24th annual wings over willcox wings 2017.pdfannual wings over willcox event. we hope you enjoy your...

January 11 - 15, 2017

24th Annual

Arizona’s Mecca for Wintering Sandhill Cranes, Raptors & Sparrows

Wings Over Willcox

Wings Over Willcox 2016 - �

Monday - Thursday: 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Friday & Saturday: 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.130 E. Maley Street in Historic Downtown Willcox • 520-384-4423

Big Tex BBQ in the Dining Car

Mesquite Smoked... Ribs • Chicken • Brisket • and the Best Rib-Eye Steaks in Town

SPECIALS: Tuesday - Chicken Fried Steak • Friday - Southern Fried Catfish • Saturday - Baby-back Ribs

Welcome to

Big Tex BBQ!We invite you to enjoy the tas

tiest BBQ

on the planet! Don’t believe us?

Come and try our tangy,

secret-recipe barbeque sauce,

mesquite smoked and slow-cooked brisket,

rib platter and chicken...

We’ll win you over in no time!

You can enjoy a Beer or Wine with your meal!

Our Meeting Room holds 80!

Call us to Cater Your Event!

Authentic Home-MadeMexican FoodThe Best Fajitas in town

with tender, juicy beef, breast of chicken or shrimp.

Monday - Thursday 11 ~ 8Friday & Saturday 11 ~ 9

Closed Sunday

135 E Maley Street Historic Downtown Willcox

766-0859

Local

favorite

You can enjoy a Beer, Wine or Wine Margarita with your meal!

Wings Over Willcox 2017 - �4 - Wings Over Willcox 2017

• Ace Hardware• Civano Nursery• Green Things• Harlow Gardens• Mesquite Valley Growers• OK Feed & Supply•• Santa Rita Lodge• Tohono Chul• The Wild Bird Store• Wild Birds Unlimited Oro Valley• Wild Birds Unlimited Mesa• Wild Birds Unlimited Scottsdale

Illustration byGeorge West

Endorsed by tens-of-thousands of hummers

The Finest Hummingbird Nectar

Wings Over Willcox 2017 - �4 - Wings Over Willcox 2017

Experience Chiricahua, Coronado, or Fort BowieAnd get 15% off any item in the park store

Good for any one regularly priced item non-craft at the Chiricahua National Monument Store, the Coronado National Memorial Store, or the Fort Bowie National Historic Site Store

These park stores are operated by Western National Parks Association, a nonprofit education partner of the National Park Service

Your tax-free purchases help support parks across the West

wnpa.org

nps.gov/chirnps.gov/coronps.gov/fobo

Offer endsMarch 31, 2017

Discover the beauty and history of Arizona’s parks. See the “Wonderland of Rocks” at Chiricahua National Monument, learn about Spanish exploration of the Southwest at Coronado National Memorial, and

gain insight into the conflict between the Chiricahua Apaches and the U.S. military at Fort Bowie National Historic Site. Birding, camping, hiking, history, and scenic wonders—there’s something for everyone!

Wings Over Willcox 2017 - 76 - Wings Over Willcox 2017

Eye ExamsGlasses/Contacts

Cataracts, Glaucoma Diabetic Eye Care

On-Site Optical Shop

See the DetailS in lifeTake charge of your vision and call today.

780 REX ALLEN DRIVE, WILLCOX | SWEYE.COM | 520-384-2427Medicare and Most Secondary Insurances Accepted

• World famous pies• Homemade fudge

• Unique gifts• Gourmet food

Apple Annie’s Country Store

1510 N Circle I Rd, Willcox, AZ 85643The former Stout’s Cider Mill ~ the same

parking lot as the Willcox Chamber

520-766-2084www.appleannies.com

Open daily year-round 8:00 - 5:00

Present this advertisement and receive

10% off your entire purchase.

Expires 5/31/2016.

PUBLISHER: Willcox Chamber of Commerce1500 N. Circle I Rd., Willcox, AZ 85643. www.willcoxchamber.com

PRODUCTION, ADVERTISINGand PHOTOGRAPHY: Peta-Anne Tenney [email protected]

PRINTING: Westpress1663 W. Grant Rd., Tucson 85745-1433520-624-4939 • fax 520-624-2715www.westpress.com

For those of you who plan in advance!

2018 - January 10-14th2019 - January 16-20th2020 - January 15-19th

All the above dates are based on a Wednesday through Sunday festival

and are placed on the Martin Luther King weekend.

Contents

Silent Auction 7Welcome 8Featured Artist 8General Information 9Featured Speakers 11Nature Expo 13Seminar Schedule 15Seminar Descriptions 17Tour Descriptions 24Watching Sandhill Cranes 32Crane Spotting Map 33Lodging & Dining 34City of Willcox Map 35Bars & Wine Tasting 36Event Registration & Souvenir Order Form 37

Online registration opens October 1. Register at www.wingsoverwillcox.com.


Silent AuctionSaturday,

January 148:00 p.m.

A silent auction will be con-ducted at this year’s festival. At-tendees can view items for auction and place their bids throughout the event. The auction will conclude at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday. Winners can pay for and collect their items following the special Saturday evening seminar.

Items will include, paintings, jewelry, optics, books, local craft and food items and much more.

Proceeds from the auction stay local and will go to improve wild-life habitat in the surrounding area. Your donation monies will be mul-tiplied 30-fold.

Help us continue to enhance wildlife viewing and proliferation and win some excellent gifts, as well.

Welcome to Wings Over Willcox!

COVER PHOTO: Linda Turnbull ClineLinda Turnpaugh Cline is a retired senior systems engineer from Ft. Huachuca, located in Sierra Vista, AZ. She picked up her first camera at the age of 7. Since that time, she has been a wedding photographer, a portrait photographer and a landscape/nature photographer. She loves bird photography because birds are beautiful and interesting subjects.

As the President of the Willcox Chamber of Commerce and Agricul-ture, please allow me the opportunity to welcome you to the 24th Annual Wings over Willcox Nature and Bird-ing Festival. Thank you for coming and visiting our community.

Cochise County is rich in history, culture, and natural wonders that pro-vide something for people of all ages. From the final resting place for one of the Earp Brothers, to the natural wonders of the Chiricahua National Monument and mountain range there are many wonderful places to explore and experience. Willcox lies at the center of it all!

While you are here enjoying the birds, I hope you will take advantage of everything we have to offer. Check out our wine tasting rooms, restau-rants and local flavor, whether it be in one of the shops, the views, hikes, or one of the other attractions here.

I hope you enjoy the festival and make it a point to explore everything we have in the desert jewel we call Willcox!

Jared Wilhelm, President,Willcox Chamber of

Commerce and Agriculture

On behalf of the City of Willcox, I welcome everyone to the Wings Over Willcox (WOW) event. Each year WOW gets better and better.

We also encourage you to visit our museums and other historic places of interest on Historic Rail-road Avenue and the surrounding area. Willcox has much to offer and we hope that you will explore and enjoy our city.

We wish to convey a big thank you to all of our wonderful volun-teers who put in a lot of time and effort to make WOW the tremendous success it has been. Please feel free to ask questions of our knowledge-able staff and volunteers. They will be happy to assist you.

Thank you all for attending the annual Wings Over Willcox event. We hope you enjoy your visit and comeback again soon.

Robert A. IrvinMayor, City of Willcox

Welcome to the 24th Annual Wings Over Willcox Nature and Birding Festival. Thank you for join-ing us this year for another wonder-ful time of exploring the nature of the area. It will be an unforgettable experience as we connect with the world around us.

You are going to find that the Wings Committee, the Guides, and the Seminar Speakers have worked hard this year to bring us a great event. Some things are familiar and some new. The amazing adventure that we get to have comes from these dedicated folks. The Special Semi-nars that are offered are a treat that few people get and the speakers are top notch.

There is so much in the Willcox area, from wine, to pistachios, to to-matoes, and more. That is just a small part of the agriculture. The outdoors experience is second to none with the diversity of terrain and wildlife. The wintering Sandhill Cranes of course. Thank you again for choosing to join the adventure of Wings Over Will-cox. See you at the festival.

Alan Baker, Executive DirectorWillcox Chamber of Commerce

and Agriculture.

Wings Over Willcox 2017 - �� - Wings Over Willcox 2017

GENERAL INFORMATION ~ READ THIS PLEASEFrom the rugged peaks of the Dos Cabezas and Chiricahua Mountains to the Dragoon Mountains, stretches the Sulphur Springs Valley, home to a great variety of plant and animal life. This bio-diverse area from grasslands to sky islands is home to a unique mix of flora and fauna and nearly 500 avian species. The Magic Circle of Cochise, which begins and ends in Willcox, offers the outdoor nature enthusiast the opportunity to visit some of the best birding and wildlife attractions in southeastern Arizona. Wings Over Willcox combines adventure, entertainment and education to provide a fun-filled weekend of outdoor nature pleasure for the novice, the expert or the curious.

Tour Participation is Limited. Transportation needs are set in advance; reservation requests are filled on a first-come first-served basis. Registration deadline is December 31. For information on current tour availability, please visit our website at www.wingsoverwillcox.com or call the Willcox Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture at �20-��4-2272.

Registration: To register for tours online go to www.wingsoverwillcox.com and follow registration instructions. Online registration opens October 1. To register by mail, complete the registration form in this booklet, enclose full payment and mail (postmarked no earlier than October �) to Wings Over Willcox, 1500 N. Circle I Road, Willcox, AZ 85643. If you are mailing your registration, please keep in mind that tours sell out quickly and consider checking tour availability on our website or by calling 1-�20-��4-2272 before you mail.

TICKETS WILL NOT BE ISSUED. Your confirmation letter will be your ticket for all events.

Tour Refunds: The Wings Over Willcox Committee reserves the right to cancel or revise any event for any reason. If it becomes necessary to cancel a paid event for which you have a reservation, we will notify you by telephone and/or in writing and issue a full refund. If you cancel your paid event registration by telephone or in writing, the following refund policy will apply: • $10.00 registration fees are not refundable. • Cancellations received by December �1 will be fully refunded. • Cancellations after December �1 will not be refunded except under extenuating circumstances. • Refunds will not be given for no-shows.

Transportation: The most common type of transportation provided for Wings Over Willcox is school buses, thanks to the Willcox Unified School District. Twelve to 15 passenger vans are used for a few of the tours as well. A limited num-ber of handicap vans are available for a few of the tours. These will be marked as handicap accessible tours. Water Bottles that are environmentally friendly will be available for sale (registration form). The Wings Over Willcox Committee will provide water for refilling water bottles. You are welcome to bring your own water bottle or purchase a Wings Over Willcox water bottle with your ticket order or at the registration desk when you arrive.

Weather: Be prepared for COLD mornings (15 degrees) by wearing layered clothing, sturdy shoes and socks, and jackets. All participants should bring rain/mud gear due to the unpredictability of Mother Nature. In the event of inclement weather, there may be additional walking; some tours may need to be cancelled or rerouted due to road conditions. Off-trail hiking may include wet stream crossings. PLEASE CAREFULLY READ ITALICS AT THE END OF TOUR DESCRIPTIONS.

ALL TOURS, SEMINARS AND EVENTS MEET AT THE WILLCOX COMMUNITY CENTER, located at �12 West Stewart Street, unless otherwise noted in the tour description. See the Willcox map in this brochure for the location of venues.

Registration Desk will be open at the Nature Expo will be open at the Willcox Community Center: Willcox Community Center: Thursday, from �:�0 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, from �:�0 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, from �:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.Saturday, from �:�0 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Saturday, from �:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.Sunday, from �:�0 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Sunday, from �:00 a.m. to 12 Noon.

