Exclusive adventures to discover the

Owls of the Sky Islands

Private Trips, April 14-May 4, 2024

Join us in Arizona…

And you just might become one of only a few hundred people who have seen the world’s smallest owl. Even if the Elf Owl evades you, this trip will be owlsome.

During your all-inclusive trip, you’ll have 4 days/3 nights to explore the sky islands of the Chiricahua Mountains in southeastern Arizona. From hawkwatching for southwestern specialties like the Zone-tailed Hawk to birding for the elusive Elegant Trogon, we’ll work with you to curate a trip tailored to your interests. And of course, you’ll have the opportunity to go owling with us every evening. You might even get to release an owl back into the night sky!

reserve your spot

What’s Included

Roundtrip transportation from Tucson International Airport
4 day/3 night stay at the Southwestern Research Station in Portal, AZ
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 at HawkWatch International, will lead the trip. Dr. Oleyar is the Principal Investigator of the Following Forest Owls program and has studied cavity-nesting forest owls for over a decade. You’ll also be accompanied by at least one other member of HawkWatch International’s team with experience on the project.

When are the trips?

Trips will take place between April 10th and May 4th, 2024. Exact dates are flexible.

What is this trip, and why are you offering it?

This trip is a private opportunity to explore the Chiricahua Mountains, one of the areas where HawkWatch International studies small, cavity-nesting forest owls. We’re offering them to give more people the opportunity to experience this incredibly biodiverse place and to support the research we conduct there.

For the past 7 years, HawkWatch International has successfully offered similar trips in partnership with the Earthwatch Institute. These trips are a shorter, more intimate experience curated just for you and your group.

What will I do on the trip?

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!

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 can I see?

The Chiricahua Mountains are home to an incredible diversity of plant and animal species. Although there are too many to name them all, a few of our favorites include…

Raptors: Zone-tailed Hawk, Gray Hawk, Common Black Hawk
Birds: Elegant Trogon, Mexican Chickadee, Red-faced Warbler
Mammals: White-nosed Coati, Bobcat
Other exciting species: Gila Monster, Pipevine Swallowtail, Tohono Vinegaroon

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

Each 4-day/3-night trip is $1,750 per person and is all-inclusive as soon as you meet your trip leaders at Tucson International Airport. This includes roundtrip transportation to Portal, Arizona, three meals daily at the Southwest Research Station, select alcoholic beverages and snacks, and a welcome basket.

What isn’t included?

Each guest is responsible for the costs of transportation to Tucson International Airport is not included. The Southwest Research Station has a store on-site with great gifts, snacks, and coffee. We encourage you to consider those costs in your budget, as these purchases are not included. Any additional off-site meals and expenses are also on your own, including activities that require admission, tickets, or other fees for use.

Where will I stay?

You’ll stay in comfortable, private rooms at the Southwest Research Station in Portal, Arizona. Each room has a private bathroom, mini fridge, microwave, and small dining area. While the rooms are comfortable, these are not luxury accommodations. Please contact us if you have questions about amenities or what to expect.

Testimonial forthcoming

Tim BrownExecutive Director, Tracy Aviary

Dates Owl Wrong for You?

Join us on an Earthwatch expedition in Utah or Arizona through July 2024, or get involved in the program by signing up to be remote volunteer.

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