A Tucson Meet Your Birds event at Sweetwater Wetlands on Saturday, Feb. 13, offers an opportunity to learn the basics of bird-watching in a scenic setting with guidance from Tucson Audubon Society field trip leaders.
The free event — presented by the society and Tucson Water, operator of the wetlands — will feature bird-watching along tree-lined paths and ponds at the 20-acre site northwest of the Prince Road exit from Interstate 10.
Expert birders will point out species such as egrets, herons and ducks. They will set up high-powered spotting scopes to give visitors close-up views of waterbirds and other winged wildlife, said Kendall Kroesen, urban program manager with the Audubon Society.
“I think there are a lot of people who see birds in the yard or local parks or the desert, and there’s kind of a latent interest in birds there,” Kroesen said. “This is the next step — to come out with some experts and learn more about birds.
“We’re counting on that ‘wow!’ factor when they see a close-up view through the scope,” he said, noting that some loaner binoculars will be available as well.
The event, which runs from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., also will include:
- Bird-watching experiences for kids and families.
- Information on citizen science projects such as the Great Backyard Bird Count.
- Tips on creating bird habitats in Tucson-area backyards.
- Information from Tucson Water representatives on water conservation and the operation of the Sweetwater Wetlands.
- Food trucks with breakfast and lunch offerings.