Check us out on the Internet at: www.wingsoverwillcox.com



1251 N Virginia Ave Willcox AZ 85643 At I-10 Exit 340 & Ft FT Grant Rd We are happy to provide exceptional Hotel Services to Wings Over Willcox

and year around guests! Express Start Breakfast including hot items • New Flat Screen LCD TV’s,

Free Business Center • Parking for trucks & horse-trailers

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Willcox’s premiere Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites

WILLCOX287 S. Haskell Ave., Willcox 85643520-384-2208 • 1-800-427-2208

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220 N Haskell Ave, Willcox520-384-6410


FEATURED SPEAKERS:Erv Nichols & Sandra Noll

Erv Nichols and Sandra Noll travel extensively as guides, lecturers and volunteers for nature.

Moving to Socorro, New Mexico in 2006, their naturalist work developed out of a fascination with Sandhill Cranes at Bosque de Apache National Wild-life Refuge. Initially volunteers for the refuge, they have returned the past five years as guest speakers and crane workshop leaders for the refuge’s Festival of the Cranes. For the past 7 years they have also worked as guides and educators for Audubon’s Rowe Sanctuary during the massive spring migration stag-ing of Sandhill Cranes along the Platte River in Nebraska.

In 2015, they were asked to develop a hummingbird program for the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex in California which began a love affair with this tiny bird that has grown to rival their affection for the larger cranes.

Whether from a viewing deck or lecture hall, leading bird walks or canoe/kayak eco-tours, Sandra and Erv’s passion connects people with our nation’s special landscapes and wildlife.

Mark LarsonBirds, wildlife, and nature have fascinated Mark Larson his entire

life, beginning in the backyard of his first home in the Chihuahuan desert of west Texas. Since then, he has lived overseas and traveled widely, always taking note of the natural world around him.

Pursuing his Master’s Degree brought him to Arizona in 1976, and he has been visiting Southeastern Arizona, México, and Central America mostly to see birds, ever since.

In the early 1980s, Mark was asked to help with field work for the book, The Birds of Sonora by Steve Russell and Gale Monson, published by the University of Arizona Press. That work took him to all parts of the state of Sonora, from the Sea of Cortez to the highest peaks in the Sierra Madre Occidental and from the borderland des-erts to the sub-tropical dry forests near the border with Sinaloa, México. He learned in Sonora that there are many species of exotic montane and subtropical birds that may, someday, make an appearance in Arizona.

Since 2010, Mark has been the president of the Maricopa Audubon Society in the Phoenix area. In addition, he has had a long career as an environmental planning consultant and techni-cal writer/editor.

Wings Over Willcox 2017 - 1�12 - Wings Over Willcox 2017

Muleshoe RanchLocated 30 miles NW of Willcox at the southern tip of the Galiuro Mountains in some of Southeastern Arizona’s most beautiful terrain, The Muleshoe Ranch Cooperative Management Area is 49,120 acres of rugged beauty and lush riparian areas with an array of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. This area is a mosaic of public and private land cooperatively managed by The Nature Conservancy, Bureau of Land Management and Coronado National Forest. These three partners work together to conserve and enhance the critical habitat found within the unique Muleshoe Ranch ecosystem.

The Nature Conservancy’s Muleshoe Ranch offers comfortably furnished, fully equipped, historic casitas for relaxing weekend retreats in a riparian oasis.*

The Nature Conservancy in Arizona is a leading conservation organization working locally, with global reach, to protect the land and water on which all life depends. For over 50 years, we have worked with local communities, businesses, state leaders and communities to achieve science-based conservation solutions that sustain Arizona’s fresh water, forests, critical lands, wildlife and rich biodiversity.

For information on how to support our effort visit www.nature.org/muleshoe

For information please contact usPhone: 520.212.4295 Email: [email protected]

*Casita rentals are available to Members of The Nature Conservancy during select weekends from October through April. Contact us for pricing and availability.

Hiking trails open year round for day use. Please visit our website or contact us for policies and restrictions.

Cheryl McLaughlinFinancial Advisor1�1A S Haskell AveWillcox, AZ ��64��20-��4-1��0�00-240-1��4

Straight talk from someone who knows youSound financial advice means only making recommenda-tions that line up with your goals and risk tolerance.Thoughtful guidance: It’s how we make sense of investing.

www.edwardjones.comMember SIPC

Nature Expo!Activities for Kids:

*Geology for Fun on Friday & Saturday mornings*Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum - Live Animals

*Explore crawly critters with Huachuca Area Herpetological Assn.*Going Batty - Learn about flying mammals from Kartchner Caverns

*Discover the amazing wildlife that live at the Chiricahua National Monument*Visit with Smokey the Bear at the USDA Forest Service booth

*Learn about animals, plants and reptiles*Discovery Park Family Tour

*And much more!! Don’t miss the Fun!!

VENDORS EXHIBITING INCLUDE*Amerind Museum

*Arizona Antelope Foundation*Arizona Game and Fish Department

*Arizona Geological Survey*Bureau of Land Management*Bryan Holliday Photography

*Chiricahua National Monument*Dreams Enterprises

*Ducks Unlimited*El Aribabi Conservation Ranch

*Excelsior Mine Company*Food

*Giselle Billeaudeau*Huachuca Area Herpetological Assn.

*National Park Service*Opticron - Sports & Nature Optics

*Pinery Canyon Camp*Saved Objects Soaps & Lotions

*Tom’s Bird Feeders*USDA Forest Service

*The Wild Bird Store - 3160 Ft. Lowell, Tucson, AZDON’T MISS THE FUN!!

The Nature Expo will be open: Thursday, January 12 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, January 13 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Saturday, January 14 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sunday, January 15 8:00 a.m. to Noon


Photos courtesy of

Arizona Range News


FEMA Compliant• Free Hot Breakfast• Free Remote Cable TV w/CNN, ESPN & HBO• Outdoor Pool• Guest Laundry• 40 miles from Kartchner Caverns• Wyndham Rewards Points

Directions: At I-10 Exit 340 (Rex Allen Drive)

724 N Bisbee Ave, Willcox, AZ520-384-4222

Special Rates for Wings over Willcox

Thank You to all our great sponsors.

“Travel the Magic Circle of Cochise”Easy-On, Easy-Off I-10 at Exit 340

520-384-3212700 N. VIRGINIA, WILLCOX, AZ 85643

[email protected]

Birders Paradise

“Home to many feathered friends”

ASK ABOUT OUR “4-DAY SPECIAL”* FREE WI-FI *

Seminar ScheduleWings Over Willcox 2017 - 1�14 - Wings Over Willcox 2017

The Wings Over Willcox Committee and the Willcox Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture appreciate all these wonderful volunteers who have donated

time, effort and dollars to ensure the success of this year’s Wings Over Willcox. THANK YOU!

Thursday, January 122:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Crane Basics: Information to Enhance Sandhill Crane ObservationFireplace Room Erv Nichols & Sandra Noll

4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Our Unique Sky Islands Biodiversity!Fireplace Room Vincent Pinto

6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Welcoming ReceptionMain Ballroom Refreshments & Entertainment

Friday, January 1310:00 a.m. – 12:00 Geology Fun for KidsDining Room Tom Olson

11:00 a.m. – 12 Noon Optics 101: Choosing the Best Birding Optics for YouFireplace Room Chip Clouse

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Increasing Backyard DiversityFireplace Room Jon Friedman

2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Chiricahua National Monument - Kids ProgramDining Room National Park Service Staff

2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. The American Bald EagleFireplace Room Erv Nichols & Sandra Noll

4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Astronomy in the Southwest and Beyond . . .Fireplace Room John Ratje

Special Evening Event $156:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Dessert, Wine Tasting and Hummingbird Seminar: Fast, Feisty, Flamboyant - Hummingbirds of the Sulphur Springs ValleyFireplace Room Erv Nichols & Sandra Noll

Saturday, January 148:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. Crane Basics: Information to Enhance Sandhill Crane ObservationFireplace Room Erv Nichols & Sandra Noll

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Copper in the DesertFireplace Room Excelsior Mine Company

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 Geology Fun for KidsDining Room Tom Olson

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 a.m. Arizona’s Venomous Reptiles Fireplace Room Jim Rorabaugh

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Wild Burros and Horses in ArizonaFireplace Room Roger Oyler, Bureau of Land Management

2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Going Batty - Kids ProgramDining Room Kartchner Caverns Staff

2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Reintroducing Big Horn Sheep in the Catalina Mountains Fireplace Room Mark Hart, Arizona Game & Fish Dept.

4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Geology of the Chiricahua National Monument and Texas CanyonFireplace Room Michael Conway, Arizona Geological Survey

Special Evening Event $156:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Dessert, Wine Tasting and Birds of the Southwest SeminarFireplace Room Mark Larson, Maricopa Audubon Society


Thank You to all our wonderful sponsors.

ORLANDO’S BARBER SHOP

Since 1963

111 S Haskell Ave., Willcox

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Melissa Herrera-DiPeso, Broker130 N. Haskell Ave., Willcox, AZ 85643

www.dipesorealty.com

David DiPeso, Associate Broker/REALTOR® 520-586-2122Kathy Mendez, Associate Broker/REALTOR® 507-2128Rey Martinez, REALTOR® 507-2779Cheryl Layton, REALTOR® 507-2435Tama Atwell, REALTOR® 520-982-1944Ashley Finley, REALTOR® 507-1858Sam Lindsey, REALTOR® 507-1103Nancy Welch, REALTOR® 520-405-1077Ashley Finley, REALTOR® 507-1858

Se habla espanol

Melissa DiPeso, Rey Martinez, Cheryl Layton, Tama Atwell, David DiPeso, Ashley Finley, Sam Lindsey, Kathy Mendez and Nancy Welch.

DiPeso Realty

Thursday, January 12, 2017Crane Basics: Information to Enhance

Sandhill Crane ObservationErv Nichols & Sandra Noll

2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.Crane Basics is an introductory workshop on the lives of

Sandhill Cranes. Participants will learn interesting facts about crane biology and be-havior that will enhance their crane-watching experience. Cranes are especially fascinat-ing birds to observe once you understand their body language and range of vocalizations. Facts about these fascinating birds are delivered with a bit of humor and beautiful pho-tos to boot! The programs last

approximately 45 min., including Q&A. Following this seminar participants and take in the Sunset Sandhill Crane Tour led by the speakers.Seminar Speakers: Erv Nichols and Sandra Noll travel extensively as birders, lecturers and volunteers for nature. When volunteering, the retired couple exchanges their skills as naturalists, photographers and interpretive guides for an RV hook-up or lodging at a wide variety of Nation-al and State Parks, FWS Refuges, Audubon Centers, etc. Power point programs, field guide services, and workshops are also available by individual contact. Whether from a viewing deck or lecture hall, leading bird walks, nature hikes, or canoe excursions, their passion connects people with our nation’s special landscapes and wildlife.

