Desert Discovery offers a guided introduction to the Sonoran Desert, led by experienced, knowledgeable volunteers. Designed for curious minds and easy exploration, these short hikes, with frequent stops in our Preserve and FH Desert Botanical Garden, reveal the many facets of this unique desert. Programs also explore the desert through photography and local art, offering a creative lens on this remarkable environment.
During this walk through the Desert Botanical Garden with birders Pete Herstein and Lisa Miller, you will be searching for birds, not only by sight, but by sound. December is an excellent time for birding here, with viewing of over 15 different species a distinct possibility. Highlights could include Rock Wren, Gilded Flicker, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, White-crowned Sparrow and Lincoln's Sparrow.
Pete will also demonstrate the use of the ebird, Merlin, and birdNET apps. You may want to download them before the program.
Bring water, a hat, and binoculars if possible. Wear shoes or boots with grippy soles. Hiking poles recommended. No dogs, please.
Pete Herstein is a 30 year avid birder. He is also a Naturalist for the Sonoran Conservancy of Fountain Hills and the Fountain Hills Desert Botanical Garden where he leads birding hikes both in the Garden, at Fountain Park and other interesting birding locations around the area. Lisa Miller is a SCFH Steward volunteer, Naturalist, and a Legacy Steward with the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy. She is also a volunteer with the Dark Sky Discovery Center.
Click here to register for this free event. https://www.scfh.org/programs.