Join us for the 32nd Annual Wings Over Willcox Birding and Nature Festival!!

Schedule of Events:

January 16, 2025

1:20 pm - 3:30 pm: Beginning Birdwatching - THU - $2

Learn and practice basic identification skills. Time will be spent at the Willcox ponds and nearby areas observing and identifying common bird species.  The trip leader will likely have a spotting scope; however, this tour will require that you bring your own binoculars.  Less than 1/2 mile of easy walking. Beginner. Capacity-10

3:50 pm - 6:00 pm: Sunset Sandhill Crane - THU - $25

This tour will start with a circuit of Cochise Lake for late afternoon arrivals of waterfowl. Next stop will be at a known roosting site as dusk begins to fall, with Sandhill Cranes coming in from the fields to spend the night. Approximately 3/4mile of walking is required along an unpaved, sandy road. Be prepared for cold temperatures as the sun sets, and bring a flashlight for the return walk to the vehicle. Capacity-30

5:50 pm - 7:30 pm: Welcome Reception - THU - Free

Join us for our welcoming reception of Wings Over Willcox! We will have a local band and hors d'oeuvres to enjoy. Many of our vendors will be set up to show their wares as well. Come on in and say hello! Capacity-200

January 17, 2025

6:50 am - 4:30 pm: Southwest Winter Specialties - FRI - $95

Some of the most sought-after birds in North America spend their winters here in Cochise County. The tour travels the wetlands, grasslands, agriculture fields, and foothills of the Sulphur Springs Valley and may include stops at Sunsites, Cochise Stronghold, and Whitewater Draw. The tour will look for Scaled Quail, Arizona Woodpecker, Mountain Plover, Sage Sparrow, Chestnut-Collared Longspur, Mexican Jay, and Bendire's Thrasher, as well as a variety of waterfowl, raptors, and shorebirds. Be ready for other rare and exciting finds. Approximately one mile of easy to moderate walking with several stops, and long vigils sitting on the bus waiting for birds to appear. Intermediate to Advanced. Includes lunch, drinks, and rest stops. Capacity-14

7:20 am - 12:00 pm: Birding Roper Lake and Dankworth Pond - FRI - $70

Some of the most sought-after birds in North America spend their winters here in Cochise County. The tour travels the wetlands, grasslands, agriculture fields, and foothills of the Sulphur Springs Valley and may include stops at Sunsites, Cochise Stronghold, and Whitewater Draw. The tour will look for Scaled Quail, Arizona Woodpecker, Mountain Plover, Sage Sparrow, Chestnut-Collared Longspur, Mexican Jay, and Bendire's Thrasher, as well as a variety of waterfowl, raptors, and shorebirds. Be ready for other rare and exciting finds. Approximately one mile of easy to moderate walking with several stops, and long vigils sitting on the bus waiting for birds to appear. Intermediate to Advanced. Includes lunch, drinks, and rest stops. Capacity-10

8:00 am - 10:00 am: Beginning Bird Photography - FRI - $25

Learn and practice basic photography skills. Time will be spent at the Willcox ponds and nearby areas. Bring your own camera. Your camera should have a zoom lens and the ability to control shutter speed. Please familiarize with how to change these two things on your camera. Less than 1/2 mile of easy walking. Beginner. Capacity-10

9:00 am - 3:00 pm: Daylong Hawk Stalk - FRI - $95

Explore Sulphur Springs Valley a hawk-watcher's dream during the winter months when large numbers of raptors are seen throughout the area. Approximately 1/2 mile of easy walking. Beginner to Intermediate. Rest stops are included. Capacity-18

9:30 am - 2:00 pm: Whitewater Draw Sandhill Crane - FRI - $50

Head to the south end of Sulphur Springs Valley looking for Sandhill Cranes foraging in the fields along the way. Then enjoy their return to Whitewater Draw as they fly in to loaf after their morning feeding. Less than 1/2 mile of easy walking. Beginner to Intermediate. Includes rest stops and lunch. Capacity-35

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm: Geology of the Willcox Playa - FRI - $60

Willcox Playa and the adjacent Dos Cabezas Mountains, which form the geologic framework along the northern end of Sulphur Springs Valley, have caused major restrictions to travel and land use since pre-historic times. We will observe these features and learn about their origin and the impacts they've had and are still having. Discussion is encouraged. No prior knowledge of geology is needed. Capacity-10

4:00 pm - 6:00 pm: Sunset Sandhill Crane - FRI - $25

This tour will start with a circuit of Cochise Lake for late afternoon arrivals of waterfowl. Next stop will be at a known roosting site as dusk begins to fall, with Sandhill Cranes coming in from the fields to spend the night. Up to 3/4mile of walking may be required along unpaved, sandy roads. Be prepared for cold temperatures as the sun sets, and bring a flashlight for the return walk to the vehicle. Capacity-35

6:00 pm - 8:30 pm: Exclusive Dinner with John Marzluff - FRI - $150

Enjoy an intimate dinner with John Marzluff. There will be no set schedule, just the opportunity to relax, enjoy conversation, a locally sourced gourmet meal, an alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage also local. Proceeds help to keep the festival growing! Books will be available for purchase, or you can bring your own. Capacity-12.