Our Unique Sky Islands Biodiversity!Vincent Pinto

4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.Southeast Arizona is renowned destination for not only birders, but also to all those interested in Nature. Here the confluence of a number of major biomes, favorable weather patterns, and geography all conspire to make the region a biodiversity hotspot. Join Wildlife Biologist and Naturalist Vincent Pinto for a fun and engaging explora-tion of the area’s unique flora and fauna via a stunning slide show. Discover beautiful Mexican specialty Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians, Mammals, and Plants - many more typical of Mexico. Vincent will cover not only the identi-fication of these species, but also their fascinating natu-ral histories and pertinent Conservation Issues. See how Jaguars, Elegant Trogons, Brown Vine Snakes, Tarahu-

Seminar Descriptions Wings Over Willcox 2017 - 1716 - Wings Over Willcox 2017

Continued on Page 18

mara Frogs, Western Coral Beans, and many other spe-cies make the Sky Islands a one-of-a-kind destination!Seminar Speaker: Wild-life Biologist, Naturalist, Bird Guide, Ethnobotanist, and Wilderness Survival Instructor - Vincent wears many hats! He has a B.S. in wildlife Biology from the University of Montana and an M.A. in Ethnobotany from Prescott College. Vincent has been leading nature tours and adventures across the country and in southeast Arizo-na since 1987. Vincent passionately strives to educate and inspire people of all ages about the unique biodiversity of Arizona’s Sky Islands Region via RAVENS-WAY WILD JOURNEYS - his Nature Adventure & Conservation Orga-nization. RAVENS-WAY programs include: Custom Bird Tours, Wildlife Safaris, Wilderness Survival workshops, Ethnobotany Adventures, and Astronomy Sky Tours. His Wildlife field research has included Spotted Owls (in 3 states), Southwestern Willow Flycatchers, Gould’s Wild Turkey, and Marine Fish in the Bering Sea. Vincent and his wife, Claudia, own two Nature Sanctuaries. The 42-acre Raven’s Nest by Patagonia Lake State Park and Sonoita Creek State Natural Area, offers a luxury Safari Camp for birders and nature lovers who wish to stay overnight to enjoy the unique biodiversity of the area. The bird list for Raven’s Nest includes: Montezuma Quail, Grey Hawk, Zone-tailed Hawk, Black-bellied Whistling Duck, North-ern Beardless Tyrannulet, Crissal Thrasher, 11 Warblers, Varied Bunting, and numerous Sparrows. The completely wild 50-acre Raven’s Mountain Sanctuary in the eastern Chiricahua Mountains is overshadowed by Portal Peak and boasts an impressive list of wildlife as well. Vincent & Claudia practice sustainable ecosystem management on both of their Sky Islands Nature Sanctuaries. Visit: www.ravensnatureschool.org

Welcoming Reception & Mixer6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

All participants, vendors, tour leaders, seminar speakers and local community members are invited to the Welcom-ing Reception for the 24th Annual Wings Over Willcox Birding & Nature Festival. The reception is held at the Willcox Community Center at 312 West Stewart Street. Join us for light snacks and for an opportunity to meet and greet seminar speakers, tour guides, Wings committee

Seminar Descriptions Wings Over Willcox 2017 - 1�1� - Wings Over Willcox 2017

members, vendors, locals and other event attendees. There will be musical entertainment during the reception. All are invited for an evening of tasty refreshments, excellent en-tertainment and great conversation.

Friday, January 13, 2017Geology Fun for Kids

Tom Olson10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon

Join Tom Olson of Geology Fun for Kids in a fun work-shop on Arizona geology. Mr. Olson will show how to make your own fossils, explain the Geology of Arizona and the area and tell why we have the landscapes today. Children will get a better understanding of how fossils are made and where to look for them.SeminarSpeaker: Tom Olson was raised in the White Mountains in Eastern Arizona, with extinct volcanoes abundant, which fueled his passion for rocks and fossils. He wanted to be a Geologist and taught himself till he went to college to achieve his dream. He has been pub-lished 11 times in Scientific Journals on rare dinosaur and other fossil finds and had a fossil sponge named after him during the last year of his college career. During his col-lege years he started a program for kids on Geology and continued this business for 21 years. He has worked in the Grand Canyon, Fossil Butte National Monument, Petrified Forest National Park, Zion National Park and other areas where fossils are found. In 1993, he discovered the oldest dinosaur and Mammal fossil footprints to be found in the same rock layer. His latest finds in Arizona are fossil shark which shows lineage to the great white sharks today. [email protected]

Optics 101: Choosing the Best Birding Optics for YouChip Clouse

11:00 a.m. -12:00 a.m.10x50, 8x42, close focus, field of view, eye relief, inter-pupilary distance - what do the numbers and terms actu-ally mean? Chip Clouse from Opticron optics will teach you the basics and some in-depth knowledge for choosing what binoculars and spotting scopes will work best for you and your budget. Whether buying your first pair, upgrad-ing to a better one or going for the investment of a lifetime, Chip’s seminar is a must for those seeking to get the most out of their birding (or other use) optics.Seminar Speaker: Chip Clouse is a long-time avian bi-ologist and environmental educator who is presently a contractor for Opticron after spending 2 years as their US Sales Manager. He is also the former Director of Educa-

ALLRED LAW OFFICE, PC

JUSTIN C. ALLREDATTORNEY AT LAW

151-B S. Haskell Ave.Willcox AZ, 85643

(520)384-4228Fax: (520)384-4230

E-mail: [email protected]

Visit us at www.bootheelbank.comor stop by any of our locations in

Lordsburg, NMSilver City, NM

Willcox, AZand Bisbee, AZ

Western Bank extends a hearty

Welcome to all Birders


Wings Over Willcox 2017 - 1�1� - Wings Over Willcox 2017

Seminar Descriptions tion and Outreach for the American Birding Association, as well as the Birders’ Exchange Coordinator. He has been selling and repairing optics since 1994. When not travel-ing and leading festival field trips for Opticron, he man-ages the Front Range Birding Company near Denver, CO where he spends as much time birding as possible.

Increasing Backyard DiversityJon Friedman

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.Southern Arizona is well-recognized as an outstanding birding location throughout most of the year and routinely attracts birders from all points across the continent. We are fortunate to be able to observe more species than almost any other region in the country. This seminar will address why this is in general and, more specifically, how backyard

birders can increase the number of species in their yards by provid-ing the major needs that all species require – not just to survive but to thrive! Beginning with the basics means providing: a variety of foods; a reliable source of fresh water daily for drinking and bathing; housing, roosting and

nesting opportunities; shelter from climatic conditions and protection from predators; and suitable habitat to accom-modate and encourage normal living conditions.All attendees can benefit from this seminar: whether they are beginners and new to backyard birding; have some experience, want to expand their knowledge base and in-crease the number of species that visit their yards; or are very experienced and seasoned veterans to backyard bird-ing who want to learn how to solve any given problem. Attendees will learn tips to attracting birds with relatively little effort, expense or time. The more time we can spend observing our feeding stations and backyard habitats, the more we are rewarded. Birders understand that patience is always rewarded. A question and answer session will fol-low the seminar.SeminarSpeaker: Jon Friedman has been passionate about birds since early childhood. By the age of 8 he began mak-ing bird houses and feeders from common, everyday mate-rials such as cardboard boxes and milk cartons. His inter-est in birds has grown exponentially throughout his life. He has written and published over 150 articles on various aspects of birding and, nearly 30 years ago, founded and

operated an independent, non-franchise business to assist all birders in gaining experience, supplies and knowledge to further their interest in birding. The Wild Bird Store, 3160 East Fort Lowell Road, Tucson, Arizona has one of the largest inventories of birding supplies in the country and focuses on manufacturing complete lines of innova-tive feeder designs, housing solutions, a wide variety of foods, and related items. Many birding articles and ex-clusively designed, hand-crafted items can be viewed our website wildbirdsonline.com.

Chiricahua Is Our Home - Kids ProgramChiricahua National Monument/National Park Ser-

vice Staff2:00 a.m. -4:00 p.m.

Discover some of the many animals that live at the Chir-icahua National Monument. Birds, mammals, insects, rep-tiles: how is each group different? What special character-istics, adaptations, do they have to survive the cold winters and hot summers? Become a detective during this program to solve the mysteries of the amazing wildlife found at Chiricahua National Monument. Craft activity included. All ages are welcome.

The American Bald EagleErv Nichols and Sandra Noll

2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.This seminar provides an up-close and personal introduc-

tion to our national symbol. Generously illustrated and laced with humor this program highlights facts about the biol-ogy and behavior of a unique species while generating kin-ship with this magnificent bird. Seminar Speakers: Erv Nich-ols and Sandra Noll travel extensively as birders, lectur-ers and volunteers for nature. When volunteering, the retired

couple exchanges their skills as naturalists, photographers and interpretive guides for an RV hook-up or lodging at a wide variety of National and State Parks, FWS Refuges, Audubon Centers, etc. Power point programs, field guide services, and workshops are also available by individual contact. Whether from a viewing deck or lecture hall, lead-ing bird walks, nature hikes, or canoe excursions, their pas-sion connects people with our nation’s special landscapes and wildlife.


Astronomy in the Southwest and Beyond…John Ratje

4:00 p.m. -5:00 p.m.John Ratje, recently retired as Director of the Mt. Graham International Observatory, and who has followed the sci-ence of astronomy since junior high school, will review astronomy in the Southwest from ancient times to the present. Through photographs, we will briefly visit the Mt. Graham Observatory, just 30 miles north of Willcox at an elevation of 10,500 feet, home to three unique tele-scopes including the world’s largest optical telescope. And then “expand your horizons” with a whirlwind tour ex-ploring our solar system, the Milky Way Galaxy, and our “spot” in the inconceivably large universe. Following this seminar attendees can participate with John in the Amaz-ing Astronomy Tour.Seminar Speaker: John Ratje, recently retired Director of the Mt. Graham International Observatory, received his B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering from New Mexico State University in 1974. An amateur astronomer since ju-nior high school, he loves to “tinker” with the night sky. He was employed by Steward Observatory, the research arm for the Department of Astronomy at the University of Arizona, and was involved with all aspects (environ-mental analysis, design, construction and operation) of the Mt. Graham Observatory located north of Willcox in the Pinaleño Mountains

SPECIAL EVENING EVENTHummingbird Seminar with Dessert & Wine Tasting

Fast, Feisty, Flamboyant – Hummingbirds of the Sulphur Springs Valley

Come enjoy a delicious dessert of Apple Annie’s pie, along with other local treats accompanied by wine tastings from

several of our local wineries while learning about humming-birds. Join birders and natural-ists, Sandra Noll and Erv Nich-ols, to explore the secret lives of these remarkable little birds that inhabit a world largely invisible to us. This photo-rich program slows down the fast forward lives of hummingbirds! Once you have become familiar with the species, the focus will turn

to hummingbird identification and the hummingbirds spe-cific to the Sulphur Springs Valley.

Saturday, January 14, 2017Crane Basics: Information to Enhance

Sandhill Crane ObservationCombination Seminar and Tour: Crane Basics

followed by Cranes & Winter Birds of Whitewater Draw and the Sulphur Springs Valley

Erv Nichols & Sandra Noll8:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.

Crane Basics is an introductory workshop on the lives of Sandhill Cranes. Participants will learn interesting facts

about crane biology and be-havior that will enhance their crane-watching experience. Cranes are especially fascinat-ing birds to observe once you understand their body lan-guage and range of vocaliza-tions. Facts about these fasci-nating birds are delivered with a bit of humor and beautiful photos to boot! The programs last approximately 45 min., including Q&A This seminar in the introduction to the

Seminar Speakers: Erv Nichols and Sandra Noll travel extensively as birders, lecturers and volunteers for nature. When volunteering, the retired couple exchanges their skills as naturalists, photographers and interpretive guides for an RV hook-up or lodging at a wide variety of Nation-al and State Parks, FWS Refuges, Audubon Centers, etc. Power point programs, field guide services, and workshops are also available by individual contact. Whether from a viewing deck or lecture hall, leading bird walks, nature hikes, or canoe excursions, their passion connects people with our nation’s special landscapes and wildlife.

Copper in the DesertExcelsior Mine Company

10:00 a.m.- 11:00 a.m.Copper is one of the five top industries in Arizona. Ex-celsior Mine Company will be sharing their green mining technology with you in this educational seminar as it ap-plies to their Gunnison Project. You’ll learn how today’s technology allows for mining copper while conserving water and protecting the environment. The Gunnison site is located within the copper porphyry belt near Texas Can-yon. Biodiversity studies have concluded that the site is not harmful to any endangered species. You’ll also gain knowledge about the history of the Willcox Basin. Come and see how this green technology benefits wildlife and

Seminar Descriptions

phibians and reptiles of Sonora, Mexico.

