Hassayampa River Preserve

This will be our first trip of the season to one of my favorite birding spots! While we can't expect birding to be as glorious as it will be later in the spring, there is always something happening here. The bluebirds are now back, and many of our other rarities are present this week as well: the rufous-backed robin, the pacific and winter wrens, Lawrence's goldfinches, cedar waxwings, golden-crowned kinglets, black-throated and white-throated sparrows, and an eastern phoebe!

Hassayampa River Preserve is a former Nature Conservancy preserve that is now owned and operated by Maricopa County. There is a nice visitor's center with new restrooms, and the parking lot has been expanded. There are about 2 miles of gentle trails thru a variety of beautiful habitats. Admission is $7 or $8, unless you have the Maricopa County park pass. This will be a great introductory trip for those who haven't been here before!

To reach Hassayampa, take the US60 towards Wickenburg; about 2 miles from town, there is a left exit across the highway into the preserve.
Afterwards, we'll head for the Irish Wolfhound in Surprise for a little lunch and refreshment. Irish Wolfhound is at 16811 N. Litchfield Road, just south of Bell Rd. From Hassayampa, take US60 south into Surprise; exit right at Litchfield Road, and once you cross Bell Rd, it will be on your left.