Sunset over Santa Rita Mountains

Lovely Madera Canyon makes an excellent day trip from our Arizona bed and breakfast. Located on the northern edge of the Santa Rita Mountains, the Madera Canyon is one of many canyons that separate the incredible Sky Islands: islands of land that jut approximately ten thousand feet up out of the Sonoran Desert. This unique landscape is worth a visit, and Madera Canyon is perhaps the most accessible of the canyons.

Over 230 bird species have been spotted in Madera Canyon, including over a dozen types of hummingbirds. Pack a picnic and your binoculars, put on sturdy shoes and head out on a birding adventure.

At this time of year, you are likely to spot Wild Turkey, Gambel’s Quail, and a couple varieties of hawks. Keep an eye out for the Northern Mockingbird as you enjoy your picnic under a sycamore tree. When you return to our Arizona bed & breakfast you’ll be ready for a soak in the hot tub.

The Tucson Audubon Society is having a wonderful lecture series right now called Living With Nature. The lectures are held at DuVal auditorium at the University Medical Center, 13 miles from our Arizona B&B.

Tucson Turkey Vulture

This Monday , Oct. 12, look forward to a presentation on Urban Raptors and Urban Myths surrounding these birds. As more and more habitat is taken away from wildlife and used by humans, animals have begun to adapt to these changes. Birds of prey, which are some of my favorite, have their own unique methods for cohabitation.

On Saturday October 17 there will be a useful lecture on Ethnobotany. The conversation will introduce a wide variety of local and native plants and their various uses for humans and birds alike. Speaker Vincent Pinto will share his knowledge about various plant species that can be used for food, medicine, shelter, tools, rope, dye, fishing tackle, and even bird calls! The presentation will also cover how the same plants serve as vital resources for a diversity of bird species. The lecture is held at Green Valley Public Library, about 14 miles from our Arizona Bed and Breakfast.

Upcoming next month on Nov. 9th, Prof. Michael Rosenzweig will be speaking on reconciling the needs of people and wildlife.

We are glad that there is a great organization like the Audubon Society here in Tucson amongst our natural bounty. We are glad when our guests want to visit the Saguaro National Park East, and take in the beauty the the Tucson desert provides to both humans and wildlife.