Wild Burros and Horses in ArizonaRobert Oyler

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.In the mid-20th century, harvesting of wild horses for com-mercial purposes induced a Reno, Nevada, secretary – Velma Johnston – to begin a cam-paign that led to passage of a 1959 law to protect these iconic animals. Follow-up efforts resulted in the enactment of the Wild Free-Roaming Hors-es and Burros Act of 1971, the landmark law that directs Federal management of wild horses and burros on U.S. public lands. The Act declares wild horses and burros to be “living symbols of the historic and pioneer spirit of the West.” Under the law, the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service manage herds in their respective jurisdictions within areas where wild horses and burros were found roaming in 1971. To help carry out its assign-ment, the BLM established the Wild Horse and Burro Program, through which the agency manages and protects wild horses and burros, both on and off the range, while striving to maintain rangeland health. The BLM uses its Adoption Program as the primary tool to place these iconic animals into private care. The horses and burros available for adoption come from overpopulated Herd Management Areas where vegetation and water could become scarce if too many animals, including wildlife and livestock, use the area. Roger Oyler, the Wild Horse and Burro Specialist at the AZ BLM’s State Office will cover a general overview of the program and how adoptions work.Seminar Speaker: Roger Oyler is the State Program Lead for the Wild Horse and Burro Program in Arizona. He has 40 years of service with the Federal Government starting out as a Range Conservationist in New Mexico. In 1985, he moved to Tonopah, Nevada where he became involved in the Wild Horse and Burro Program. In 1992, he moved to Yuma, Arizona, as the Wild Horse and Burro Specialist for that office. He has spent the last 24 years managing primarily wild burros and has become knowledgeable of their habits and characteristics. Since 2008, he has man-aged the Wild Horse and Burro Program for Arizona and has years of experience in gathers, preparing the captured animals for adoption, and the adoption process.



Seminar Descriptions the environment while improving the local economy.Seminar Speaker: Excelsior Mine Company Staff

Geology Fun for KidsTom Olson

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noonJoin Tom Olson of Geology Fun for Kids in a fun work-shop on Arizona geology. Mr. Olson will show how to make your own fossils, explain the Geology of Arizona and the area and tell why we have the landscapes today. Children will get a better understanding of how fossils are made and where to look for them.Seminar Speaker: Tom Olson was raised in the White Mountains in Eastern Arizona, with extinct volcanoes abundant, which fueled his passion for rocks and fossils. He wanted to be a Geologist and taught himself till he went to college to achieve his dream. He has been pub-lished 11 times in Scientific Journals on rare dinosaur and other fossil finds and had a fossil sponge named after him during the last year of his college career. During his col-lege years he started a program for kids on Geology and continued this business for 21 years. He has worked in the Grand Canyon, Fossil Butte National Monument, Petrified Forest National Park, Zion National Park and other areas where fossils are found. In 1993, he discovered the oldest dinosaur and Mammal fossil footprints to be found in the same rock layer. His latest finds in Arizona are fossil shark which shows lineage to the great white sharks today. [email protected]

Arizona’s Venomous ReptilesJim Rorabaugh

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.Arizona is home to 15 species of dangerously venomous reptiles, including the Gila Monster, Sonoran Coral Snake, and about 13 species of rattlesnake. The state’s reptile fauna also includes several mildly venomous snakes that are not dangerous to humans. Identifica-tion as well as natural history of these fasci-nating animals will be covered in this talk.Seminar Speaker: Jim Rorabaugh worked for the Fish and Wildlife Service in Arizona for 20 years, specializing in amphibian and rep-tile conservation. He has a book published about the am-


Geology of the Chiricahua National Monument and Texas CanyonMichael Conway

4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Curious about the dramatic pedestals, spires and balanced boulders that characterize the distinctive landscape in Texas Canyon and the Chiricahua National Monument? The Chiricahua Apaches called these formations “stand-ing up rocks.” In this seminar geologist, Michael Conway, will explain why the spectacular rocks in these areas look so different, what kind of rocks they are, and how these unique pinnacles were formed. Seminar Speaker: Michael Conway is chief of the Arizona Geological Survey’s Geologic Extension Service. Conway joined the Survey in April 2007 after a decade teaching geology at Arizona Western College, Yuma, AZ. Before that he was a research geologist at the Center for Nuclear Waste Regulatory Analyses in San Antonio, TX, where he conducted original research on young volcanic systems in Nicaragua, Kamchatka, Russia and northern Arizona.

*** NEW! *** SPECIAL EVENING EVENTThe Birds of Southeastern Arizona and

Why Arizona’s Sky Islands, and the Chiricahua Mountains, are Special

Mark LarsonCome enjoy wine tastings from several of our local winer-ies along with some tasty food (hors d’oeuvres & fruit), while learning about the Birds of Southeastern Arizona & the surrounding Sky Islands. We are fortunate that the natural world knows nothing of our political borders. Ari-zona just happens to contain some northern outliers, if you will, of the Sierra Madre Occidental of México. This range of mountains and its parallel range, the Sierra Madre Ori-ental, form the spine of northern México, separating east

Seminar Descriptions Going Batty – Kids Program

Kartchner Caverns State Park Staff2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Can you fly with your hands? Bats can! Bats are the only flying mammals. In this seminar kids will

learn interesting facts about bats and make their own bat to keep as a souvenir of the program.

Reintroducing Big Horn Sheep in the Catalina Mountains of Arizona

Mark Hart2:30 p.m. -3:30 p.m.

With environmentalists and sportsmen as advi-sors, the Arizona Game and Fish Department reintroduced Desert big-horn sheep to the Santa Catalina Mountains bor-dering Tucson in 2013. Technological advance-

ments and improved habitat made possible reintroduction of the bighorns, which disappeared from the Catalinas in the late 1990s for reasons unknown. After a challeng-ing start, the new herd has stabilized in the Pusch Ridge Wilderness, the historic center of their range there. Such translocations of bighorn sheep to ensure genetic diversity and utilize all available habitat have resulted in Arizona’s bighorn sheep population growing from 1,500 to 6,000 since 1957Seminar Speaker: Mark Hart is a public information of-ficer with the Arizona Game and Fish Department in Tuc-son. He serves as department spokesman for southeast-ern Arizona news media, and manages information and education programs throughout the region. Hart joined the department in 2009, and has also served as a public in-formation officer for the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, as well as the Department of Emer-gency and Military Affairs. In addition, he is an agency representative to the federal Borderlands Management Task Force. Hart, a contributor to the Arizona Daily Star and a Best of Gannett award recipient, earned a bachelor’s degree with high honors from Loyola University of Chicago in 1981.


Thank You to all our wonderful Community Sponsors.

from west, the Gulf of Mexico watershed from the Sea of Cortez watershed. In this talk, we will explore the ecological and avifau-nal links between the Sierra Madre of north-ern México and the Desert Sky Islands of Southeastern Arizona, with particular empha-

sis on the Chiricahuas. We will discuss the rare species of birds that have appeared there and some that may, in the future, be expected to occur.Seminar Speaker: Birds, wildlife, and nature have fasci-nated Mark Larson his entire life, beginning in the backyard of his first home in the Chihuahuan desert of west Texas. Since then, he has lived overseas and traveled widely, al-ways taking note of the natural world around him. After graduating from college in Virginia with a degree in

Seminar Descriptions forestry and wildlife, he came to Arizona in 1976 to pursue a Master’s degree in geography at the University of Ari-zona. He has been visiting Southeastern Arizona, México, and Central America mostly to see birds, ever since. In the early 1980s, Mark was asked to help with field work for the book, The Birds of Sonora by Steve Russell and Gale Monson, subsequently published by the Univer-sity of Arizona Press. That work took him to all parts of the state of Sonora, from the Sea of Cortez to the highest peaks in the Sierra Madre Occidental and from the border-land deserts to the sub-tropical dry forests near the border with Sinaloa, México. He learned in Sonora that there are many species of exotic montane and subtropical birds that may, someday, make an appearance in Arizona. Since 2010, Mark has been the president of the Maricopa Audubon Society, a large non-profit environmental con-servation and environmental education organization in the Phoenix area. In addition, he has had a long career as an environmental planning consultant and technical writer/editor. He makes his home in Scottsdale, Arizona.


All tours depart promptly 15 minutes after the stated departure time. All participants are encouraged take a water bottle on the tours! If you do not have your own bottle, water bottles that are environmentally friendly will be available

for sale at the WOW registration booth. Water for refilling bottles will be provided at the festival. Tour fees may be found on the registration form contained in this booklet and on the website.

Please read the General Information for recommendations on how to prepare for weather conditions and pertinent information concerning the Festival.

TOUR DESCRIPTIONS: Wednesday & Thursday January 11 & 12

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11Ghost Towns of Southeast Arizona – Overnight – Tour Limit 10Terry and Kelly Rowden8:00 a.m. Wednesday, returns 3:30 p.m. ThursdayLeaves at 8:00 a.m. Wednesday, after a 30 min presentation, returns 3:30 on ThursdayThe tour starts with a 30-minute review of photographs of the towns and mining camps in their “hey day”.

Step back in time and experience the real Wild West of yesteryear on a two- day trip to Cochise County’s ghost towns. Explore four Arizona ghost towns and learn about the fascinating his-tory and demise of these historic sites. Lunches, dinner, bottled water and drinks, overnight ac-commodations, transportation by mini-bus and professional guides

are included. Your tour guides will discuss early life in these towns and showcase ghost town ruins, a restored jail, historic schoolhouse, hotel, cemeteries and other build-ings. Picnic lunch stop at one of two ghost towns. Spend the night in the mile-high city of Bisbee at the allegedly- haunted Copper Queen Hotel built in 1898 as a place for dignitaries and mining investors to relax in luxury. Dinner in the Cooper Queen is followed by a presentation of the haunting tales about the ghosts of Bisbee and the hotel’s resident ghosts. After breakfast Thursday, participants will tour the Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum. The tour re-turns to Willcox via the remaining two ghost towns with a lunch stop at the OK Cafe in famous Tombstone, Arizona. Participants will learn about events and historic characters that shaped the area including Doc Holiday’s woman Big Nose KateIncludes accommodations and all meals from Wednes-day lunch to Thursday lunch. Water, tea and sodas pro-vided with lunches& dinner. Alcoholic beverages at hotel are NOT provided but available at your cost. Vegetarian meals available WITH PRIOR REQUEST.Moderate walking, 1/4 to 1/2 mile at each stop.Accommodations: Single or Double occupancy, queen beds. Participants must contact the Willcox Chamber to reserve your overnight accommodations.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 12Cave Creek Ranch and Canyon Montane Birding - Overnight - Tour Limit 8Mark Larson Leaves 5:30 a.m. on Thursday, returns 4:30 p.m. FridayJoin Mark Larson, President of the Maricopa Audubon, for a trip to the eastern side of the Chiricahua Mountains and Cave Creek Canyon. This tour begins with a trip to the his-toric town of Portal, AZ with birding stops along the way, then proceeds to the world-renown Cave Creek Canyon in the Chiricahua Mountains. Lodging is at the comfort-able cottages and lodges of Cave Creek Ranch. Some of the best birding in the United States is in the Chiricahua Mountains, Portal, and at Cave Creek Ranch. This area is the most biodiverse landmass on the continent of North America, and the bird life reflects that. Cave Creek Can-yon is the largest and best watered canyon in the Chir-icahuas, and Cave Creek Ranch sits in the mouth of the canyon. The yard list for Cave Creek Ranch rivals any in the United States. Expect to view various species of resident birds such as Bridled Titmouse and Mexican Jay, Montezuma Quail, Gambel Quail, Blue Throated Humming-bird, Magnificent Hummingbird, Arizona Woodpecker, various sparrow, thrashers and raptors, and wintering birds such as Williamson’s Sapsucker, Cassin’s Finch and Townsend’s Solitaire. You may also see deer, javelin, or a coati there. Please be aware that there may be snow in the area and prepare accordingly. Access to some areas may be re-stricted due to weather.Includes accommodations and all meals from Thursday lunch to Friday lunch. Vegetarian meals available upon prior request. Participants must contact the Willcox Chamber to reserve your overnight accommodations.

