The Gadson Purchase was signed right here in Old Mesilla in which the area that is now New Mexico became a territory of the United States. And don't forget the American period throughout the 1800's that witnessed gold miners, cowboys, ranchers, fur trappers and settlers moving into the new land, each one eager to stake their claim and dream of 'making it big'.Towns sprung up in the flat lands and nestled into the canyons, and the Butterfield Overland Stage coach trails connected the tame 'Back East' with the 'Wild West'. Cavalry forts dotted the landscape to try to keep the native Indians at bay.Today, all that remains is the cryptic petroglyphs in lonely canyons, that are etched on the sun baked rocks and boulders.And what has become of the rowdy, vibrant miner and railroad towns and forts? Tumbleweeds now dance through the dirt streets of the sun bleached ghost towns and jack rabbits chase each other between the faded and worn down stucco walls of the lonely cavalry outposts.Come with Southwest Expeditions and let's explore our past!

1. Caldera Band Members

Nature HeritageOur New Mexico land is as rugged as its people.From our wind swept mesas and hidden canyons to forested mountains with wild rushing streams, the scenic wonder that is New Mexico, is revealed to the adventurous explorer. The Rio Grande river lazily flows through the arid desert that stretches out from the horizon to the luminous sunset.The Rio Grande corridor is part of the 2nd. Largest 'flyway' for North/South bird migration in North America.Herons, Canada geese, Humming birds, Ospreys, Merlin's, Sandhill cranes and Avocets are but some of the beautiful species that visit New Mexico yearly. Majestic Eagles, Hawks and Falcons make their nests along the rugged cliffs of the Rio Grande Gorge, a birders paradise! The riparian areas along New Mexico rivers, are shaded by old Cottonwood and Willow trees and offer the perfect rest area for sun baked travelers or weary white-water rafters!Come explore with Southwest Expeditions when we visit New Mexico's 'Sky Islands', a fitting term used to describe a unique feature of southern New Mexico's mountain 'Islands' which are surrounded by the vast Chihuahuan desert. These island mountains still hold a remnant of the ancient forests of Pine, Juniper, Cedar and Oak trees on their slopes and hidden in their canyons.Mountain lion, Elk, Deer, Bobcat and the Grey Wolf are some of the animals that call these 'Sky Islands' home.These are but some of the reasons that New Mexico has earned the nickname 'Land of Enchantment'!

Arizona is well and truly on the beaten track; out-of-state and foreign birders have been streaming into the state for decades. For good reason! A surfeit of habitat diversity, combined with its privileged location on the Mexican border has given Arizona a list of more than 550 species. The southeastern corner of the state offers a delectable set of enticing birds, many of which are rarely seen north of here. For ABA listers, treats like Elegant Trogon, Spotted and Elf Owls, Montezuma Quail, Red-faced Warbler, and Five-striped Sparrow are hard to resist. On top of that, there are some of Arizona’s signature birds, from their well-chosen state bird, the Cactus Wren, to their “highway specialist”, the Greater Roadrunner.

And, for family listers, Phainopepla and Olive Warbler are likely to provide entirely new families for many. One of the attractions of Arizona is that it delivers top quality birding all year round. However, arguably the advent of the “second spring”, with the onset of monsoon rains in July and August, offers the very best time of all. All the celebrity species are still present, and they are supported by a luscious cast of hummingbirds. This is THE time to get the highest diversity of hummingbird species, not only in the state, but all of North America. The monsoon season can also be a good time to look for some of the rarities for which SE Arizona is famous – species such as Plain-capped Starthroat, Sinaloa Wren, Rufous-capped Warbler, Flame-colored Tanager, and a host of others have all been recorded in recent years.One of Arizona's classic desert species; Greater Roadrunner (Ben Knoot)Day 1: Tucson. The tour starts with an afternoon meeting at Tucson airport (1:30PM).

Sitting on a plain in the Sonoran Desert, we’ll be in good position to head right out as the afternoon starts to cool off, and start picking off desert species right off the bat. That is the beauty of Tucson – it is surrounded by excellent birding sites. Targets will include species such as Costa’s Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Gilded Flicker, Verdin, Canyon Towhee, and Rufous-winged Sparrow.

