Welcome to the 31st Wings Over Willcox Birding & Nature festival! The WOW committee has been busy planning and scouting for a wide range of birding tours, from beginner to specialties including sparrows, raptors, and Sandhill Cranes. Beyond birding, we also have geology, local history, wine making and tasting, and historic working cattle ranch tour. The Naure Expo is back, with a wide variety of organizations and vendors including live raptors and snakes. Renowned naturalist/artist/writer Julie Zickefoose from Ohio will be our keynote speaker at the banquet Saturday night. Finally, don't forget the free presentations on Friday and Saturday.

We look forward to seeing all of our old friends and making some new ones as well!

Schedule of Events

January 11, 2024

Field Trip

Beginning Birdwatching
Meet at WCC: 1:20 PM, Return: 3:30 PM, $25.00
Learn and practice basic identification skills. Time will be spent at the Willcox ponds and nearby areas observing and identifying common bird species. The trip leader will likely have a spotting scope; however, this tour will require that you bring your own binoculars. Less than 1/2 mile of easy walking. Beginner.

Sunset Sandhill Crane
Meet at WCC: 3:50 PM, Return: 6:00 PM, $25.00
This tour will start with a circuit of Cochise Lake for late afternoon arrivals of waterfowl. Next stop will be at a known roosting site as dusk begins to fall, with Sandhill Cranes coming in from the fields to spend the night. Approximately ¾ mile of walking is required along an unpaved, sandy road. Be prepared for cold temperatures as the sun sets, and bring a flashlight for the return walk to the vehicle.

Welcome Reception
Meet at WCC: 5:50 PM, Return: 7:30 PM, FREE
Join us for our welcoming reception of Wings Over Willcox! We will have a local band and hors d'oeuvres to enjoy. Many of our vendors will be set up to show their wares as well. Come on in and say hello!

January 12, 2024

Field Trip

Southwest Winter Specialties
Meet at WCC: 6:50 AM, Return: 4:30 PM, $95.00
Some of the most sought-after birds in North America spend their winters here in Cochise County. The tour travels the wetlands, grasslands, agriculture fields, and foothills of the Sulphur Springs Valley and may include stops at Sunsites, Cochise Stronghold, and Whitewater Draw. The tour will look for Scaled Quail, Arizona Woodpecker, Mountain Plover, Sage Sparrow, Chestnut-Collared Longspur, Mexican Jay, and Bendire's Thrasher, as well as a variety of waterfowl, raptors, and shorebirds. Be ready for other rare and exciting finds. Approximately one mile of easy to moderate walking with several stops, and long vigils sitting on the bus waiting for birds to appear. Intermediate to Advanced. Includes lunch, drinks, and rest stops.

Birding Roper Lake & Dankworth Pond
Meet at WCC: 7:20 AM, Return: 12:00 PM, $70.00
Roper Lake is an excellent place for bird watching. Species commonly seen are Gambel's Quail, Red-winged Blackbird, Yellow-headed Blackbird, Great Horned Owl, Northern Cardinal, as well as flycatchers, kingfishers, ducks, grebes, egrets, herons, and mergansers. Dankworth is a very popular southern Arizona birding destination and a large variety of migratory birds spend their winters soaking up the Arizona sun here. Beginner to Intermediate.

Beginning Birdwatching
Meet at WCC: 7:50 AM, Return: 10:00 AM, $25.00
Learn and practice basic identification skills. Time will be spent at the Willcox ponds and nearby areas observing and identifying common bird species. The trip leader will likely have a spotting scope; however, this tour will require that you bring your own binoculars. Less than 1/2 mile of easy walking. Beginner.

Daylong Hawk Stalk
Meet at WCC: 8:50 AM, Return: 3:00 PM, $95.00
Explore Sulphur Springs Valley a hawk-watcher's dream during the winter months when large numbers of raptors are seen throughout the area. Approximately 1/2 mile of easy walking. Beginner to Intermediate. Rest stops are included.

Whitewater Draw Sandhill Crane
Meet at WCC: 9:20 AM, Return: 2:00 PM, $50.00
Head to the south end of Sulphur Springs Valley looking for Sandhill Cranes foraging in the fields along the way. Then enjoy their return to Whitewater Draw as they fly in to loaf after their morning feeding. Less than 1/2 mile of easy walking. Beginner to Intermediate. Includes rest stops and lunch.

Geology of the Willcox Playa
Meet at WCC: 12:50 PM, Return: 3:30 PM, $65.00
Willcox Playa and the adjacent Dos Cabezas Mountains, which form the geologic framework along the northern end of Sulphur Springs Valley, have caused major restrictions to travel and land use since pre-historic times. We will observe these features and learn about their origin and the impacts they've had and are still having. Discussion is encouraged. No prior knowledge of geology is needed.