Half Day Photography – Tour Limit 8Bryan Holliday5:15 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. 1:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

These tours, led by an award-winning, professional wildlife photographer, will include visits to Whitewater Draw and other southeastern Arizona popular wildlife sites, to photograph Sandhill Cranes taking flight and other birds and wildlife in the area. Choose which to half-day tour fits your schedule.

Less than 1/2 mile of walking. Beginning, Intermediate to Advanced Photographers. Includes snacks, drinks and rest stops.

Sunset Sandhill Crane – Tour Limit 25Erv Nichols and Sandra Noll3:45 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.This tour will start will a circuit of Co-chise Lake for late afternoon arrivals of waterfowl. The next stop will be a known roosting site as dusk begins to fall. Sandhill Cranes can be seen com-ing in from the fields to spend the night. Be sure to check out the free seminar on Crane Basics: Information to Enhance Sandhill Crane Observation presented by Erv and Sandra from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. prior to the tour.Approximately ¾ mile of walking is re-quired 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. Beginner. Includes rest stops.

***Welcoming Reception***Refreshments & Entertainment

6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.Main Ballroom

FRIDAY, JANUARY 13Continental Breakfast - Free5:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.Join The Wings Over Willcox crew and other attendees for a complimentary Continental Breakfast at the Community Center. There will be some good things to eat and good conversation. Donations accepted.

Sunrise Sandhill Crane – Tour Limit 40Wings Staff5:45 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.Watch Sandhill Cranes take flight as they begin their morn-ing feeding. This incredible take-off is a must see.Local wildlife guides who track the flocks will provide the local location.Approximately ¾ mile of easy walking is required. The walking is along an unpaved road with possible uneven surfaces. Be prepared for a cold morning; prior to sun-rise below freezing temperatures are possible. Bring a flashlight for pre-sun-rise walk. Beginner.

Day-Long Hawk Stalk – Tour Limit 12Richard Filley7:45 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.Hawk experts will travel the length of the Sulphur Springs Valley pursuing more than 15 species of hawks, eagles, falcons, and owls. Glimpses of javelina and mule deer may add to your viewing pleasure. Less than ½ mile of easy walking. Beginner to Advanced. Includes lunch, drinks, and rest stops.

A Naturalist Saunter to Chiricahua National Monument – Tour Limit 12Vincent Pinto7:50 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.Join Wildlife Biologist, Nat-uralist, & Ethnobotanist Vin-cent Pinto for a full day of Birding and Nature explora-tion in stunning Chiricahua National Monument. Here you’ll wander the park’s fa-mous hoodoos or rock spires,

Continued on page 26





TOUR DESCRIPTIONS: Thursday & Friday January 12 & 13


learning about their geologic history, while keeping an eye out for many of the areas famous birds. Prairie Falcon, Montezuma Quail, Greater Roadrunner, Northern Pygmy Owl, Arizona Woodpecker, Bridled Titmouse, Plain Tit-mouse, Mexican Jay, Townsend’s Solitaire, Phainopepla, Pyrrhuloxia, wintering Warblers, and several Sparrows are all among the possible species at the Monument. When we’re not spotting birds the focus will shift to a variety of complimentary topics, including: Botany, Ethnobotany (human uses of native plants), Wildlife Tracking, Wilder-ness Survival, & Human History. You’ll be dazzled by the otherworldly beauty and biodiversity of this unique Sky Islands field trip! This trip is moderate to difficult and will cover approximately 3.5 miles roundtrip. The terrain will usually be rocky with some relatively steep ups & downs on trails. We may encounter some snow and ice along the trails and will adjust our pace accordingly. Generally the pace will be slow to moderate. Hik-ing poles are recommended but not mandatory. Wear weather appropriate clothing, comfortable hiking shoes, and hat. Bring a day pack sufficient to hold your lunch and large water bottles with several quarts of water.

Fun and Easy Birding Sampler –Tour Limit 8Erv Nichols & Sandra Noll8:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

A slower paced tour. Easy viewing will be emphasized on this trip designed for birders with limitations of endurance or mobility. We will visit locations identified by wildlife

experts to view a variety of spe-cies such as waterfowl, shore-birds, raptors, sparrows, and pos-sibly Sandhill Cranes. Most birding will be done from the vehicle or in close proxim-ity to the vehicle and the short excursions will be wheelchair accessible. Beginner to Interme-diate. Includes rest stops. Handi-capped accessible.

Agronomics in the Sulphur Springs Valley – Tour Limit 20Tedd Haas 8:45 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.Willcox has an amazing agricultural industry. Travel with one of the area’s life-long growers to various agricul-ture operations to see how food is grown in the desert. Willcox is home of varied agricul-ture products which in-clude: chilies, grapes, pinto beans, dairy, corn, cotton, beef, pecans, pistachios, apples, tomatoes, and much more. This tour will let you see first-hand how much is produced in this valley as you visit some of these opera-tions. Depending on what is in season and interests of the attendees, will determine where the tour takes you. Will-cox is the 2nd largest producer of pistachios in the country, 80% of the wine grapes in Arizona come from Willcox and it is home to a 380- acre tomato greenhouse. The tour will wrap up with a visit to the Golden Rule Vineyard and Pistachio Orchard where wine tasting is an option at an ad-ditional cost. So join our amazing guide for an inside look at Arizona agriculture at its best.Approximately 3/4 mile of easy walking. Includes lunch, drinks, and rest stops.

Stronghold & Sunsites Specialties – Tour Limit 158:45 a.m. – 5:00p.m.This tour will explore the Dragoon Mountain’s Cochise Stronghold area for wintering species such as Montezuma Quail, Painted Redstart, Arizona and Acorn Woodpeckers, White-winged Dove, Juniper and Bridled Titmice, Spotted and Canyon Towhees, Western and Mountain Bluebirds, as well as a large variety of sparrows, raptors, and thrush-es. A late afternoon drive through the Sunsites area will look for Scaled Quail, sparrows, and other birds. Approximately two miles of hiking with several stops. In-termediate to Advanced. Includes lunch, drinks, and rest stops.




TOUR DESCRIPTIONS: Friday January 13



Winter Waterfowl – Tour Limit 10Dave Brown8:50 a.m. – 12:30 noonThis tour of Whitewater Draw will be an education-al and recreational guided tour, highlighting the many wildlife residents and sea-sonal visitors in a wildlife viewing site. Whitewater Draw attracts both Central and Pacific flyway migrat-ing waterfowl. Participants in the tour will see many visitors to Whitewater Draw which include several spe-cies of waterfowl. Whitewater draw is also home to win-tering Sandhill Cranes, many upland birds, and even birds of prey. There are also several different mammals that in-habit Whitewater Draw and participants may be see variet-ies such as Javelina, Coyotes, Mule deer, and Desert Cot-tontails along with a variety of reptiles and amphibians. The tour will cover waterfowl identification, habitat, and conservation. Less than ½ mile of easy walking.

Wine Tasting – Tour Limit 30Dan Pierce & Scott Dahmer & Wings StaffPierce Bodega Winery and Aridus Wine Company facility12:45p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Willcox has become a premier location for vineyards and winemak-ing with 23 existing vineyards and 11 tasting rooms. This tour begins with a visit to the Aridus Wine Company offering the largest custom crush

facility in Arizona. Learn about the art of winemaking and processing. Then take an expertly-guided tour of a work-ing Arizona farm winery, with emphasis on viticulture, winemaking in Arizona and the enjoyment and appre-ciation of fine wine. Your guide will discuss the Arizona wine industry while walking the vineyard and enjoying wine together. Return to Willcox and stop in downtown Willcox for a visit to the tasting rooms of Aridus, Keeling

Schaeffer and Carlson Creek. It will be a memorable event like no other! Each attendee will receive 6 wine tastings in downtown tasting rooms.Approximately ½ mile of walking at vineyard, crush fa-cility and between tasting rooms on Railroad/Railview Avenue. Includes souvenir glass, 6 wine tastings down-town, and rest stops.

Sunset Sandhill Crane – Tour Limit 25Wings Staff3:45 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.This tour will start will a circuit of Lake Cochise for late afternoon arrivals of waterfowl. Next stop will be 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. Beginner.

Amazing Arizona Astronomy – Tour Limit 20John Ratje5:45 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.This tour begins with an optional one-hour seminar be-ginning at 4:00 p.m. The winter skies in southeastern Ari-zona rank among the best in the country. Astronomer John Ratje will guide you through the constellations, planets, and deep-sky features visible during Wings. You’ll have multiple opportunities to see a variety of beautiful and fas-cinating objects through a telescope (provided) and bin-oculars (bring your own, please). A star chart, including an observing list, will be provided for each participant. We recommend that you bring a flashlight and folding chair as well. To preserve night vision it is best to have a red lens for your flashlight. (Red cellophane & rubber bands will be provided to cover your flashlights if you do not have a red lens.)




TOUR DESCRIPTIONS: Friday January 13





TOUR DESCRIPTIONS: Saturday January 14

Day-Long Hawk Stalk– Tour Limit 12Tim Snow7:45 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.Hawk experts will travel the length of the Sulphur Springs Valley pursuing more than 15 species of hawks, eagles, falcons, and owls. Glimpses of javelina and mule deer may add to your viewing pleasure. Less than ½ mile of easy walking. Beginner to Advanced. Includes lunch, drinks, and rest stops.

A Naturalist Saunter to Fort Bowie National Historic Site - Tour Limit 12Vincent Pinto7:50 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.Fort Bowie is rightly famous for its place in history as a nexus of the Apache Wars in the 1800’s. For those pri-marily interested in Natural History its gems are even more noteworthy. Join Wildlife Bi-ologist, Natural-ist, & Wilderness Survival Instructor Vincent Pinto for a full day of Birding and Nature exploration of this hid-den gem. Located where a number of biologically rich habitats converge, this National Historic Site boasts im-pressive lists of Birds, Mammals, Reptiles, & Plants. Dur-ing our slow-paced exploration at the Fort Bowie you’ll have an opportunity to see some of the park’s incredible diversity of Birds, the possibilities include: Golden Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Montezuma Quail, Scaled Quail, Acorn Woodpecker, wintering Flycatchers, Western Scrub Jay, Cactus Wren, Bridled Titmouse, Plain Titmouse, Rock Wren, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, Bendire’s Thrasher, Curve-billed Thrasher, Crissal Thrasher, Wintering War-blers, and a wide variety of Sparrows. When the birds are slower, you’ll learn about how the Apache made use of the local plants, track wildlife, learn key Wilderness Survival Skills, and discover the park’s unique geologic history. Other wildlife we may spot includes: Collared Peccary, White-nosed Coati, Mule Deer, and Rock Squirrels. You won’t want to miss this Naturalist extravaganza at one of the premier natural destination in Arizona’s famed Sky Is-

SATURDAY, JANUARY 14Continental Breakfast5:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

Join us for a continental breakfast at the Willcox Commu-nity Center. Donations accepted.

Half Day Photography – Tour Limit 8Linda & Mark Kline5:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 1:30pm – 6:30pmSpend time with wildlife photographers at Whitewater Draw and other southeastern Arizona sites, photographing Sandhill Cranes and other birds and wildlife. Less than 1/2 mile of walking. Begining, Intermediate to Advanced Photographers. Includes Snacks, drinks and rest stops.

Birds on the Mountain – Tour Limit 12Bill Howard6:15 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.The border ranges of Cochise County are well known for both resident and migratory specialties. Birding en route, this tour swings 70 miles east of Willcox to world-renowned Cave Creek Canyon, and climbs up to this winter’s snowline (usually about 7,000’) in the high Chir-icahua Mountains. The tour will look for regular Sierra

Madrean residents, as well as less common special-ties such as Montezuma Quail, Northern Pygmy-Owl, Blue-throated Hum-mingbird, Arizona Wood-pecker, Juniper Titmouse, Mexican Chickadee, Crissal Thrasher, Painted Redstart, and Yellow-eyed Junco. Possible wintering

birds from the Rocky Mountains include Williamson’s Sapsucker, Pinyon Jay (rare irruptive), Townsend’s Soli-taire, and Cassin’s Finch, among others.Approximately one mile of easy to moderate walking with several stops. Beginner to Advanced birders wel-come. Includes lunch, drinks, entrance fees to feeding areas and rest stops.

