Not Just a Field Trip…AZFO Field Expeditions
We have designed these expeditions with our mission to study Arizona's birdlife in mind. By joining a Field Expedition, you will contribute to our understanding of the seasonal status of birds across the state. We may organize an expedition to observe a rare bird in an understudied region or participate in a survey better to understand the winter distribution of a more diverse species.
What we learn from these expeditions will help us better manage lesser-known areas throughout the state, benefiting both birds and the habitats we share.
We consult experienced ornithologists to identify areas that require study, making these outings a perfect example of community science in action. We handle leadership, locations, and logistics; all we need is YOU to help gather the data.
New Expedition!
Help AZFO look for Purple Martins, Cassins’s Sparrows, and Crested Caracaras in the Cactus Forest area (Pinal County)!
Saturday, August 22, 2026
This is one of our eBirds Gaps underbirded areas that includes a lush saguaro forest and an upland grasslands. Located near Coolidge and Florence, there are three species that we particularly want to learn more about: Desert Purple Martin, Crested Caracara, and Cassin’s Sparrow. The area along the Florence-Kelvin Highway, including side roads, has an extensive saguaro forest where they may be nesting. Caracaras have been reported along northern Barkerville Rd, Florence-Kelvin Highway, and Price Rd. Cassin’s Sparrows have been reported during the monsoon season skylarking in grassland habitat along Barkerville Rd. south of the saguaro forest.
Participants will meet Saturday morning, 6:00 am, at The Boulders along the Florence-Kelvin Highway (16 mi. east of AZ 79). Camping is optional Friday night at the rustic campsite on BLM land. We’ll likely get together mid-afternoon at a restaurant in Florence to share the results and experiences. Most of the birding will be along roads and at earthen cattle tanks and will not involve long walking.
If you would like to participate contact Doug Jenness. Check the AZFO website for information and a map of the Cactus Forest Area.
Mountain Plover Breeding Survey Expedition
This survey effort has been postponed.
If you have any questions, please contact Ashley Lauria, alauria@azgfd.gov
Upcoming Reports:
Greenlee County AZFO Expedition (November 9-10, 2024)
Thrasher Solar Site Survey and Search (January 11 and February 1, 2025)
Santa Maria Mountains Field Expedition (May 23-26, 2025)
This is one of our eBirds Gaps underbirded areas that includes a lush saguaro forest and an upland grasslands. Located near Coolidge and Florence, there are three species that we particularly want to learn more about: Desert Purple Martin, Crested Caracara, and Cassin’s Sparrow. The area along the Florence-Kelvin Highway, including side roads, has an extensive saguaro forest where they may be nesting. Caracaras have been reported along northern Barkerville Rd, Florence-Kelvin Highway, and Price Rd. Cassin’s Sparrows have been reported during the monsoon season skylarking in grassland habitat along Barkerville Rd. south of the saguaro forest.
Participants will meet Saturday moring, 6:00 am, at The Boulders along the Florence-Kelvin Highway (16 mi. east of AZ 79). Camping is optional Friday night at the rustic campsite on BLM land. We’ll likely get together mid-afternoon at a restaurant in Florence to share the results and experiences. Most of the birding will be alongroads and at earthen cattle tanks and will not involve long walking.
If you would like to participate contact Doug Jenness. Check the AZFO website for information and a map of the Cactus Forest Area.
Support AZFO
Field Expeditions and Workshops!
AZFO is committed to enhancing bird identification skills and overall knowledge of distributions of Arizona's birds through Field Expeditions and Workshops. To support these activities we have created a new “Field Expedition and Workshop" Fund to help cover related costs, including trip leader compensation and expense reimbursements, insurances, communications, supplies and equipment, and all other expenditures that the board deems necessary to maintain and improve these programs. Your contribution would be greatly appreciated and would directly support our field expeditions and workshops. To donate, click below and type "Field Expeditions" into the notes section of the donation form.
(AZFO Field Expedition. Photo: Jennie Macfarland)