Agua Fria National Monument Birding and Picnic
Event Description
The Bureau of Land Management, Sonoran Audubon Society, Prescott Audubon Society, and Arizona Game and Fish Department will host a guided bird walk at Horseshoe Ranch in Agua Fria National Monument.
Attendees can also participate in a “big sit,” which entails remaining at the Horseshoe Ranch and counting all the birds you see from a stationary point.
Following the bird walk, there will be a picnic at the ranch (bring your own food), and then Audubon will re-dedicate the riparian habitat as part of Audubon’s Important Bird Areas (IBA) initiative. As part of the re-dedication new IBA signs will be posted at Horseshoe Crossing, Silver Creek outhouse and kiosk, and River Bend Recreation Area.
We may also do some trash clean-up depending on time and availability of participants. You don’t have to attend all the events. You can come and go as you please.
Sonoran Audubon Society will bring coffee, donuts and extra water.
How do I sign up?
Please RSVP by emailing klaf40@gmail.com to provide a head count for your party so the ranch will know how many people to expect.
How do I get there?
The bird walk will be at Horseshoe Ranch in Agua Fria National Monument (34.261988 N, -112.056996 W), about 75 minutes north of downtown Phoenix.
From Interstate 17, take the Bloody Basin Road Exit 259, just south of Cordes Lakes. Turn east and follow Bloody Basin Road (gravel surface) into the Agua Fria National Monument and continue for about 5 miles where you’ll reach Horseshoe Ranch, a gated entrance on the left. Drive through the entrance down to the ranch and park as instructed by guides.
What should I expect?
We will be walking off trail in relatively easy to moderate terrain. Pants and long-sleeve shirts are recommended to protect skin from scratches and the sun. The weather may be somewhat cool in the morning, but it will warm up quickly. The walk will be in a mix of shade and full sun.
Birding will be relatively slow paced and relaxed primarily in the riparian areas. Guides are very experienced and knowledgeable. We welcome participants of all skills and interests.
Always be aware that rattlesnakes do occur in this area. You should use situational awareness at all times.
What should I bring?
Bring binoculars, water, lunch, snacks, jacket, sunscreen, hat, camera (optional). Pants and long-sleeved shirts are strongly recommended as well as hiking boots with ankle support. Bring a folding chair if you have one for the picnic just in case.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.