Night in Tucson.The delightful Verdin is related to penduline-tits in Europe (Ben Knoot)Day 2: Mount Lemmon to the Santa Rita Mountains.Less than 15 miles away from Tuscon, this mountain and its extraordinary range of habitats illustrates why many birders choose to base themselves in the city. Leaving the city early, we not only avoid traffic, we get to experience the mountain waking up.

We’ll head straight for the top of this sky island, and then work our way down through the habitats and birds through the morning. Lemmon is the highest of the Santa Catalina Mountains, reaching an elevation of 9157ft (2790m) at its highest point. The forest-covered summit area is usually 20-30°F cooler than the deserts below, which will make for a welcome break of the heat of the desert visible at its base.

In the ponderosa pine forest at the summit we’ll be tracking down breeding Olive Warbler (in their own family, separate from all the other American wood warblers), Band-tailed Pigeon, and Cordilleran Flycatcher. We’ll also check the hummingbird feeders at a local restaurant, where Magnificent Hummingbirds are often present.Rivoli's Hummingbird was formerly known as Magnificent Hummingbird (Ben Knoot)Working our way down the mountain, we’ll be birding within mixed forests of both open Pine-Oak and denser fir forests, at around 7,000ft (2130m). One of Arizona’s finest birds occurs within the cooler, shadier areas; the mouthwatering Red-faced Warbler. The same areas are also likely to yield Greater Pewee, Pygmy Nuthatch, and both Grace’s and Virginia’s Warblers. Moving lower still there will be areas of alders, cypresses and sycamores, which could produce different species again, including Arizona Woodpecker, Mexican Jay, or even the pretty Painted Redstart. Woodland and chaparral in this area are also good for Black-chinned Sparrow and Bridled Titmouse.Once we reach the base, we’ll have returned into desert once more.

Here we will search for anything missed the afternoon before, which may include Cactus Wren, Hooded Oriole, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, and Curve-billed Thrasher. In the afternoon we’ll make our way south, out of the Catalina Mountains, and into the Santa Ritas. The night will be spent close to Madera Canyon. On this evening there will be the opportunity to search for some of Southeast Arizona’s famous nightbirds, as both Elf Owl and Whiskered Screech-Owl occur in this area.The celebrity species of this tour is the incredible Elegant Trogon, the only regular trogon species to regularly breed in the US (Ben Knoot)Day 3: Madera Canyon to Rio Rico. Much of the day will be spent within this canyon, located within the Santa Rita Mountains south of Tucson. It is rightly regarded as one of the most famous birding areas in North America, with both a long list of vagrants and a star case of breeding species. Targeting this second group, we’ll spend some time in the lower canyon desert areas, looking for species like Scaled Quail, and Botteri’s, Cassin’s, Black-throated and Brewer’s Sparrows.

In the canyon itself we’ll search for Northern Beardless Tyrannulet, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, Varied Bunting, and Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher among others. Madera will also offer up our first shot at the “Star of Arizona”, Elegant Trogon, which occurs in the riparian woodlands here. Hummingbird feeders within the canyon are typically very productive, with a variety of attendants; regulars include Black-chinned, Broad-billed, and Magnificent Hummingbirds, while at other times, rarer species like Blue-throated, Berylline and White-eared Hummingbirds have been known to drop in. After much of the day in this beautiful canyon, we’ll hit the road and head south.

Two nights will be spent in Rio Rico.The Ultimate Prize on this tour is the Montezuma Quail (Ben Knoot)Day 4: California Gulch area. The morning will see us target two of the most wanted birds of the tour.

Five-striped Sparrow, a Mexican species that barely makes it into the US at all, is best found on the scrubby hillsides here. This part of the state is also arguably the best for the stunning Montezuma Quail, a scarce and inconspicuous species at the best of times! Keeping a close eye for imposters among the overhead Turkey Vultures might also reveal their chief impressionist, the Zone-tailed Hawk among them.

