Birding Flagstaff, Sedona and the Verde Valley

Explore the Verde River at Tuzigoot River Access Point during fall migration, when resident birds and migrating species come together along the river. Keep an eye out for Abert’s Towhee, Ladder-backed and Gila Woodpeckers, Yellow Warblers, Bewick’s Wrens, hummingbirds, tanagers, and hawks.

Date: Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Time: 7:30–10:00 AM
Location: Tuzigoot River Access Point
Meeting Point: Tuzi RAP River Access Point parking area at 7:30 AM.

Directions: Follow Broadway Street out of Old Town Cottonwood. Turn right onto Tuzigoot Road, then turn right at Tuzi RAP to park. There is a $10 fee or use an Arizona State Parks pass. A portable toilet is available.

What to Bring: A small sketchbook and pencil, snacks, binoculars, camera, scope, sturdy shoes, and weather-appropriate clothing.

About the Location: A diversion dam is located on this part of the river, creating habitat that attracts a variety of resident and migrating birds. We hope to see Ladder-backed and Gila Woodpeckers, Abert’s Towhee, Bewick’s Wren, Yellow Warbler, a tanager, hummingbird, or hawk.

Join us for a visit to Sedona Wetlands during fall migration, when the preserve can be especially active with birds. We’ll look for waterfowl, shorebirds, and other migrants while enjoying a relaxed walk through the riparian habitat.

Date: Thursday, September 17, 2026
Time: 9:00–10:30 AM
Location: Sedona Wetlands
Meeting Point: Sedona Wetlands parking lot.

Directions: The turnoff for Sedona Wetlands is approximately 4 miles west of Sedona High School along Highway 89A.

What to Bring: Water, snacks, binoculars, camera, scope if you have one, sturdy shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, hat, sunscreen, and anything else you need for a comfortable morning outdoors.

About the Location: We will walk a 0.5-mile loop through riparian habitat, with a longer stop at the Big Pond overlook pavilion. The trail is completely flat and well maintained, making this an easy and accessible birding outing.

Return to Ashurst Lake in late September to look for birds taking advantage of the lake and surrounding habitat during fall migration. Shorebirds, lingering waterfowl, Grace’s and Townsend’s Warblers, and Cassin’s and Plumbeous Vireos are all possibilities.

Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Time: 8am until approximately 12pm
Location: Ashurst Lake
Meeting Point: Meet at Basha's supermarket parking lot on Woodland's: 2700 S Woodlands Village Blvd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001. Meet at the side parking area on the street side of the building.

What to Bring: Binoculars, scope if you have one, sturdy shoes, water, snacks, sun protection, and weather-appropriate clothing.

About the Location: Ashurst Lake provides a mix of open water, shoreline, shrubs, and grassland that can attract migrating birds. We will drive to the far end of the lake and look for shorebirds, lingering waterfowl, and migrating warblers. There is no shade, and participants should be prepared to walk through shrubs and grasses. There are no official restroom facilities.

Join us for a leisurely three-mile walk through riparian and pinyon-juniper habitat during fall migration. We’ll look for year-round residents such as Black-throated Sparrows and Canyon Towhees, along with migrating warblers and sparrows.

Date: Monday, September 21, 2026
Time: 7:00–9:30 AM
Location: Woods Canyon Trail

Meeting Point: Red Rock Ranger Station lower parking lot.
Directions: The ranger station is approximately 1.2 miles south of the Village of Oak Creek along Highway 179.

What to Bring: Water, snacks, binoculars, camera, sturdy shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, hat, sunscreen, and anything else you need for a comfortable morning outdoors.

About the Location: The trail is approximately three miles and fairly flat and well maintained. It begins in a small riparian area before continuing through mostly pinyon-juniper habitat. Year-round residents include Black-throated Sparrows, Canyon Towhees, Crissal Thrashers, Rock Wrens, and others. During fall migration, we hope to find a mix of warbler and sparrow species.