Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival: Big Springs (Clarkdale)

The name comes from a freshwater source that Native Americans used centuries ago. Although not flowing like descriptions of the past, it is a lovely spot protected by towering cottonwoods. It is located in Clarkdale a short distance past Tuzigoot Road, next to the Clarkdale Wastewater Treatment plant. We will encounter some rough footing along the way, make sure you have appropriate footwear. We are expecting a nice variety of birds; flycatchers and swallows out in the open, Verdin and Bell’s Vireo as we make our way down to the Verde and the usual suspects along the Verde River. There should be Yellow Warblers, Common Yellowthroats, Summer Tanagers and hopefully a Black Hawk or two. Rating: 3 Cost: $45 Capacity: 12 Transportation: Self-drive Meal: None       Part of the Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival Join us 100 miles North of Phoenix in North Central Arizona’s Verde Valley for the Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival. Experience birding during the peak Spring migration season at Dead Horse Ranch State Park on the banks of the Verde River. Close proximity to the Verde, Oak Creek, Sycamore Creek, and other perennial waters offers a wide selection of guided tours, hikes, and workshops in one of Arizona’s richest birding habitats. Our experienced guides have extensive knowledge of birds and the unique habitat that makes this region special. The festival, presented each April by Friends of the Verde River, is a purpose-driven community benefit organization and 501© 3 non-profit working to preserve one of the last perennial flowing rivers in the American Southwest. Festival site is at Dead Horse Ranch State Park.