California Gulch is also an excellent place for the color smorgasbord that is Varied BuntingIn the afternoon we’ll visit the nearby Arivaca Cienega, a good spot to look for two local kingbird species – Thick-billed and Tropical – as well as Gray Hawk, and Rufous-winged Sparrow, (if we had missed it earlier in the trip). We may also make a visit to a nearby canyon for the rare Black-capped Gnatcatcher if they are in residence.

A second night will be spent in Rio Rico.Southeast Arizona is THE place to find a Violet-crowned Hummingbird for your ABA list (Ben Knoot)Day 5: Patagonia to Sierra Vista. The tiny town of Patagonia is located within the Sonoita Creek Valley, and is one of the most revered rarity locations in all of North America. Wetlands close to town could yield Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks, while nearby partially wooded areas give us a shot at the weird and unique Phainopepla.

Other local breeding species include Western Wood-Pewee, Band-tailed Pigeon, and Abert’s Towhee. It is also a good area for Tucson Audubon’s well chosen cover bird, the gaudy Vermilion Flycatcher. Another of our primary targets will take us on a visit to the famous Paton’s feeders, where we’ll keep a sharp eye out for the dapper Violet-crowned Hummingbird amid the more common (but no less good looking) Broad-billed.

Switching habitats, we’ll also head south out of the valley and onto the San Rafael Grasslands, where we’ll look for the local race of Grasshopper Sparrow and “Lilian’s” Eastern Meadowlark (a potential future split). In the afternoon, we’ll make our way east to the city of Sierra Vista, an excellent base for exploring the Huachuca Mountains, which are clearly visible from within the city itself. Two nights will be spent in Sierra Vista.Red-faced Warbler is one of Arizona's most wanted birds (Scott Olmstead)Day 6: Huachuca Canyons. A full day will be spent birding the various canyons that cut the Huachuca Mountains. Carr Canyon, to the south of the city, will occupy much of our time. The pine-oak woodland here plays host to a number of high-value targets, including Buff-breasted Flycatcher, Greater Pewee, Red-faced Warbler, and Hepatic Tanager.

Caldera Band Members

Depending on the year, we may visit Ramsey Canyon, with its excellent birding and hummingbird feeders. Among the 14 species that have been reported here are regulars such as Blue-throated, Broad-tailed and Black-chinned, and the chance at rarities like Berylline, Lucifer, and White-eared Hummingbirds. As the hummingbird situation changes, both seasonally, and annually, the choice of which feeders to visit will be dictated by the latest news of sightings. There are also feeders and good birding offered at both Miller (which holds the single US day record for hummingbird species), and Ash Canyon (traditionally the best place to find Lucifer Hummingbird).

Miller Canyon also gives us a shot at the iconic Spotted Owl. Another night will be spent in Sierra Vista.Gambel's Quail are handsome regulars on this tour (Ben Knoot)Day 7: Huachucas to the Chiricahuas. A final morning will be spent in one or more of the local canyons (Ramsey, Carr, Ash, or Miller), chasing whatever we still need, before forging on east to Portal, in the Chiricahua Mountains.

As we make our way across the flat desertlands between the sky islands of the Huachucas and the Chiricahuas we’ll keep a keen eye on both the roads, and the surrounding desert, as we will be traversing prime roadrunner country. In the afternoon, as we pull into the tiny town of Portal, we’ll check out some local feeders where birds like Scaled and Gambel’s Quails, and Crissal and Curve-billed Trasher can sometimes be found. We’ll settle into Portal for a three-night stay.Phainopepla is the sole representative of the Silky-Flycatcher family in North America (Ben Knoot)Days 8-9: Chiricahua Mountains. We’ll have two full days to explore the diverse birding opportunities provided by the eastern Chiricahuas. While this is a tour of Arizona, we will make a brief foray over the state line into New Mexico, to the town of Rodeo, in search of the local Bendire’s Thrasher, as well as another shot at Scaled Quail.

