Leaders: TBD -   

20 Whitewater Draw Sandhill Crane - SAT   Remaining Tickets: 19
Meet at WCC:   9:20 AM  Return:   2:00 PM  $50.00   

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.

Trip Leaders: TBD -   

21 Half-day Hawk Stalk #2   Remaining Tickets: 6
Meet at WCC:   12:50 PM  Return:   5:00 PM  $65.00   

A shorter version of the Daylong Hawk Stalk exploring the Stewart District in pursuit of the same types of hawks, owls, eagles, and falcons. Morning and afternoon tours offered. NOTE: Due to the excitement this trip offers, the tour may run 15-20 minutes behind schedule. Caravan-style with many stops along the way. Less than 1/2 mile of easy walking. Beginner to Intermediate. Includes limited rest stops.

Trip Leaders: To Be Determined

22 Easy Birding Sampler   Remaining Tickets: 2
Meet at WCC:   12:50 PM  Return:   5:00 PM  $50.00   

A slow pace and comfortable, easy viewing that will be emphasized on this trip designed for birders with limitations of endurance or mobility. We will visit locations identified by local wildlife experts to view a variety of species such as waterfowl, shorebirds, raptors, sparrows, and Sandhill Cranes. Most birding will be done from the vehicle or in close proximity to the vehicle and the short excursions will be wheelchair accessible. Beginner to Advanced. Includes rest stops.

Trip Leaders: To Be Determined

23 Half-day Sparrow Seek #2   Remaining Tickets: 0
Meet at WCC:   12:50 PM  Return:   5:00 PM  $65.00   

The grasslands of the Sulphur Springs Valley are well known for the diversity of sparrows, towhees, and longspurs that are winter residents. Over 24 species of Passerellidae (members of the sparrow family) may winter in Cochise County and as many as 19 species have been observed during the festival weekend. The tour starts with an hour-long class on sparrow identification, followed by a field trip seeking a dozen sparrow species. Morning and afternoon tours offered. Less than 1/2 mile of easy to moderate walking and includes brushy areas. Intermediate to Advanced. Includes rest stops.

Trip Leaders: TBD -   

24 Wine Making & Tasting Tour   Remaining Tickets: 4
Meet at WCC:   12:50 PM  Return:   3:30 PM  $40.00   

Willcox is a thriving vineyard and winemaking area, and grows roughly two thirds of the grapes produced in Arizona.  This tour will visit the "Willcox Bench" area off Kansas Settlement Road, a popular birder area to see Sandhill Cranes, hawks, and other winter migrants.  Learn about why Willcox is a great area for vineyards, what varieties of grapes do well here, and the process to produce award winning wines.  Taste some of our locally produced wines, and learn about the many vineyards and tasting rooms in the Willcox area.

Trip Leaders: To Be Determined

25 Willcox Walking History   Remaining Tickets: 3
Meet at WCC:   1:50 PM  Return:   4:30 PM  $25.00   

Take a tour of the Historic Downtown's Railroad Avenue with a local historian. You'll see Arizona's only remaining original Southern Pacific Railroad Depot, constructed in 1880; the recently revitalized Willcox Commercial, formerly the oldest continually operating store in Arizona; and the Schwertner House, built as an overnight rooming facility for Army personnel en route through Willcox to area military posts. Nearby, the Rex Allen Cowboy Museum honors the late singer/actor "hometown boy" success story. Stop by the Chiricahua Regional Museum and Research Center where there are exhibits on the region's history, featuring the Chiricahua Apache, cavalry, Butterfield Stage Line, and mining and railroad displays. On your stroll, you'll pass several other historic buildings, such as the Headquarters Saloon, where Warren Earp was shot. Approximately 3/4 mile of easy walking. Includes a historic downtown walking tour map.

Trip Leaders: To Be Determined

Featured!! 200 Banquet & Keynote Speaker   Remaining Tickets: 158
Meet at WCC:   5:50 PM  Return:   9:00 PM  $40.00   

Banquet is held at the Elk's Lodge in Willcox at 247 E. Stewart Street

Saving Jemima

Naturalist/artist/writer Julie Zickefoose thinks of herself as an unsung, minor, rather dirty superhero. Her superpower: saving small, economically worthless wildlife that would otherwise die. An orphaned jay named Jemima was one such foundling. Spending nearly a year healing, studying and raising the young blue jay for release opened the door to their world for Julie. She began writing and illustrating Saving Jemima: Life and Love With a Hard-luck Jay immediately upon becoming her foster mother. More than a wildlife rehab story, it’s the story of life, love and dealing with great loss; of finding grace and redemption in bonding with a wild bird. 

 

Biography

Julie Zickefoose lives and works quietly on an 80-acre wildlife sanctuary in the back country of Whipple, Ohio. She is a prolific writer and painter and Advising Editor to BWD Magazine. Her heavily illustrated books include Natural Gardening for Birds, Letters from Eden, The Bluebird Effect, and Baby Birds: An Artist Looks Into the Nest. Saving Jemima: Life and Love With a Hard-Luck Jay, the intimate story of how an orphaned bird can save a soul, is her newest book.

 

Trip Leaders: To Be Determined


Sunday 01/14/24
26 Southwest Winter Specialties - SUN   Remaining Tickets: 0
Meet at WCC:   6:50 AM  Return:   3:00 PM  $95.00   

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.

Trip Leaders: TBD -   

27 Daylong Sparrow Seek - SUN   Remaining Tickets: 1
Meet at WCC:   7:50 AM  Return:   3:00 PM  $95.00   

The grasslands of the Sulphur Springs Valley are well known for the diversity of sparrows, towhees, and longspurs that are winter residents. Over 24 species of Passerellidae (members of the sparrow family) may winter in Cochise County and as many as 19 species have been observed during the festival weekend. The tour starts with an hour-long class on sparrow identification, followed by a field trip seeking over 15 sparrow species. Approximately 1- 1 1/2 mile of easy to moderate walking that includes agricultural fields and brushy areas. Intermediate to Advanced. Includes lunch, drinks, and rest stops.

Trip Leaders: TBD -   

28 Daylong Hawk Stalk   Remaining Tickets: 4
Meet at WCC:   8:50 AM  Return:   3:00 PM  $95.00   

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. There will be rest stops.

Trip Leaders: To Be Determined




 



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