Texas Canyon Flora & Relationships and Amerind Museum Tour-– Tour Limit 16Mimi Kamp and Cado Daily 9:15 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. This tour com-bines the art and artifacts of the Amerind with the native plants of the high desert in scenic Texas Canyon. Situ-ated at 4,600 to 5,500 feet above sea level in dramatic rock formations this site is a place where several plant communities come together .Learn what plants grow together and why? There is something special about natural plant groupings that is often overlooked. Do the plants in these “guilds” have re-lationships with each other? On this field trip, within the context of bio-regions and micro-habitats, we will take a close look at flora morphology and communities around the Amerind Foundation in Texas Canyon. Plant identi-fication and characteristics, ethnobotanical uses and rec-reating plant communities when landscaping will be dis-cussed. The tour continues with a visit to the world-renown Amerind Museum. The museum exhibits tell the story of America’s first people from Alaska to South America and from the last ice Age to the present. The Amerind’s Art Gallery features works on western themes by such artists as Carl Oscar Borg, William Leigh and Frederick Reming-ton. This tour combines the art and artifacts of the Amer-ind with the native plants of the high desert in scenic Texas Canyon.Approximately 1-2 miles of easy to moderate walking on dirt roads and with some short jaunts through grass and over rocks to see certain plants. Includes lunch, drinks and rest stops.

lands! This trip is moderate to difficult with a roundtrip walking distance for the day of approximately 3.2 miles. The varying terrain is often rocky and will be steep in a few places. The pace will be slow to moderate. Wear weather appro-priate clothing, comfortable hiking shoes, and hat. Bring a day pack sufficient to hold your lunch and Large water bottles with several quarts of water.

Traveling with the Sandhill Cranes – Tour Limit 20Combination Seminar and TourErv Nichols & Sandra Noll8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.Join crane experts as they take you on a field trip to experi-ence “a day in the life” of a Sandhill Crane. This tour will focus on Sandhill Cranes with an introductory seminar, to gain information to enhance Sandhill Crane observation, followed by a field trip to observe these elegant birds feed-ing in the fields and socializing during their midday “loaf-ing” session at Whitewater Draw. As a bonus, participants will receive a guided tour of Whitewater Draw’s ponds to observe waterfowl and other bird species overwintering there.This will be a relaxed tour with a slow pace covering about 1.5 miles total over flat terrain. Wear weather ap-propriate clothing, comfortable hiking shoes, and hat. Includes lunch and drinks and rest stops.

Cochise/Sunsites Specialties – Tour Limit 15Richard Filley8:45 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Explore the Dragoon Moun-tain’s Cochise Stronghold area for wintering specialties such as Montezuma Quail, Painted Redstart, Arizona and Acorn Woodpeckers, White-winged Dove, Juniper and Bridled Titmice, Spotted and Canyon Towhees, West-ern and Mountain Bluebirds, as well as a large variety of

sparrows, raptors, and thrushes. Approximately two miles of hiking with several stops. In-termediate to Advanced. Includes lunch, drinks, and rest stops.






TOUR DESCRIPTIONS: Saturday January 14

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Roper Lake/Dankworth Pond Fun Birding – Tour Limit 15Mike McCarthy12:15 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.Roper Lake is located about 6 miles south of Safford, AZ and has been a State Park since the 1970’s.Roper Lake and Dankworth Pond are excellent places for bird watching. Species common-ly seen are Gamble’s Quail, Redwing Blackbird, Yellow headed Blackbird, Great horned owl, Cardinal, fly-catchers, Kingfisher, Mallard duck, Ruddy duck, Grebes, Egrets, Herons, Neotropic Cormorants, American Coots and Mergansers. Mammals commonly seen are bobcats, raccoons, rabbits, squirrels, and coyotes.

Discovery Park – Tour Limit 20John Ratje12:15 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Discovery Park , located in Safford, AZ, is the Visitor’s Center for the Stewart Observatory on top of Mount Gra-ham. The park is an education and entertainment retreat, emphasizing the science and culture of the Gila Valley, from mining and agriculture to space exploration. Includ-ed in the tour is a free Disney-style space shuttle ride that takes people on a virtual tour of the solar system. The tour also includes a visit to the museum of astronomy where you can view a display highlighting how the telescope mirrors are made (under the stadium at the University of Arizona in Tucson). The tour will be led by John Ratje




TOUR DESCRIPTIONS: Saturday & Sunday January 14 & 15

who was instrumental in the creation of Discovery Park and will also be leading our Amazing Astronomy Tour on Saturday evening. This is a wonderful attraction and per-fect tour for families and a special family rate is available, (for a family of parent/parents and 2 or 3 children, children ages 6 to 16.) Contact the Willcox Chamber for larger than 5 family rate.

Sunset Sandhill Crane – Tour Limit 25 3:45 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.This tour will start will a circuit of Lake Cochise for late afternoon arrivals of water-fowl. Next stop will be 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. Beginner. Includes rest stops.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 15Continental Breakfast 5:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

Join us for a continental breakfast at the Willcox Commu-nity Center in the Dining Room. Donations accepted.

Southbound Hawk Stalk – Tour Limit 10Richard Filley7:15 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.Explore Kansas Settlement area, a hawk-watcher’s dream during the winter months when large numbers of raptors are seen throughout the area.

Northbound Hawk Stalk – Tour Limit 10Tim Snow7:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.Explore the Stewart District to Bonita, a hawk-watcher’s

Ghost Towns – Tour Limit 15Terry and Kelly Rowden8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

The tour starts with a 30-minute review of pho-tographs of the towns and min-ing camps in their “hey day” fol-lowed by a tour of

a few of the historic ghost towns and mining camps of Southeast Arizona. Step back in time on a visit to three nearby ghost towns and learn the influence of mining on the development of Cochise County. Your tour guides will discuss early life in these towns and showcase ghost town ruins, a restored jail, cemeteries and other buildings.Approximately ½ mile of easy walking. Includes rest stops.

Easy Birding Sampler – Tour Limit 8Mike McCarthy8:45 – 1:00 p.m. Easy viewing will be

emphasized on this trip designed for birders with limitations of en-durance or mobility. We will visit locations identified by wildlife experts to view a variety of spe-cies such as waterfowl, shore-birds, 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. Handicapped accessible

dream during the winter months when large number of raptors are seen throughout the area. We will pursue the same hawks, owls, eagles and falcons as the Saturday Day-long Hawk Stalk.

Birding at Whitewater Draw - Tour Limit 14Vincent Pinto7:50 a.m. - 12 noonJoin Wildlife Biologist and Naturalist Vincent Pinto for a relaxed Birding trip to one of the area’s premier bird-ing destinations. Whitewater Draw is maintained by AZ Game & Fish as excellent wildlife habitat. The ripar-ian forests, wetlands, desert scrub, grasslands, and agri-cultural fields attract a wide range of wintering birds, in-cluding: Snow Goose, Ross’s Goose, Greater White-fronted Goose, a wide variety of ducks, Gambel’s Quail, Scaled Quail, American Bittern (rare), Great Egret, Ferruginous & other Hawks, Virginia Rail, Sora, abundant Sandhill Cranes, Shorebirds, Gulls, Greater Roadrunner, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Gila Woodpecker, Vermillion Flycatcher, Cactus Wren, Black-tailed Gnatcather, American Pipit, a wide range of Sparrows, Pyrrhu-loxia, Lazuli Bunting, Yel-low-headed Blackbird, Less-er Goldfinch, & Lawrence’s Goldfinch. We’ll hope for a rare stray as well, such as Ruddy Ground Dove. Come and experience the abundant Birds of Whitewater. This will be a relaxed tour with a slow pace covering about 1.5 miles total over flat terrain. There will be opportunities to sit and enjoy the birds at times. Wear weather appropriate clothing, comfortable hiking shoes, and hat. Bring a day pack sufficient to hold your snacks and Large water bottles.





TOUR DESCRIPTIONS: Sunday January 15

WATCHING SANDHILL CRANES IN THE SULPHUR SPRINGS VALLEYSandhill Cranes are regularly found during the winter in the Sulphur Springs Valley of southeastern Arizona. The cranes

migrate into the valley as early as September and stay as late as March, with the majority of the birds present between November and February. Cranes that spend the winter in the Sulphur Springs Valley represent two populations, the Rocky Mountain and the Mid-Continent populations.

The Rocky Mountain population is made up of the “greater” subspecies Grus canadensis tabida. The nesting range for these birds centers around Grays Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Idaho with other nesting sites in Wyoming, Montana, Utah, and Alberta. An estimate for this entire population based on a survey conducted in 2004 is approximately 20,000 birds. Winter range for these birds includes southwestern New Mexico, mainly the area surrounding Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, the Sulphur Springs Valley and northern Mexico.

The Mid-Continent population, estimated to be 500,000 birds, includes three subspecies: the “lesser” Sandhill Crane, Grus canadensis canadensis; the Canadian, Grus canadensis rowani; and the “greater,” Grus canadensis tabida. The nest-ing range of this population includes central and northern Canada, Alaska, and northeastern Siberia. The population over-winters in Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, southeastern Arizona, and northern Mexico. The Sulphur Springs Valley usually has around 30,000 cranes each winter. This number is based on an annual survey conducted by the Arizona Game & Fish De-partment. The 2008 Sandhill Crane count completed in January recorded the highest total ever at more than 36,400 birds.

Natural History of Sandhill Cranes Sandhill Cranes usually begin nesting at about four years of age. First- and second-time nesters are not as successful

as older birds. Nests, consisting of mounds of vegetation, are usually located in shallow marshes or wet meadows. Cranes usually lay two eggs, but it is unusual for a pair to raise more than one young per year.

During a period of rapid growth the young birds feed primarily on animals they can catch in the shallow water or adja-cent uplands. During an average year, young-of-the-year birds comprise about 10 percent of the fall population.

The cranes begin to congregate in late August at pre-migration staging areas; migration to wintering areas begins in September. Cranes typically migrate in a few long, high-altitude flights, staying at traditional stopover sites. Major stopovers include the Platte River in Nebraska for the Mid-Continent population and the San Luis Valley in Colorado for the Rocky Mountain population.

The Sandhill Cranes begin arriving in Arizona in late September and remain until the middle of March when their return migration to nesting areas begins. Wintering areas selected by cranes feature shallow-water roosting areas with low or no vegetation. The Willcox Playa and Whitewater Draw offer excellent roosting areas. Cranes typically overwinter in areas close to fields, with a preference for harvested fields of corn or other grain crops. The cranes leave their roosting areas in early morning, usually around sunrise, and fly to feeding areas where they spend three to four hours.

After feeding, the birds fly to loafing areas, which may be the night roost site, other wetland areas, fallow fields or simply desert grassland areas. Sometimes the cranes return to feeding areas in the afternoon for an hour or two, but the afternoon feeding flight is much more variable than the morning flight. From near sunset until virtually dark, cranes return to their roosting sites.

Sandhill Cranes are overall gray in color with black feet, legs and bill, and a dull red patch of skin on the forehead. In flight, blackish primary feathers can be seen. Some cranes may stain their body and wing feathers a rusty brown by preening mud containing ferric oxide into their feathers. The greater Sandhill Cranes may stand as tall as five feet and their wingspan is an impressive six to seven feet. An adult greater Sandhill Crane normally weighs between 10 and 14 pounds. The Cana-dian subspecies is slightly smaller and the adult lesser Sandhill Cranes smaller still. The lesser subspecies stand nearly 3.5 feet tall with a six-foot wingspan and weigh on average 6 to 7 pounds. The cranes are a very vocal bird and their loud bugling rattle, kar-r-r-o-o-o kar-r-r-o-o-o, can be heard more than a mile away.

