[ufbirder]

Hi!

I'm from Gainesville, Florida and will be spending some time in central AZ in mid-June. I'll be attending a conference in Scottsdale from 6/12-6/17. After that, I'll be heading to Sedona for a few days of "hiking" (but, I'm sure the local birds will be competing with the red rocks for my attention).

There are a lot of birds I'd like to see while I'm in the area (at the top of my list would probably be Painted Redstarts, Red-faced and Olive Warblers, Western Tanagers, and Scott's and Hooded Orioles). While in Sedona, I was thinking of checking out the West Fork Trail in Oak Creek Canyon and the Page Springs Fish Hatchery. Just thought I'd see if anyone agreed with those spots or had any additional suggestions.

I'll have a little less time for birding in Scottsdale, but if anyone knows of any places I should check out while I'm there, please let me know. Oh, and does anyone know if an Eared Grebe is possible in either of these areas?

Thanks!!

[Richard Fray]

I wish I could help more but I only know a few places around Pheonix and have only been through Sedona as a tourist.

For the Phoenix area, your best bet is to get Maricopa Audubon's book, Birds of Phoenix and Maricopa County: http://www.tucsonaudubon.org/nature-...dingbooks.html

Many of the ponds around Phoenix are best in winter so there may no be much going on, but a couple of places that always have birds year round are the Rio Salado and Gilbert Water Ranch. Neither are that close to Scottsdale but worth making the effort to get to.

Can't really help with birds in Sedona I'm afraid but it's a great place, you'll love it!

[Robsf49ers]

Originally Posted by ufbirder

Hi!

I'm from Gainesville, Florida and will be spending some time in central AZ in mid-June. I'll be attending a conference in Scottsdale from 6/12-6/17. After that, I'll be heading to Sedona for a few days of "hiking" (but, I'm sure the local birds will be competing with the red rocks for my attention).

There are a lot of birds I'd like to see while I'm in the area (at the top of my list would probably be Painted Redstarts, Red-faced and Olive Warblers, Western Tanagers, and Scott's and Hooded Orioles). While in Sedona, I was thinking of checking out the West Fork Trail in Oak Creek Canyon and the Page Springs Fish Hatchery. Just thought I'd see if anyone agreed with those spots or had any additional suggestions.
Look on GOOGLE EARTH FOR Co RD 535 north off 89a
I'll have a little less time for birding in Scottsdale, but if anyone knows of any places I should check out while I'm there, please let me know. Oh, and does anyone know if an Eared Grebe is possible in either of these areas?

Thanks!!

Hello, I was born and raised in Flagstaff and am living in Tucson I am very familiar with Sedona from the 60s to present. A great place to view from would be on top looking down West fork, Sycamore Canyon, Go to the top of the switch backs, as your heading north to Flag, As you get to the top start looking for a dirt road to your left, take that road, its in good shape better if you are in a SUV. You will climb up for a bit and will crest the top. stay on that road and keep taking lefts, the rim will be to your left, start your searching from their. The main road will take you all the way to I-40 if you keep on it. Stay to the left and you will follow the top of the Rim . You will find clearings to scope from and can do some hiking fro there. Good LUCK. Take Water, Great view of the SAN FRANCISCO PEAKS. P.S. they had over 200 inches of snow you should be able to view water falls that have'nt fallen since the early 80s Take a Camera. Watch out for Tourists stopping in the middle of the road be patient. ENJOY!! Switch Backs are above the Hatchery.
Look on Google Earth start in Sedona go north on 89a climb switch backs, Sterling Springs Hatchery will be on your left half way up the switch Backs you will pass it up if you are not looking for it. This is a great place to visit be carefull not to stop in the road these are hair pin curves with not much of road view, if you pass it up go to the next safe turn out do not try to stop and back please.

[ufbirder]

Great... thanks so much for the tips guys!