Nature

Birding on the San Pedro River
The San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area is considered one of the largest and most critical avian migratory corridors remaining in the western United States. It supports more than 350 species of birds, in addition to more than 80 species of mammals, two native and several introduced species of fish, and more than 40 species of amphibians and reptiles. The area, including about 40 miles of the upper San Pedro River, offers ample opportunities to see the migrating and native birds of Southern Arizona.
Guided tours leave from the San Pedro House and feature information on the history of the area, hydrology, geology, and plant and animal life, as well as time to look for the myriad birds that use the precious water in the San Pedro River.
Cost: $5/person
Attendees: 10 min./50 max.
Length: 45 minutes-2 hours
Sample Menu: Soft drinks, water, juice, and energy bars provided for the hike.
Special Instructions: Comfortable clothing and walking shoes recommended. Bring your own binoculars. Commercial tour operators must contact the Bureau of Land Management for parking permit information at 520-439-6400.
Contact: Laura Mackin
Friends of the San Pedro River 1763 Paseo San Luis, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635, 520-459-2555, fspr@sanpedroriver.org

Breakfast at a Beastly Hour at Reid Park Zoo
When visiting zoos across the country, have you ever wondered what the animals actually eat and who's in charge of making sure they get enough of their specialized delicacies? Tucson's Reid Park Zoo will take you behind the scenes and into the kitchen of their esteemed sous chef for the animals.
See everything from rat-cicles to the animal versions of fruit trays and trail mix. Top off the morning by feeding an actual giraffe.
Cost: $17 adults/$8 children 5-14
Attendees: 16 min./35 max.
Length: 2 hours
Sample Menu: Bagels and cream cheese, muffins, fruit, coffee, tea, juice
Contact: Kristen Metzger
Reid Park Zoo 1100 S. Randolph Way, Tucson, AZ 85716, 791-3204 ext. 17, reidzoo@ci.tucson.az.us, www.tucsonzoo.org

Live & (Sort Of) On The Loose Reptiles at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Rattlesnakes and Gila monsters, fangs and venom-the mere mention makes most people run for cover. Truth is, people tend to misinterpret the normal defensive reactions these amazing creatures exhibit when faced with our often-unintended blunderings into their lives. Learn how to tread safely among these true natives of the desert Southwest, with the help of trained docents at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Separate myth from reality, and get a rare chance to meet a live Gila monster or rattlesnake.
Cost: Starting at $100/group for private demonstration. Program is also open to the public daily at 12:15 p.m. and is included in the price of admission. 50%-nonrefundable deposit required at least two weeks prior to program.
Attendees: No min./60 max.
Length: 30 minutes
Contact: Amy Hartman, Associate Director of Marketing
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum 2021 N. Kinney Rd., Tucson, AZ 85743, 883-3013, www.desertmuseum.org

Evening Safari
Explore the Reid Park Zoo at night, and find out what the animals do when no one's around. Staff lead flashlight tours and give you some up-close animal encounters, all in one unforgettable evening.
Special Instructions: The zoo will provide flashlights and snacks, but participants should plan on eating dinner before arriving.
Cost: $19/adult, $10/children 2-14; minimum program group price $225
Attendees: 15 adults min./30 max.
Length: 3 hours
Refreshments: Snacks included
Times: 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Contact: Kristen Metzger
Reid Park Zoo 1100 S. Randolph Way, Tucson, AZ 85716, 791-3204 ext. 17, reidzoo@ci.tucson.az.us, www.tucsonzoo.org

The Sonoran Desert from the Ground up Wildlife Presentation
Meet the "stars" of the Sonoran Desert: rattlesnake, Gila monster, tarantula-all up close and personal! Accompanied by their friends of flight, falcons, hawks, and the great-horned owl, these well-known creatures of the Sonoran Desert will make their appearance at your hotel or nearly anywhere your group would like to meet them! Ben Schwartz has been rehabilitating these animals for years and has created this presentation to help visitors understand their vital role in the Sonoran Desert ecosystem.
Cost: $175
Attendees: no min./max.
Length: 1 hour or as long as the audience is interested.
Reservations: Payment due on day of presentation
Contact: Ben Schwartz
Raptor Rehabilitation Project 15321 Lago del Oro Pkwy., Catalina, AZ 85739, 825-8339

More Nature Ideas:
Catalina State Park  Birding trails in a desert habitat. 628-5798, north of Tucson, $6/car.

Colossal Cave Mountain Park  Beautiful desert park, on the National Historic Register, showcasing crystal-filled Colossal Cave and historic La Posta Quemada Ranch.

Garden Canyon  Moderate hiking trails get you up close and personal with a wide array of native and migratory birds. 800-288-3861, Fort Huachuca off AZ Hwy. 90.

International Wildlife Museum  A world-class natural history museum with 400 different species.

Kartchner Caverns State Park  A rare living "wet" cave. Visitor center details the discovery of the cave, its unique formations, and exhaustive preservation efforts that went into building the site as Arizona's newest state park.

Madera Canyon  An outstanding cross-section of Southwestern bird habitats. Trails cover a range of life zones, from desert grassland to mountain forest. 520-281-2296, off I-19 or I-10 to AZ Hwy. 83, east of Green Valley, AZ. $5 parking fee.

Mt. Lemmon  On the way up the 35-mile drive from Tucson are scenic viewpoints, camping and picnic grounds, and hiking trails.

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument  The largest national monument in the United States, established to protect the unique cactus and preserve the Sonoran Desert. 32 miles south of Ajo, AZ.

Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve  Owned by The Nature Conservancy, this preserve, with groves of cottonwoods and dense willows along Sonoita Creek, supports 300 bird species. One of the best spots in the country to see the rare gray hawk. 520-394-2400, off AZ Hwy. 82, east through Patagonia, AZ. $5, under 16 free.

Ramsey Canyon Preserve  Owned by The Nature Conservancy, this 380-acre site, located on the eastern flank of the Huachuca Mountains, is renowned for scenic beauty and excellent birding opportunities, particularly hummingbirds. 520-378-2785, off AZ Hwy. 92 at Ramsey Canyon Rd., near Sierra Vista, AZ. $5/adults, under 16 free.

Sabino Canyon  Narrated ground-tram trip lasts 45 minutes and travels the most camera-worthy scenery in the Tucson area.

Saguaro National Park East & West  The Sonoran Desert is home to the most recognizable cactus in the world, the majestic saguaro. Visitors of all ages are fascinated and enchanted by these desert giants.