January 18, 2025

6:50 am - 4:30 pm: Southwest Winter Specialties - SAT - $95

Some of the most sought-after birds in North America spend their winters here in Cochise County. The tour travels the wetlands, grasslands, agriculture fields, and foothills of the Sulphur Springs Valley and may include stops at Sunsites, Cochise Stronghold, and Whitewater Draw. The tour will look for Scaled Quail, Arizona Woodpecker, Mountain Plover, Sage Sparrow, Chestnut-Collared Longspur, Mexican Jay, and Bendire's Thrasher, as well as a variety of waterfowl, raptors, and shorebirds. Be ready for other rare and exciting finds. Approximately one mile of easy to moderate walking with several stops, and long vigils sitting on the bus waiting for birds to appear. Intermediate to Advanced. Includes lunch, drinks, and rest stops.

7:45 am - 12:00 pm: Half Day Hawk Stalk #1 - SAT - $65

A shorter version of the Daylong Hawk Stalk exploring Sulphur Springs Valley in pursuit of the same types of hawks, owls, eagles, and falcons. Morning and afternoon tours offered. NOTE: Due to the excitement this trip offers, the tour may run 15-20 minutes behind schedule. Caravan-style with many stops along the way. Less than 1/2 mile of easy walking. Beginner to Intermediate. Includes limited rest stops.

8:00 am - 10:00 am: Beginning Bird Watching - SAT - $25

Self Drive - Learn and practice basic identification skills. Time will be spent at the Willcox ponds and nearby areas observing and identifying common bird species. The trip leader will likely have a spotting scope; however, this tour will require that you bring your own binoculars. Less than 1/2 mile of easy walking. Beginner. Capacity-6

8:00 am - 12:00 pm: Half Day Sparrow Seek #1 - SAT - $65

The grasslands of the Sulphur Springs Valley are well known for the diversity of sparrows, towhees, and longspurs that are winter residents. Over 24 species of Passerellidae (members of the sparrow family) may winter in Cochise County and as many as 19 species have been observed during the festival weekend. The tour includes a field trip seeking a handful of these sparrow species. Less than 1/2 mile of easy to moderate walking and includes brushy areas. Intermediate to Advanced. Includes rest stops. Capacity-12

8:30 am - 12:30 pm: Chiricahua National Monument Tour - SAT - $75

Join biologists from the Chiricahua National Monument for a wondrous hike through select trails of the Chiricahua National Monument. The monument is an enchanting wonderful of towering and inspiring rock formations amidst oaks and pines. You will visit historic sites, including Faraway Ranch, as you watch for birds and wildlife during this casual hike. Up to 2 miles of easy walking, though among uneven trails

9:00 am - 3:00 pm: Working Cattle Ranch - SAT - $75

Lush grasslands of the Sulphur Springs Valley supported large ranches, and ranchers once shipped more cattle from Willcox than any other point in the U.S. Visit an historic, working cattle ranch continuously operated by descendants of one of the earliest pioneer ranchers. Your rancher-guide will discuss ranching history, show and explain modern cattle and range management practices, and discuss relationships between ranching and wildlife. If it's cold in Willcox, it's cold on this tour! Less than 1/4 mile of easy, short walks. Includes sack lunch, drinks, and rest stops. Capacity-10

9:00 am - 3:00 pm: Geology of Texas Canyon - SAT - $75

Huge rock boulders are prominently exposed along Interstate 10 in Texas Canyon a few miles west of Willcox. How did these strange-looking rocks get there? We'll examine them and learn how they formed and how they've been changed by geological and related processes. Discussion is encouraged. No prior knowledge of geology is needed. Capacity-10

9:30 am - 2:00 pm: Whitewater Draw Sandhill Crane - SAT - $50

Head to the south end of Sulphur Springs Valley looking for Sandhill Cranes foraging in the fields along the way. Then enjoy their return to Whitewater Draw as they fly in to loaf after their morning feeding. Less than 1/2 mile of easy walking. Beginner to Intermediate. Includes rest stops and lunch. Capacity-30

12:50 pm - 3:30 pm: Wine Making and Tasting Tour - SAT - $40

Willcox is a thriving vineyard and winemaking area, and grows roughly two thirds of the grapes produced in Arizona. This tour will visit the "Willcox Bench" area off Kansas Settlement Road, a popular birder area to see Sandhill Cranes, hawks, and other winter migrants. Learn about why Willcox is a great area for vineyards, what varieties of grapes do well here, and the process to produce award winning wines. Taste some of our locally produced wines, and learn about the many vineyards and tasting rooms in the Willcox area. Capacity-20

12:50 pm - 5:00 pm: Easy Birding Sampler - SAT - $50

A slow pace and comfortable, easy viewing that will be emphasized on this trip designed for birders with limitations of endurance or mobility. We will visit locations identified by local wildlife experts to view a variety of species such as waterfowl, shorebirds, raptors, sparrows, and Sandhill Cranes. Most birding will be done from the vehicle or in close proximity to the vehicle and the short excursions will be wheelchair accessible. Beginner to Advanced. Includes rest stops. Capacity-8