Sunset Sandhill Crane
Meet at WCC: 3:50 PM, Return: 6:00 PM, $25.00
This tour will start with a circuit of Cochise Lake for late afternoon arrivals of waterfowl. Next stop will be at a known roosting site as dusk begins to fall, with Sandhill Cranes coming in from the fields to spend the night. Up to ¾ mile of walking may be required along unpaved, sandy roads. Be prepared for cold temperatures as the sun sets, and bring a flashlight for the return walk to the vehicle.

Seminars

Crane Basics
Meet at WCC: 8:05 AM, Return: 9:00 AM
When watching a group of Sandhill Cranes did you ever wish you knew more about these elegant birds, what they re doing and why? Crane Basics is your opportunity to learn more about crane biology and behavior. You will gain insights into crane migration, family life, body language and vocalizations through our photographs and captivating video. It s knowledge that will significantly enhance your crane watching experience!

Fire History, Recovery and Restoration in the Chiricahuas
Meet at WCC: 9:20 AM, Return: 10:30 AM
The Horseshoe 2 Fire was a 2011 wildfire located in the Chiricahua Mountains in southeastern Arizona. The fire was started by human activities, and burned over 240,000 acres making it the fifth largest wildlife in Arizona history. Doug and Kate will be sharing examples of the impact of fire on the Sky Islands from one of the largest wildland fires to impact this area in recorded history. In addition, they will be highlighting the survey work and partnerships the Forest utilizes to evaluate bird species occurrence which supports Forest Plan implementation and project implementation, such as fuels management for long term habitat improvement.

Raptor ID
Meet at WCC: 10:50 AM, Return: 12:00 PM
Some raptors puzzle even the experts, but with some tips, you can narrow down the probable choices, and with some practice, nail most identifications. In this hands-on workshop, we'll talk about the different families of raptors commonly found in Arizona, when to expect them, how their shapes differ for their hunting styles, and resources for more information.

The Exciting Night Life of Bats!
Meet at WCC: 11:50 AM, Return: 1:00 PM
Karen has studied bats for more than 40 years. Learn about this exciting and unique nocturnal mammal and how it is so successful as a predator and pollinator. There are more than 1,100 species of bats that occur worldwide. Bats are an important part of our ecosystems and deserve our respect and admiration. Echolocation allows a bat to fly in total darkness to locate, chase, and capture flying insects. Bridges and other human structures are important roost habitat for many species of bats. Nectar bats visit and pollinate columnar cactus and succulents in our area.

Secrets of the Owls and Night Birds
Meet at WCC: 1:20 PM, Return: 2:30 PM
Flying silently like ghosts, owls go about their nightly errands under cover of darkness, usually unseen by us. Even so, they are instantly recognizable with their large heads and big eyes. Why do owls have such big heads? No other bird does. Owls are designed around their adaptations to a nocturnal lifestyle. Yet these adaptations also present problems. Nature evolves ingenious solutions to these problems and the true story is far more intriguing than the many myths that surround owls. Join Pinau Merlin for an engaging and fascinating look into the lifestyles and adaptive strategies of these amazing raptors of the night.

Sandhill Cranes 101
Meet at WCC: 2:35 PM, Return: 3:30 PM
Learn more about the birds that started our birding festival – everything you wanted to know about the oldest (going back more than 65 million years) and one of America's most magnificent birds.

January 13, 2024

Field Trip

Southwest Winter Specialties
Meet at WCC: 6:50 AM, Return: 4:30 PM, $95.00
Some of the most sought-after birds in North America spend their winters here in Cochise County. The tour travels the wetlands, grasslands, agriculture fields, and foothills of the Sulphur Springs Valley and may include stops at Sunsites, Cochise Stronghold, and Whitewater Draw. The tour will look for Scaled Quail, Arizona Woodpecker, Mountain Plover, Sage Sparrow, Chestnut-Collared Longspur, Mexican Jay, and Bendire's Thrasher, as well as a variety of waterfowl, raptors, and shorebirds. Be ready for other rare and exciting finds. Approximately one mile of easy to moderate walking with several stops, and long vigils sitting on the bus waiting for birds to appear. Intermediate to Advanced. Includes lunch, drinks, and rest stops.

Half-day Hawk Stalk #1
Meet at WCC: 7:35 AM, Return: 12:00 PM, $65.00
A shorter version of the Daylong Hawk Stalk exploring Sulphur Springs Valley in pursuit of the same types of hawks, owls, eagles, and falcons. Morning and afternoon tours offered. NOTE: Due to the excitement this trip offers, the tour may run 15-20 minutes behind schedule. Caravan-style with many stops along the way. Less than 1/2 mile of easy walking. Beginner to Intermediate. Includes limited rest stops.