Where to see Sandhill Cranes The Sulphur Springs Valley covers an area over 80 miles long from Bonita (north of Willcox) to Douglas (along the

border with Mexico). The cranes can generally be seen at four roosting areas within the valley. If you are at one of these locations at least 15 minutes before sunrise you can see the cranes as they depart for the fields. Many cranes also return to these roosting areas between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. In the evening, Sandhill Cranes return to their roosting areas around sundown. See the map on page 37 for the best viewing locations.

While foraging, the cranes are generally in fields of corn, milo or alfalfa between 7:30 and 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 and 5:30 p.m. The cranes may be seen in agricultural fields throughout the valley. The feeding patterns are variable and the cranes may feed in one field for several days or may change to fields many miles away from day to day. While viewing cranes in the fields, please respect private property rights and remain on the roadways. Agricultural districts where cranes are com-monly observed are:

1. Stewart District: along Ft. Grant Road between Willcox and Bonita2. Kansas Settlement: along Kansas Settlement road between Robbs Road and Parker Ranch Road, southeast of Willcox3. Sunsites: along Cochise Stronghold Road and Birch Road, north and east of Sunsites4. Elfrida: along Highway 191 north of Elfrida5. McNeal: along Central Highway and Davis Road west of McNeal

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U.S. R

oute 191

McNEAL

Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area

Coffman Rd.

Central H

wy S

andh

ill C

rane

Roo

st S

ites &

W

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able

Wild

life

WILLCOX

I-10

U.S. Route 191

U.S. Route 191

COCHISE

ELFRIDA

SUNIZONA

PEARCE

SUNSITES

TOMBSTONE

Birch Road

Richland Way

Davis Road

Moser Road

Arzberger Road

Busenbark Road

Robbs Road

Chambers Road

Kimzey Road

Baker Road

Shelton Road

Sulphur Springs Road

Parker Road

To DOS CABEZAS

StateRoute 186

KANSAS SETTLEMENT

WILLCOXPLAYA

To CHIRICAHUA NATIONAL

MONUMENT

To CHIRICAHUA NATIONAL

MONUMENT& RUSTLER PARK

State Route 181

Kansas Settlem

ent Rd

Cochise Stronghold R

d

Willcox Playa Wildlife Area

To BENSON & TUCSON

To BOWIE & SAN SIMON

To STEWART DISTRICT

N

Cochise Lakes

Dragoon RoadTo DRAGOON

Cochise Stronghold

Ironwood Road

AEPCO Wetlands

mileage1.5” = 10 miles (appx)

LODGING & DINING IN WILLCOXHOTELS & MOTELS

Budget Riteway Motel 520-384-4655 660 N Haskell Ave WillcoxDays Inn 520-384-4222 724 N Bisbee Ave Willcox Holiday Inn Express 520-384-3333 1251 N Virginia Ave WillcoxMotel 8 520-384-3270 331 N Haskell Ave WillcoxArizona Sunset Inn 520-766-3400 340 S Haskell Ave WillcoxSuper 8 Motel 520-384-0888 1500 W Fort Grant Rd Willcox

BED & BREAKFASTS, COTTAGES AND GUEST RANCHES

Cave Creek Ranch 520-558-2334 1396 W Piedra Blanca Ln PortalCochise Stronghold B&B 520-826-4141 2126 Winddancer PearceDos Cabezas Spirit & Nature Retreat 520-384-6474 7101 E White Pacheco St Dos Cabezas Dragoon Mountains Guest House N Sky Islands End Cochise Dream Catcher B&B 520-824-3127 13097 S Highway 181 PearceHummingbird Ranch Vacation House 410-679-7918 Sulphur Springs Valley Pearce Quailway Cottage 520-558-0019 152 W Portal RD PortalTriangle T. Guest Ranch 520-586-7533 4190 Dragoon Rd Dragoon

RV PARKSFort Willcox 520-384-4986 1715 W Ft. Willcox WillcoxGrande Vista RV Park 520-384-4002 711 N Prescott Ave WillcoxLifestyle RV Resort 520-384-3303 622 N Haskell Ave WillcoxMagic Circle RV Park 520-384-3212 700 N Virginia Ave WillcoxSagebrush RV Park 520-384-2872 200 W Lewis St Willcox

DININGBig Tex BBQ 520-384-4423 130 E Maley WillcoxBucko’s (coffee & pastry) 520-384-2875 114 S. Railroad Ave WillcoxBurger King 520-384-9254 1205 W Rex Allen Dr Willcox Carls Jr 520-384-6154 728 N Bisbee WillcoxCoronado Vineyard (Tapas Only)520-384-2993 2909 E Country Club WillcoxElks Lodge (Friday evenings) 520-384-2131 247 E Stewart WillcoxEl Rey Taco cnr Rex Allen & Haskell WillcoxIsabelle’s South of the Border 520-766-0859 135 E Maley WillcoxGMA D’s 520-384-0471 100 S Haskell Ave WillcoxKaty’s Sonoran Hot Dogs S Haskell Ave WillcoxLos Bertos 520-384-6080 1202 W Rex Allen Dr WillcoxMcDonald’s 520-384-4775 1105 W Rex Allen Dr Willcox Pizza Hut 520-384-3586 1001 W Rex Allen Dr WillcoxPopeye’s Chicken 520-384-5311 1501 Ft. Grant Rd WillcoxRodney’s 118 N. Railroad Ave WillcoxSafeway / Starbucks 520-384-3952 670 N Bisbee WillcoxSubway 520-384-5311 1501 Ft. Grant Rd WillcoxAdolfo’s Taco Shop 520-384-6018 575 S. Haskell Ave WillcoxThe Break Shoppe 520-384-9100 622 N. Haskell Ave Willcox The Apple Annie’s Country Store (pie) 520-766-2084 1510 N Circle I WillcoxTA Truck Stop (County Pride) 520-384-5311 1501 N Ft. Grant Rd WillcoxTortilleria La Unica 520-384-0010 142 N Haskell Willcox

Wine Tasting and Bars continued on page 36


Aridus Wine Company 520-766-9463 145 N Railview Ave WillcoxBodega Pierce 602-320-1722 4511 E Robbs Rd WillcoxCattlerest Bar 520-384-9213 933 S Haskell Ave WillcoxCarlson Creek Vineyard 520-766-3000 469 S Haskell Ave WillcoxCoronado Vineyards 520-384-2993 2909 E Country Club Dr WillcoxFlying Leap Vineyard 520-384-6030 100 N Railroad Ave WillcoxGolden Rule Vineyards 520-507-2400 3525 N Golden Rule Rd CochiseKeeling Schaefer Vineyard 520-824-2500 154 N Railroad Ave WillcoxPassion Cellars 928-649-9800 3052 N Fort Grant Rd WillcoxPillsbury Wine Company 520-384-3964 6450 S Bennett Place WillcoxRix’s Tavern 520-384-3430 176 S Haskell Ave WillcoxZarpara Vineyard 602-885-8903 6777 S Zarpara Ln Willcox

BARS & WINE TASTING


�rd annual

Willcox West Fest1st weekend in May

Experience the Ways of the WestEvents:

• Chuck Wagon Cook-off• Roping & Branding demonstration

• Learn how to rope• Blacksmithing• Campfire songs• Ranch Rodeo

• Ranching and Cowboy lore• Vendors of Western- type merchandise

Sponsored by the Willcox Chamber of

Commerce & Agriculture1-800-200-2272

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2017 WINGS OVER WILLCOX EVENT REGISTRATION FORM

All events are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are filled in the order in which they are received. Online registration opens October 3rd. To register by mail, complete this registration form, enclose full payment, and mail (postmarked AFTER October 3rd.) to Wings Over Willcox, 1500 N Circle I Road, Willcox, AZ 85643. Your confirmation letter serves as your ticket for the tours. To receive your confirmation by mail, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope with full payment. Please make check or money order payable to Willcox Chamber of Commerce. Call 1-520-384-2272 or go to www.wingsoverwillcox.com for tour availability and to register by phone or online.

Name: ________________________________________ Additional Registrant: __________________________ Address: _____________________________________________Phone Number: ( )___________________ City: ___________________________________________________ State: _____________ Zip: ____________ Email: ______________________________________________________________________ Credit Card Payment: Card # _______-________-________-_______ Expiration: ________CVVP#: _________ Please check one: ____Visa ____Master Card ____Discover

Tour Event

Tour Times Number of Participants

Tour Fees

Total Due

WEDNESDAY 1 Ghost Towns of SE Arizona

(overnight) 8:00 am Wed. to 3:30 pm Thurs.

_________X

$300

________

THURSDAY 2 Cave Creek Montane (overnight) 5:30 am Thurs to

4:30 pm Fri _________X $250 ________

3 Half Day Photography 5:15 am – 11:00 am _________X $50 ________ 4 Half Day Photography 1:30 pm – 6:30 pm _________X $50 ________ 5 Sunset Sandhill Crane 3:45 pm – 6:30 pm _________X $ 30 ________ 6 Welcoming Reception 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm _________X Free ________ FRIDAY 7 Continental Breakfast 5:30 am – 9:30 am _________X donation ________ 8 Sunrise Sandhill Crane 5:45 am – 10:00 am _________X $30 ________ 9 Daylong Hawk Stalk 7:45 am – 4:00 pm _________X $70 ________ 10 Naturalist Saunter to Chiricahua Nat. 7:50 am – 4:00 pm _________X $75 ________ 11 Fun & Easy Birding Sampler 8:00 am –10:30 am _________X $30 ________ 12 Agronomics in Sulphur Springs Valley 8:45 am – 3:30 pm _________X $45 ________ 13 Stronghold & Sunsites Specialties 8:45 am – 5:00 pm _________X $70 ________ 14 Winter Waterfowl 8:50 am – 12:30 pm _________X $30 ________ 15 Wine Tasting 12:45 pm – 5:00 pm _________X $35 ________ 16 Sunset Sandhill Crane Tour 3:45 pm – 6:30 pm _________X $30 ________ 17 Amazing Astronomy 5:45 pm – 8:00 pm _________X $30 ________ 18 Hummingbird & Wine & Dessert

Evening Seminar _________X $15 ________

SATURDAY 19 Continental Breakfast 5:30 am – 9:30 am _________X donation ________ 20 Half-Day Photography 5:15 am – 11:00 am _________X $50 ________ 21 Half-Day Photography 1:30 pm – 6:30 pm _________X $50 ________

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22 Birds on the Mountain 6:15 am – 4:30 pm _________X $ 75 ________ 23 Day-Long Hawk Stalk 7:45 am – 5:00 pm _________X $70 ________ 24 Naturalist Saunter to Fort Bowie 7:50 am – 4:00 pm _________X $75 ________ 25 Traveling with the Sandhill Cranes 8:30 am – 3:30 pm _________X $50 ________ 26 Stronghold & Sunsites Specialities 8:45 am – 5:00 pm _________X $75 ________ 27 TX Canyon Flora & Amerind Museum 9:15 am - 4:00 pm _________X $45 ________ 28 Roper Lake/Dankworth Pond 12:15am - 5:00 pm _________X $45 ________ 29 Discovery Park 12:15 pm - 5:00 pm _________X $20 ________ 30 Discovery Park Family 12:15 pm - 5:00 pm _________X $25 ________ 31 Sunset Sandhill Crane 3:45 pm - 6:30 pm _________X $30 ________ SUNDAY 32 Continental Breakfast 5:30 am – 9:30 am _________X donation ________ 33 Southbound Hawk Stalk 7:15 am - 1:00 pm _________X $35 ________ 34 Northbound Hawk Stalk 7:45 am - 1:00 pm _________X $35 ________ 35 Birding at Whitewater Draw 7:50 am - 12 Noon _________X $45 ________ 36 Ghost Towns 8:00 am - 12:30 pm _________X $35 ________ 37 Easy Birding Sampler 8:45 am - 1:00 pm _________X $30 ________

