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To sign-up for the Wings Over Willcox field trips, it is necessary to first register as a participant of the festival. On-line registration requires a credit card as payment. Secure on-line transactions are provided through PayPal and all credit cards are accepted.  Please note that a PayPal account is NOT REQUIRED to accept payment. To pay by check, please print out the registration form and send by mail.

To register, please click on any of the Register links on this page and follow the instructions. There is a $20.00 non-refundable registration fee for each participant.  

On-line registration closes midnight, Friday, January 6, 2023.  Registration or field trips that have not Sold Out will be possible at the registration desk during the festival You may also email us at info@wingsoverwillcox.com or call us at 520-384-2874 and we will return your message as soon as possible, most likely the week of January 8th.  We look forward to seeing you at the festival!

 

 

Calendar View

Thursday    Friday    Saturday    Sunday     All


T-Shirts              Seminars
Thursday 01/12/23
1 Beginning Birdwatching   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: To Be Decided  

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: To Be Decided  

Featured!! 3 30th Anniversary Reception   Remaining Tickets: 207
Meet at WCC:   5:50 PM  Return:   7:30 PM  FREE   

Join us for our welcoming reception for the 30th Anniversary 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: To Be Decided  

Friday 01/13/23
4 Southwest Winter Specialties - Fri   Remaining Tickets: 2
Meet at WCC:   6:50 AM  Return:   4:30 PM  $80.00   

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 includes stops at Whitewater Draw and Cochise Stronghold. The tour will look for Scaled Quail, Arizona Woodpecker, Mountain Plover, Sage Sparrow, Chestnut-Collared Longspur, Vermilion Flycatcher, 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. Intermediate to Advanced. Includes lunch, drinks, and rest stops.

Trip Leaders: To Be Decided     To Be Decided    

5 Birding Roper Lake & Dankworth Pond   Remaining Tickets: -1
Meet at WCC:   7:20 AM  Return:   12:00 PM  $60.00   

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: Dorothy Laage     Sam Laage    

6 Beginning Birdwatching   Remaining Tickets: 4
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 Decided  

7 Daylong Hawk Stalk   Remaining Tickets: 0
Meet at WCC:   8:50 AM  Return:   3:00 PM  $70.00   

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: Tim Snow  

8 Explore the Amerind Museum   Remaining Tickets: 5
Meet at WCC:   9:05 AM  Return:   12:00 PM  $25.00   

Join us as we take a docent-led tour of the Amerind Museum. Located among the balancing boulders in Texas Canyon, Amerind is a museum, art gallery, and research center dedicated to archaeology, Native cultures, and Western art. During your visit, Amerind Docent Steve Deatrick will provide an interpretive tour through the Museums archaeological exhibits.

Trip Leaders: To Be Decided  

9 Whitewater Draw Sandhill Crane   Remaining Tickets: 0
Meet at WCC:   9:20 AM  Return:   2:00 PM  $40.00   

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: To Be Decided  

10 Willcox Playa Geology   Remaining Tickets: 5
Meet at WCC:   12:50 PM  Return:   3:30 PM  $55.00   

The playa, the most recent major geologic feature to have been formed, occupies part of the Sulphur Springs Valley.  It has three older siblings between Tucson and the New Mexico border: the Santa Cruz, San Pedro, and San Simon valleys.  By observing the playa and the Sulphur Springs "basin," within which it lies, one can get an idea of what its siblings must have looked like in more youthful times.  Those on the trip will learn about the origin, dimensions, and some of the impacts the playa has had on the history and development of the area.  The tour leader, a retired geologist, will describe features in nontechnical terms. No prior knowledge of geology is required. Tour members may take short walks totaling no more than 1/2 mile total.

Trip Leaders: To Be Decided  

11 Sunset Sandhill Crane - Fri   Remaining Tickets: 1
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: To Be Decided  

Saturday 01/14/23
12 Southwest Winter Specialties - Sat   Remaining Tickets: -5
Meet at WCC:   6:50 AM  Return:   4:30 PM  $80.00   

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 includes stops at Whitewater Draw and Cochise Stronghold. The tour will look for Scaled Quail, Arizona Woodpecker, Mountain Plover, Sage Sparrow, Chestnut-Collared Longspur, Vermilion Flycatcher, 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. Intermediate to Advanced. Includes lunch, drinks, and rest stops.

Trip Leaders: To Be Decided  

13 Half-day Hawk Stalk #1   Remaining Tickets: -1
Meet at WCC:   7:35 AM  Return:   12:00 PM  $45.00   

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 Decided  

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: To Be Decided  

15 Half-day Sparrow Seek #1   Remaining Tickets: -1
Meet at WCC:   7:50 AM  Return:   12:00 PM  $45.00   

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 Decided  

16 Chiricahua National Monument Tour   Remaining Tickets: 2
Meet at WCC:   8:20 AM  Return:   12:00 PM  $70.00   

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. Includes lunch, drinks, and rest stops.

