Redstart Birding Tours

20/12/2024

Redstart Birding Tours is going International!!! Our Costa Rica birding trip filled up quickly but we still have two spots available for our birding trip to Ecuador in October 2025 Click the link below for more information:

https://holbrook.travel/gallo-ec25

30/09/2024

Sparrows are numerous in southeast Arizona right now. We just had an amazing little visitor come into one of the water features at Ash Canyon Bird Sanctuary while we were looking for the Rufous-backed Robin reported in the yard this morning.

Black-chinned Sparrow
Photo credit: Tim Blount
9/30/2024



23/08/2024

Our monsoon season has been a delightful experience, offering us the opportunity to share a diverse range of stunning bird species with a vast array of fascinating people.

Picture below:
Five-striped Sparrow

Photograph by Tim Blount on a recent tour.

12/08/2024

This event was so much fun!

11/08/2024

Our monsoon season is in full swing. We are having so much fun seeing so many beautiful birds with so many amazing people.

Thick-billed Kingbird
8/1/2024
Photo credit: Tim Blount

03/08/2024

I’m so excited! Can’t wait!!!
-Kristy

Experience the thrill of birding in Sierra Vista, the Hummingbird Capital of Arizona, with our exciting Hummingbird Hunt! Join us for a day-long adventure led by professional bird guide Kristy Gallo, perfect for both seasoned birders and beginners.

On Saturday, August 10, 2024, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., embark on a guided tour starting at the Ethel H. Berger Center. You'll visit prime locations such as Ash Canyon Sanctuary, Ramsey Canyon, and other spots known for their hummingbird activity. Participants will walk easy trails, sit quietly to observe these incredible birds in their natural habitat, and visit designated feeder stations.

To make the most of this experience, bring binoculars and be prepared for a day of birding and wildlife viewing. Water, snacks, and a sack lunch will be provided—just let us know if you prefer a turkey or ham sandwich at registration.

This event is a collaboration between the City of Sierra Vista and the Southwest Wings Birding and Nature Festival. Register at WebTrac.SierraVistaAZ.gov and call (520)417-6980 for more information.

Registration is open until Wednesday, August 7th, and is $30 per person. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of hummingbirds!

No binoculars? No problem! The Sierra Vista Public Library now has birding packs you can check out for free. All you need is your library card!

31/07/2024

WILLCOX — Birding in Willcox is getting a massive upgrade. The City of Willcox announced Thursday it has received a $10.7 million grant from the U.S. Dept.

22/07/2024

We did it!! Thanks to the over 150 people who donated, we have raised enough money to purchase the adjoining lots and provide additional protection for Ash Canyon Bird Sanctuary. Donors included long-time major donors, friends, family, colleagues, volunteers, our entire board, visitors, facebook friends and complete strangers. It is humbling to see how beloved the sanctuary is to so many people and we will work hard to be worthy of your support. THANK YOU!

13/06/2024

Nesting season has arrived in Southeastern Arizona, and it's in full swing!

Plumbeous Vireo sings in nest
Ramsey Canyon
6/10/2024

30/04/2024

Spring migration is in full swing in Arizona!!!!
Black-headed Grosbeak 4/30/2024

22/03/2024

08/02/2024

Rare Bird Alert!!!!!!
Little Gull
Lake Cochise in Wilcox, Cochise County, Arizona
2/7/2024

06/02/2024

An extremely rare melanistic Northern Harrier has been hunting the reeds at the Sierra Vista EOP for a month or more in Arizona. We have been told that fewer than 6 have ever been seen in the US.

Photo Credit: Tim Blount

03/02/2024

Loggerhead Shrike on the move looking for an easy meal. 👀
2/3/2024

04/01/2024

This winter’s Ramsey Canyon Christmas Bird Count took place on December 17, 2023 when 53 counters went out into the field in search of birds, while another 20 watched feeders. 145 species were recorded, a little above average, and 11,741 birds were counted, well below average.

Highlights included the count’s first ever Northern Bearded Tyrannulet, second ever Turkey Vulture and third ever White-eared Hummingbird. Highest counts were Mourning Dove (1,798), White-crowned Sparrow (972) and House Finch (880). Other notable sightings included 67 Red Crossbills in Upper Carr Canyon, six species of hummingbird (75 Anna’s), three species of owl, five Cassin’s Kingbirds, a Scott’s Oriole and a Winter Wren.

Congratulations to Steve Tracey for masterminding such a successful count, and well done to all who took part.

Photo: A Christmas Count Cassin’s Kingbird by Bob Behrstock

30/12/2023

As January approaches, it is hard to believe that the Wings Over Willcox festival is coming up on its 30th Anniversary! I recall the very first year. It was a shorter event with fewer tours - yet it was a wonderful time with numerous people that braved the cold, snowy weather to see our Sandhill Cra...

22/12/2023