The area around the nearby hamlet of Paradise provides some different habitats, and we’ll check some well-placed feeders for Juniper Titmouse, and hummingbird feeders here give us our best shot at the diminutive Calliope Hummingbird.The higher reaches of the eastern Chiricahuas, where we’ll spend a good deal of our time, provide both welcome relief from the heat of the lower elevations, and a different mix of birds. Nowhere else in the US offers as good a shot at Mexican Chickadee and Yellow-eyed Junco! We’ll also have another shot at several birds we’d looked for in the Huachucas, including Red-faced and Olive Warbler, Greater Pewee, and Hepatic Tanager.Anna's Hummingbirds are incredible when you catch them just right (Ben Knoot)And there is Cave Creek Canyon, one of the most illustrious birding sites in the country.

Not only will this offer up an excellent chance at tracking down the iconic Elegant Trogon, a treasure trove of other birds occurs in this shaded canyon. Local and much-desired birds like Arizona Woodpecker, Painted Redstart, Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher, and both Plumbeous and Hutton’s Vireos all call this gorgeous spot home.

The Chiricahuas, like most sites visited on this tour, also boast a healthy crop of extreme rarities over the years too, and we’ll keep an ear to the ground for anything that might have shown up! These two nights will be spent in comfortable lodging within Portal, within spitting distance of many of the surrounding birding hotspots.Day 10: Portal to Tucson (departure). After a few final hours birding (possibly stopping at the Willcox Wetlands; one of the best wetland sites in AZ), we’ll depart for Tucson to connect with afternoon flights out. Flights should be booked for no earlier than 1PM.A Varied Bunting shows off its various color tones (Ben Knoot) TRIP CONSIDERATIONSPACE:Moderate. There are some early starts to be out before the heat of the day (we will typically leave the hotel at 5:30-6am); long days spent in the field; and there are some hikes up canyons, on uneven trails required. There are not many long drives on this tour; the longest being of around 3 hours on days 7 and 10.

Some lunches may be taken in the field, from fast food sandwich stores or similar.PHYSICAL DIFFICULTY:Moderate. Most of the walking will be along good trails, and along roads.

There are likely to be a few optional uphill hikes into canyons, which could be up to around 2 miles (3km) in length. On average around 2 miles (3km) will be walked daily. Elevations on this tour are generally between 4000-5000 feet (1200-1500m), but will reach up to 9000 feet (2750m) on two days.CLIMATE: Days will be warm to hot and nights cool. At this time of year daytime highs in the 90s Fahrenheit (early 30s Celsius), and nighttime temperatures in the low 60s Fahrenheit (16 Celsius) are expected. This tour is timed for the second spring/monsoon season, and therefore some rainfall is expected.ACCOMMODATION:Good to excellent throughout, with full-time electricity, hot water and en-suite facilities at the standard motels used everywhere.

All places used have Wi-Fi Internet.PHOTOGRAPHY:Although this is a birding focused tour, there will be good opportunities for the casual photographers, as there are many feeder sites on this tour (e.g. Madera Canyon, Sierra Vista area, Patagonia and Portal).WHEN TO GO:Arizona makes for a good destination year round, although hummingbird diversity and a more comfortable, cooler climate comes in July-August, when this tour is run.OTHER INFO:TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:A valid passport is required for non-US citizens; the passport must be valid for at least six months past your intended stay. Most foreign visitors to the USA need to APPLY FOR AN ONLINE ESTA BEFORE LEAVING THEIR COUNTRY OF RESIDENCE. Length: 10 daysStarting city: TucsonEnding city: TucsonPace: ModeratePhysical difficulty: ModerateFocus: birdingMax group size: 8 + 1 leaderExpected # of birds: 180-195Southeast Arizona is so highly esteemed amongst US birders that few visit there just the once.

A combination of deserts interspersed with low mountains, creates sky islands, and extraordinarily high diversity; Arizona has one of the highest bird lists in all of the US. Birds like Elegant Trogon, Montezuma Quail, and Violet-crowned Hummingbird, make this a must-see birding destination.