Exclusive adventures to discover the

Secrets of Small Owls

Follow Forest Owls

Cost: $3,000 (8-day) or $2,250 (4-day)
Location: Portal, Arizona
Species Highlight: Western Screech-Owl, Whiskered Screech-Owl, Elf Owl, Northern Pygmy Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Flammulated Owl

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About the Trip

Despite being some of the most charismatic and well-loved species, owls are often understudied due to their nocturnal nature. HWI has taken to the riparian canyons of southeast Arizona to study knowledge gap forest owl species. The species we study are all cavity nesters, meaning that their survival is deeply entwined with the health of the forest. Through our long-term study, we are looking to learn how factors, such as climate change, may alter the landscape of the forests and the food sources within them and, as a result, affect the health of small forest owl species.

Join us in the field to see what it is like to be a biologist, learn more about the flora and fauna of the region, and get the rare chance to see owls up close.
On your all-inclusive trip, you’ll have up to 8 days to explore the sky islands of the Chiricahua Mountains in southeastern Arizona. During the day, you’ll help us study the forests these owls call home. In the evening, we go out owling. You might even get to release an owl back into the night sky!

What’s Included

Round-trip transportation from Tucson International Airport
8 day/7 night stay (option for 4 day/3 night stay)
All meals during your stay*
Select alcoholic beverages
Welcome basket
Nightly opportunities to conduct owl research and potentially see an owl in hand
Daily field trip opportunities tailored to your interests, including hawkwatching, general birding, geology, and more

Picture Yourself in Portal

FAQ’s

Who is leading these trips?

Dr. Dave Oleyar, Director of Long-term Monitoring & Community Science, HawkWatch International
Kassandra Townsend, HawkWatch International

When are the trips?

May 2-9, 2026

We’ll share 2027 dates as soon as we have them! You can still fill out the form to express your interest, and we’ll put you on our wait list.

What will I do on the trip?

To some extent, that’s up to you! From hiking and hawkwatching to geology and general birding, we’ll customize an itinerary for you and your group. Just let us know what you like to do!

You’ll also support the research HawkWatch International is conducting on small, cavity-nesting forest owls like the Western Screech-Owl and Elf Owl. This includes looking for tree cavities, conducting surveys for owls, and sometimes, the opportunity to release an owl back into the night sky!

There are also plenty of opportunities for less active endeavors. Past guests have joined us for guest lectures on drought, live music and dancing in town, or just a simple night of conversation over Dr. Oleyar’s famous gin and tonics.

What kinds of wildlife might I see?

You’re in for a wild experience! While that means we can’t guarantee what you’ll see, there are many fun and interesting species you may see during your trip.

Raptors: Zone-tailed Hawk, Gray Hawk, Short-tailed Hawk, Mexican Spotted Owl
Birds: Elegant Trogon, Mexican Chickadee, Red-faced Warbler, Painted Redstart, and an exciting mix of hummingbirds, including Rivoli’s and the Blue-throated Mountain-gem
Mammals: White-nosed Coati, Bobcat, Black Bear, Mountain Lion
Other exciting species: Gila Monster, Pipevine Swallowtail, Tohono Vinegaroon, and a variety of snakes, including Arizona Mountain King Snake, Green Rat Snake, and many rattlesnakes

How much does the trip cost, and what is included?

Trips are all-inclusive as soon as you meet your trip leaders at the Tucson International Airport. This includes round-trip transportation to Portal, Arizona, lodging, three meals daily, select alcoholic beverages and snacks, and a welcome basket.

We recommend a full 8-day trip for the best experience; however, shorter trips (4 days/3 nights) are available.

Full-length trips (8 days/7 nights) are $3,000 per person. Shorter trips (4 days/3 nights) are $2,250 per person.

All payments are subject to HWI’s Community Science Expedition policies.

What isn’t included?

Each guest is responsible for the costs of flights/transportation to the airport. Any additional off-site meals, snacks, or souvenirs purchased at the Southwest Research Station store are also your responsibility.

We also recommend that each participant invest in comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical evacuation assistance. The Chiricahua Mountains are a beautiful but remote place, and medical emergencies require long-distance and costly transportation.

Where will I stay?

You’ll stay in comfortable, private rooms at the Southwest Research Station in Portal, Arizona. Bathrooms are dormitory style. While the rooms are comfortable, these are not luxury accommodations, and the bathrooms are dormitory style. Please contact us if you have questions about amenities or what to expect.

This expedition was exceptional. Dave, Jesse, and Kassandra were above-par facilitators. They were patient, knowledgeable, and very personable. The room and board were much better than I expected. Fed better than at home, and a wonderful variety. The station was very peaceful and serene. The research was tailored to each individual’s skill level, and you had the opportunity to learn at your own pace and always felt valued. I learned things that will stay with me for a lifetime, and every day was an adventure.

Kimberly HilgendorfTrip Participant, Arizona

Dates Owl Wrong for You?

Join us on an Earthwatch expedition in Utah or Arizona through July 2026, or get involved in the program by signing up to be remote volunteer.

Learn More