SUBTOTAL for Tours & Seminars $ ___________ Festival Registration Fee (per person) _________X $10.00 $ ___________ TOTAL $ ___________

Pre-Ordering Wings Over Willcox Shirt & Water Bottles

SHIRTS: To ensure that we have your size, you can pre-order your shirt when registering for the festival. Shirts will be available for pick up at the registration desk during the festival. The design is in color (see brochure cover) with several size selections and two color choices. Please call to reserve your shirts. Deadline for pre-ordering your shirts is December 1, 2016. Go to www.wingsoverwillcox.com to see the shirt color options or call us at 520-384-2272 to place your order. Shirts are available in short sleeve (TS), long sleeved (LS), or sweatshirt (SS) and range in size from Small (S) to Triple X (XXXL). Prices: Short Sleeve in S, M & L is $15; sizes XL, XXL, XXL are $17

Long-sleeve in S, M & L is $20; sizes XL, XXL, XXL are $22 Sweatshirt in S, M & L is $25; sizes XL, XXL, XXL are $27

WATER BOTTLES: You can pre-order environmentally friendly water bottle when registering for the festival and pick them up at the registration desk during the festival. Wings Over Willcox will provide water for refilling water bottle. You are welcome to bring your own or purchase a Wings water bottle. Water bottles (with Wings logo) are $5.00 for Eco-Aware biodegradable and $10.00 for 26 oz Stainless Steel. Wings Over Willcox Participation Waiver I assume all risks associated with this event and hold harmless the Willcox Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture and Wings Over Willcox, its employees, committee members, Board of Directors and volunteers. Having read this waiver and knowing these facts and in consideration of your acceptance of my registration, I, for myself, any additional attendees with me, and anyone entitled to act on my behalf, waive and release all sponsors, their representatives, and successors, and any individual or group associated with this event from all claims and liabilities of any kind arising out of my participation in this event, even though that liability may arise out of negligence or carelessness on the part of the persons named in this waiver. I grant permission to all the foregoing to use any photographs, motion pictures, recordings, verbal or written agreements, or any other record of this event for any legitimate purpose including publicity. I understand that the Willcox Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture reserves the right to cancel any event for any reason and reserves the right to deny participation to any person registering for this event. Submission of this registration form to the Willcox Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture constitutes my recognition of, and agreement to, the terms and conditions listed above in respect to the 2017 Wings Over Willcox Birding & Nature Festival.


WE HAVE EVERYTHING FOR AROUND YOUR HOUSE PLUS AWARD WINNING SERVICE. WE’LL

ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS SO YOU GET IT DONE RIGHT THE FIRST TIME AND YOU CAN GET

ON WITH YOUR DAY.

WILLCOX ACE HARDWARE 914 W. REX ALLEN DR, WILLCOX

Above: 1st place was Gayle Colton’s “Cranes Watching the Lake”

Left: 2nd place was Lucy Baca’s “Baby Swallow”

2016 WingsPhotography

Contest winners


Nighthawk - photo by Cheryl McLaughlin

42 - Wings Over Willcox 2017

*Snow Goose *Ross’s Goose *Canada Goose *Cackling Goose *Gadwall *American Wigeon *Mallard *Cinnamon Teal *Northern Shoveler

*Northern Pintail *Green-winged Teal *Canvasback *Redhead *Ring-necked Duck *Greater Scaup *Lesser Scaup *Bu� ehead *Common Merganser *Ruddy Duck *Wild Turkey *Scaled Quail

*Gambel’s Quail *Pied-billed Grebe *Eared Grebe *Western Grebe *Great Blue Heron *Great Egret *Snowy Egret *Green Heron *Bald Eagle *Northern

Harrier *Sharp-shinned Hawk *Cooper’s Hawk *Harris’s Hawk *Red-tailed Hawk *Ferruginous Hawk *Golden Eagle *Crested Caracara *American

Kestrel *Merlin *Peregrine Falcon *Prairie Falcon *Virginia Rail *Sora *Com-mon Moorhen *American Coot *Sandhill Crane *Killdeer

*Mountain Plover *Spotted Sandpiper *Long-billed *Curlew *Western Sandpiper *Least Sandpiper *Wilson’s Snipe *Ring-billed Gull *Rock Pigeon

*Eurasian Collared-Dove *White-winged Dove *Mourning Dove *Ruddy Ground-Dove *Greater Roadrunner *Barn Owl *Western Screech-Owl *Great

Horned Owl *Burrowing Owl *White-throated Swift *Acorn Woodpecker *Gila Woodpecker *Red-naped Sapsucker *Ladder-backed Woodpecker

*Hairy Woodpecker *Arizona Woodpecker *Northern Flicker *Black Phoebe *Say’s Phoebe *Vermilion Flycatcher *Loggerhead Shrike *Western Scrub-Jay *Say’s Phoebe *Vermilion Flycatcher *Loggerhead Shrike *Western Scrub-Jay

*Mexican Jay *Pinyon Jay *Chihuahuan Raven *Common Raven *Horned *Mexican Jay *Pinyon Jay *Chihuahuan Raven *Common Raven *Horned Lark *Bridled Titmouse *Verdin *Bushtit *White-breasted Nuthatch *Brown Lark *Bridled Titmouse *Verdin *Bushtit *White-breasted Nuthatch *Brown

Creeper *Cactus Wren *Rock Wren *Bewick’s Wren *Marsh Wren *Ruby-crowned Kinglet *Western Bluebird *Mountain Bluebird *Townsend’s *Ruby-crowned Kinglet *Western Bluebird *Mountain Bluebird *Townsend’s

Solitaire *Hermit Thrush *American Robin *Northern Mockingbird *Sage Solitaire *Hermit Thrush *American Robin *Northern Mockingbird *Sage Thrasher *Bendire’s Thrasher *Curve-billed Thrasher *Crissal Thrasher Thrasher *Bendire’s Thrasher *Curve-billed Thrasher *Crissal Thrasher Thrasher *Bendire’s Thrasher *Curve-billed Thrasher *Crissal Thrasher

*European Starling *American Pipit *Phainopepla *Yellow-rumped Warbler *European Starling *American Pipit *Phainopepla *Yellow-rumped Warbler *Common Yellowthroat *Painted Redstart *Spotted Towhee *Canyon Towhee *Common Yellowthroat *Painted Redstart *Spotted Towhee *Canyon Towhee *Common Yellowthroat *Painted Redstart *Spotted Towhee *Canyon Towhee

*Rufous-crowned Sparrow *Chipping Sparrow *Clay-colored Sparrow *Rufous-crowned Sparrow *Chipping Sparrow *Clay-colored Sparrow *Brewer’s Sparrow *Vesper Sparrow *Black-throated Sparrow *Sage *Brewer’s Sparrow *Vesper Sparrow *Black-throated Sparrow *Sage

Sparrow *Lark Bunting *Savannah Sparrow *Song Sparrow *Lincoln’s Sparrow *Lark Bunting *Savannah Sparrow *Song Sparrow *Lincoln’s Sparrow *White-crowned Sparrow *Dark-eyed Junco *Yellow-eyed Junco Sparrow *White-crowned Sparrow *Dark-eyed Junco *Yellow-eyed Junco

*Northern Cardinal *Pyrrhuloxia *Red-winged Blackbird *Eastern *Northern Cardinal *Pyrrhuloxia *Red-winged Blackbird *Eastern Meadowlark *Western Meadowlark *Yellow-headed Blackbird *Brewer’s Blackbird *Great-tailed Grackle *Brown-headed Cowbird *House Finch

*Pine Siskin *Lesser Gold� nch *House Sparrow

We hope you enjoy your stay in the

Sulphur Springs Valley.

We’re the winter home to migrating

Sandhill Cranes and home to dozens

of other species during the year.

*European Starling *American Pipit *Phainopepla *Yellow-rumped Warbler *Common Yellowthroat *Painted Redstart *Spotted Towhee *Canyon Towhee

Sparrow *White-crowned Sparrow *Dark-eyed Junco *Yellow-eyed Junco

Meadowlark *Western Meadowlark *Yellow-headed Blackbird *Brewer’s


Sparrow *White-crowned Sparrow *Dark-eyed Junco *Yellow-eyed Junco

Lark *Bridled Titmouse *Verdin *Bushtit *White-breasted Nuthatch *Brown Creeper *Cactus Wren *Rock Wren *Bewick’s Wren *Marsh Wren

*Ruby-crowned Kinglet *Western Bluebird *Mountain Bluebird *Townsend’s Solitaire *Hermit Thrush *American Robin *Northern Mockingbird *Sage

*Common Yellowthroat *Painted Redstart *Spotted Towhee *Canyon Towhee *Rufous-crowned Sparrow *Chipping Sparrow *Clay-colored Sparrow

Lark *Bridled Titmouse *Verdin *Bushtit *White-breasted Nuthatch *Brown Creeper *Cactus Wren *Rock Wren *Bewick’s Wren *Marsh Wren

*Ruby-crowned Kinglet *Western Bluebird *Mountain Bluebird *Townsend’s Solitaire *Hermit Thrush *American Robin *Northern Mockingbird *Sage

*Common Yellowthroat *Painted Redstart *Spotted Towhee *Canyon Towhee

*Mexican Jay *Pinyon Jay *Chihuahuan Raven *Common Raven *Horned Lark *Bridled Titmouse *Verdin *Bushtit *White-breasted Nuthatch *Brown

Creeper *Cactus Wren *Rock Wren *Bewick’s Wren *Marsh Wren *Ruby-crowned Kinglet *Western Bluebird *Mountain Bluebird *Townsend’s

Solitaire *Hermit Thrush *American Robin *Northern Mockingbird *Sage Thrasher *Bendire’s Thrasher *Curve-billed Thrasher *Crissal Thrasher


Thrasher *Bendire’s Thrasher *Curve-billed Thrasher *Crissal Thrasher *European Starling *American Pipit *Phainopepla *Yellow-rumped Warbler



*Common Yellowthroat *Painted Redstart *Spotted Towhee *Canyon Towhee *Rufous-crowned Sparrow *Chipping Sparrow *Clay-colored Sparrow *Brewer’s Sparrow *Vesper Sparrow *Black-throated Sparrow *Sage

Sparrow *Lark Bunting *Savannah Sparrow *Song Sparrow *Lincoln’s Sparrow *White-crowned Sparrow *Dark-eyed Junco *Yellow-eyed Junco

*Northern Cardinal *Pyrrhuloxia *Red-winged Blackbird *Eastern Meadowlark *Western Meadowlark *Yellow-headed Blackbird *Brewer’s


*Common Yellowthroat *Painted Redstart *Spotted Towhee *Canyon Towhee *Rufous-crowned Sparrow *Chipping Sparrow *Clay-colored Sparrow



Willcox Chamber of Commerce & AgricultureWings Over Willcox Birding & Nature Festival1500 North Circle I Rd., Willcox, AZ 85643www.wingsoverwillcox.comwww.willcoxchamber.com1-�20-��4-2272

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSWings Over Willcox is sponsored by the Willcox Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture in cooperation with the Amerind Museum, Arizona Antelope Founda-tion, Arizona G & T Cooperatives, Arizona Game and Fish Department, Arizona Lottery, Bureau of Land Management, City of Willcox, Coronado National Forest, Chiricahua National Monument, Ducks Unlimited, Excelsior Mining Corp., Fort Bowie National Historic Site, Huachuca Area Herpetological Asso-ciation, Nature Sweet, Northern Cochise Community Hospital, Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Coop, Inc, Peta-Anne Tenney, The Nature Conservancy, The Wild Turkey Federation, U.S.D.A. Forest Service, Valley Telecom and Willcox Unified School District. Proceeds from Wings Over Willcox are used to enhance wildlife viewing areas such as the Cochise Birding Lake and the Apache Station Wildlife Viewing Area and to restore wildlife habitat in the area.

Willcox Unified School District Amerind

Museum

24th annual wings over willcox wings 2017.pdfannual wings over willcox event. we hope you enjoy your...

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