12:50 pm - 5:00 pm: Half Day Sparrow Seek #2 - SAT - $65

The grasslands of the Sulphur Springs Valley are well known for the diversity of sparrows, towhees, and longspurs that are winter residents. Over 24 species of Passerellidae (members of the sparrow family) may winter in Cochise County and as many as 19 species have been observed during the festival weekend. The tour starts with an hour-long class on sparrow identification, followed by a field trip seeking a dozen sparrow species. Morning and afternoon tours offered. Less than 1/2 mile of easy to moderate walking and includes brushy areas. Intermediate to Advanced. Includes rest stops. Capacity-12

1:00 pm - 5:00 pm: Half Day Hawk Stalk #2 - SAT - $65

A shorter version of the Daylong Hawk Stalk exploring the Stewart District in pursuit of the same types of hawks, owls, eagles, and falcons. Morning and afternoon tours offered. NOTE: Due to the excitement this trip offers, the tour may run 15-20 minutes behind schedule. Caravan-style with many stops along the way. Less than 1/2 mile of easy walking. Beginner to Intermediate. Includes limited rest stops. Capacity-10

1:50 pm - 4:30 pm: Willcox Walking History - SAT - $25

Take a tour of the Historic Downtown's Railroad Avenue with a local historian. You'll see Arizona's only remaining original Southern Pacific Railroad Depot, constructed in 1880; the recently revitalized Willcox Commercial, formerly the oldest continually operating store in Arizona; and the Schwertner House, built as an overnight rooming facility for Army personnel en route through Willcox to area military posts. Nearby, the Rex Allen Cowboy Museum honors the late singer/actor "hometown boy" success story. Stop by the Chiricahua Regional Museum and Research Center where there are exhibits on the region's history, featuring the Chiricahua Apache, cavalry, Butterfield Stage Line, and mining and railroad displays. On your stroll, you'll pass several other historic buildings, such as the Headquarters Saloon, where Warren Earp was shot. Approximately 3/4 mile of easy walking. Includes a historic downtown walking tour map. Capacity-10

6:00 pm - 9:00 pm: Banquet and Keynote Speaker - SAT - $40

Banquet is held at the Elk's Lodge in Willcox at 247 E. Stewart Street. Keynote Speaker is John Marzluff. Doors will open at 6pm. The program will not start until 6:30pm. The auction will be available for you to participate as soon as doors open. Capacity-200

January 19, 2025

6:50 am - 3:00 pm: Southwest Winter Specialties - SUN $95

Some of the most sought-after birds in North America spend their winters here in Cochise County. The tour travels the wetlands, grasslands, agriculture fields, and foothills of the Sulphur Springs Valley and may include stops at Sunsites, Cochise Stronghold, and Whitewater Draw. The tour will look for Scaled Quail, Arizona Woodpecker, Mountain Plover, Sage Sparrow, Chestnut-Collared Longspur, Mexican Jay, and Bendire's Thrasher, as well as a variety of waterfowl, raptors, and shorebirds. Be ready for other rare and exciting finds. Approximately one mile of easy to moderate walking with several stops, and long vigils sitting on the bus waiting for birds to appear. Intermediate to Advanced. Includes lunch, drinks, and rest stops. Capacity-14

6:50 am - 3:00 pm: Southwest Winter Specialties - SUN $95

Some of the most sought-after birds in North America spend their winters here in Cochise County. The tour travels the wetlands, grasslands, agriculture fields, and foothills of the Sulphur Springs Valley and may include stops at Sunsites, Cochise Stronghold, and Whitewater Draw. The tour will look for Scaled Quail, Arizona Woodpecker, Mountain Plover, Sage Sparrow, Chestnut-Collared Longspur, Mexican Jay, and Bendire's Thrasher, as well as a variety of waterfowl, raptors, and shorebirds. Be ready for other rare and exciting finds. Approximately one mile of easy to moderate walking with several stops, and long vigils sitting on the bus waiting for birds to appear. Intermediate to Advanced. Includes lunch, drinks, and rest stops.

7:50 am - 3:00 pm: Daylong Sparrow Seek - SUN $95

The grasslands of the Sulphur Springs Valley are well known for the diversity of sparrows, towhees, and longspurs that are winter residents. Over 24 species of Passerellidae (members of the sparrow family) may winter in Cochise County and as many as 19 species have been observed during the festival weekend. The tour starts with an hour-long class on sparrow identification, followed by a field trip seeking over 15 sparrow species. Approximately 1- 1 1/2 mile of easy to moderate walking that includes agricultural fields and brushy areas. Intermediate to Advanced. Includes lunch, drinks, and rest stops. Capacity-14

8:50 am - 3:00 pm: Daylong Hawk Stalk - SUN $95

Explore Sulphur Springs Valley, a hawk-watcher's dream during the winter months when large numbers of raptors are seen throughout the area. Approximately 1/2 mile of easy walking. Beginner to Intermediate. There will be rest stops. Capacity-18

Date: January 16 - 19, 2025

Location: Willcox Community Center,

312 West Stewart Street,

Willcox, AZ 85643

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