Trip Leaders: To Be Decided  

17 Dos Cabezas & Chiricahua Mountains Geology   Remaining Tickets: 0
Meet at WCC:   8:50 AM  Return:   3:00 PM  $70.00   

To the south and east of Willcox, two major geologic features adjoin the Willcox Playa on the east: the Dos Cabazes and Chiricahua Mountains.  Both formed long before the Willcox Playa.  This geology trip will observe those mountains and learn a bit about their ages, origins, and impacts on the history and development of Cochise County.  The tour leader, a retired geologist, will describe features in nontechnical terms. No prior knowledge of geology is required. Tour members may take short walks totaling no more than 1/2 mile total.

Trip Leaders: To Be Decided  

18 Working Cattle Ranch   Remaining Tickets: 10
Meet at WCC:   8:50 AM  Return:   3:00 PM  $80.00   

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: To Be Decided  

20 Whitewater Draw Sandhill Crane   Remaining Tickets: 4
Meet at WCC:   9:20 AM  Return:   2:00 PM  $40.00   

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: To Be Decided  

21 Half-day Hawk Stalk #2   Remaining Tickets: 0
Meet at WCC:   12:50 PM  Return:   5:00 PM  $45.00   

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 Decided  

22 Easy Birding Sampler   Remaining Tickets: 0
Meet at WCC:   12:50 PM  Return:   5:00 PM  $45.00   

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 Decided  

23 Half-day Sparrow Seek #2   Remaining Tickets: 0
Meet at WCC:   12:50 PM  Return:   5:00 PM  $45.00   

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: To Be Decided  

24 Wine Making & Tasting Tour   Remaining Tickets: 14
Meet at WCC:   12:50 PM  Return:   3:30 PM  $35.00   

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 Decided  

25 Willcox Walking History   Remaining Tickets: 4
Meet at WCC:   1:50 PM  Return:   4:30 PM  $20.00   

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 Decided  

Featured!! 200 Banquet & Keynote Speaker   Remaining Tickets: 159
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

The Incidental Sparrow:

Have you ever gone out in search of something—and instead discovered something entirely unexpected and far more wonderful? Such is the experience of birders every day, and such was the experience of early explorers and ornithologists here in the Southwest, where every outing, whatever its original purpose, could lead to discovery. Many of the sparrows of southeastern Arizona were first encountered by scientists in search of something completely different, making their discoveries all the more exciting. Join Rick Wright for some surprising stories of the gold miners, soldiers, and grave robbers who introduced us to some of southeast Arizona’s most familiar, and most charming, birds.

Presented by Rick Wright:

Rick Wright leads a full program of Birds and Art tours in Europe and the Americas for Victor Emanuel Nature Tours. A native of southeast Nebraska, Rick studied French, German, philosophy, and life sciences at the University of Nebraska, where he worked in the bird collections of the State Museum and served as teaching assistant to Paul Johnsgard. After a detour to Harvard Law School, Rick took the M.A. and Ph.D. in German at Princeton University. His years as an academic included appointments as assistant professor of German at the University of Illinois, reader/scholar at Princeton University’s Index of Christian Art, and associate professor of medieval studies at Fordham University.

Among Rick’s scholarly publications are two books on the Latin and German animal literature of the late Middle Ages. Author of the American Birding Association’s field guides to birds of New Jersey and of Arizona, and of the Peterson Reference Guide to North American Sparrows, he is a prolific contributor to the birding literature and a sought-after speaker at festivals, conventions, and workshops.

Based in Tucson from 2004-2010, Rick and his family—his wife, Alison Beringer; their little girl, Avril; and their chocolate lab, Gellert—now live in Bloomfield, New Jersey, but travel widely in search of birds, above all to their beloved southeast Arizona.

Trip Leaders: To Be Decided  

Sunday 01/15/23
26 Southwest Winter Specialties - SUN   Remaining Tickets: 2
Meet at WCC:   6:50 AM  Return:   3:00 PM  $80.00   

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 includes stops at Whitewater Draw and Cochise Stronghold. The tour will look for Scaled Quail, Arizona Woodpecker, Mountain Plover, Sage Sparrow, Chestnut-Collared Longspur, Vermilion Flycatcher, and Bendire's Thrasher, as well as a variety of waterfowl, raptors and shorebirds, 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. Intermediate to Advanced. Includes lunch, drinks, and rest stops.

Trip Leaders: To Be Decided  

27 Daylong Sparrow Seek   Remaining Tickets: 1
Meet at WCC:   7:50 AM  Return:   3:00 PM  $80.00   

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: To Be Decided  

28 Daylong Hawk Stalk   Remaining Tickets: 3
Meet at WCC:   8:50 AM  Return:   3:00 PM  $70.00   

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 Decided  



 



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