Wings Over Willcox Birding & Nature Fest Happens This Weekend

The 30th Wings over Willcox birding and nature festival is here in Cochise County this Thursday January 12^th. The event runs all weekend through Sunday January 15^th.

Guests from Around the World

This internationally popular festival celebrates the return of the Sandhill Cranes to Southeastern Arizona. According to the festival website, organizers hope the prolific rains over the summer and early fall have brought a vast number of bird species to Cochise County, to make an exciting show for visitors who travel here from all over the world.

Taking Flight. You never know what you'll find at the festival. Photo by Brian Forsyth via Pexels

Events for Every Interest

The festival has scheduled a wide variety of field trips and activities, with everything from Beginning Birdwatching and Southwest Winter Specialties, to one of the highlights of the festival a trip to Whitewater Draw to see the Sandhill Cranes up close. Or at least through the lens of your binoculars or camera.

Check out the complete list of festival field trips and activities. Payment and registration can be completed online, however at this time some activities may already be sold out. If the event is not full, there’s a chance you may be able to get into the program.

Snake and Hawk by Chris Curry via Unsplash

Suitable for the Whole Family

This event isn’t just for adults. There are plenty of activities suitable for kids of all ages.

The AZGFD Wildlife Center and Liberty Wildlife will be on hand to provide up-close information and education and showcase some of the amazing birds found in our area, like hawks, raptors, and more.

If your kids are obsessed with or even just curious about snakes, don’t miss seeing the Huachuca Area Herpetological as they bring creepy, crawly critters for kids of all ages!

On Friday and Saturday, kids can create a nesting box for cavity-nesting birds

Using a big pair of binoculars can help birders get "up close" to the feathered creatures. Photo by mostafa meraji via Unsplash

If You Go

If you do go to the festival, be sure to bring extra water and wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for hiking. Also, bring a hat, because even in the middle of winter, the harsh Arizona sun can take us by surprise.

For an easy to print schedule of events, grab this link: Wings Over Willcox Schedule of Events

A good camera with professional lenses can help birders capture the wonder of this event. Photo by William Thomas via Unsplash