Maricopa County Parks and Recreation: Guided Bird Hike–Christmas Bird Count

As part of the Carefree Christmas Bird Count, Ranger Eric is offering a guided bird hike along a loop of the Spur Cross, Metate, and Towhee Trails at Spur Cross to look for birds of the Sonoran Desert and riparian habitats while we help with the bird count. We will spend extra time at the Solar Oasis to watch birds come down to one of the only patches of surface water currently in the area. Along the way, we will discuss identification tips by sight and sound for birds, as well as their ecological roles. We will hike 2-2.5 miles on easy to moderate-rated trails, with some rocky or uneven surfaces. Please dress in layers, wear protective clothing or sunblock, wear sturdy footwear, carry ample water and snacks, and bring binoculars or a camera if you have them. Porta-potties are located a quarter mile beyond the Spur Cross parking lot at the end of the road, next to the ramadas where we will meet. No drinking water available, so bring your own. Since this is a volunteer event, the park entry fee will be waived and your volunteer hours will be recorded. MEETING LOCATION: Spur Cross Trailhead picnic ramadas, 1/4-mile past the parking lot near the portapotties. Park map here: https://www.maricopacountyparks.net/assets/1/6/spur-cross-8x11.pdf Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/33yif6nshGraMoUK6 Limit 10 participants. To register, please call the Cave Creek Nature Center at 602-506-2930 ext. 8 with your name, phone number, and number of people attending. If you find you cannot attend a program after you have registered, please call back ASAP so those on the waiting list may be contacted. Registration for this program will close on Saturday, 12/27. The Carefree Christmas Bird Count is a 15-mile diameter count circle which includes the towns of Cave Creek and Carefree, Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area, Cave Creek Regional Park, Jewel of the Creek Preserve, stretches of the Maricopa Trail, and several other areas. If you are interested in helping with another area of the count circle, please email Jen Bruening at jenabrue@gmail.com.