Beginning Birdwatching
Meet at WCC: 7:50 AM, Return: 10:00 AM, $25.00
Learn and practice basic identification skills. Time will be spent at the Willcox ponds and nearby areas observing and identifying common bird species. The trip leader will likely have a spotting scope; however, this tour will require that you bring your own binoculars. Less than 1/2 mile of easy walking. Beginner.

Half-day Sparrow Seek #1
Meet at WCC: 7:50 AM, Return: 12:00 PM, $65.00
The grasslands of the Sulphur Springs Valley are well known for the diversity of sparrows, towhees, and longspurs that are winter residents. Over 24 species of Passerellidae (members of the sparrow family) may winter in Cochise County and as many as 19 species have been observed during the festival weekend. The tour includes a field trip seeking a handful of these sparrow species. Less than 1/2 mile of easy to moderate walking and includes brushy areas. Intermediate to Advanced. Includes rest stops.

Chiricahua National Monument Tour
Meet at WCC: 8:20 AM, Return: 12:30 PM, $75.00
Join biologists from the Chiricahua National Monument for a wondrous hike through select trails of the Chiricahua National Monument. The monument is an enchanting wonderful of towering and inspiring rock formations amidst oaks and pines. You will visit historic sites, including Faraway Ranch, as you watch for birds and wildlife during this casual hike. Up to 2 miles of easy walking, though among uneven trails.

Geology of Texas Canyon
Meet at WCC: 8:50 AM, Return: 3:00 PM, $80.00
Huge rock boulders are prominently exposed along Interstate 10 in Texas Canyon a few miles west of Willcox. How did these strange-looking rocks get there? We'll examine them and learn how they formed and how they've been changed by geological and related processes. Discussion is encouraged. No prior knowledge of geology is needed.

Working Cattle Ranch
Meet at WCC: 8:50 AM, Return: 3:00 PM, $85.00
Lush grasslands of the Sulphur Springs Valley supported large ranches, and ranchers once shipped more cattle from Willcox than any other point in the U.S. Visit an historic, working cattle ranch continuously operated by descendants of one of the earliest pioneer ranchers. Your rancher-guide will discuss ranching history, show and explain modern cattle and range management practices, and discuss relationships between ranching and wildlife. If it's cold in Willcox, it's cold on this tour! Less than 1/4 mile of easy, short walks. Includes sack lunch, drinks, and rest stops.

Whitewater Draw Sandhill Crane
Meet at WCC: 9:20 AM, Return: 2:00 PM, $50.00
Head to the south end of Sulphur Springs Valley looking for Sandhill Cranes foraging in the fields along the way. Then enjoy their return to Whitewater Draw as they fly in to loaf after their morning feeding. Less than 1/2 mile of easy walking. Beginner to Intermediate. Includes rest stops and lunch.

Half-day Hawk Stalk #2
Meet at WCC: 12:50 PM, Return: 5:00 PM, $65.00
A shorter version of the Daylong Hawk Stalk exploring the Stewart District in pursuit of the same types of hawks, owls, eagles, and falcons. Morning and afternoon tours offered. NOTE: Due to the excitement this trip offers, the tour may run 15-20 minutes behind schedule. Caravan-style with many stops along the way. Less than 1/2 mile of easy walking. Beginner to Intermediate. Includes limited rest stops.

Easy Birding Sampler
Meet at WCC: 12:50 PM, Return: 5:00 PM, $50.00
A slow pace and comfortable, easy viewing that will be emphasized on this trip designed for birders with limitations of endurance or mobility. We will visit locations identified by local wildlife experts to view a variety of species such as waterfowl, shorebirds, raptors, sparrows, and Sandhill Cranes. Most birding will be done from the vehicle or in close proximity to the vehicle and the short excursions will be wheelchair accessible. Beginner to Advanced. Includes rest stops.

Half-day Sparrow Seek #2
Meet at WCC: 12:50 PM, Return: 5:00 PM, $65.00
The grasslands of the Sulphur Springs Valley are well known for the diversity of sparrows, towhees, and longspurs that are winter residents. Over 24 species of Passerellidae (members of the sparrow family) may winter in Cochise County and as many as 19 species have been observed during the festival weekend. The tour starts with an hour-long class on sparrow identification, followed by a field trip seeking a dozen sparrow species. Morning and afternoon tours offered. Less than 1/2 mile of easy to moderate walking and includes brushy areas. Intermediate to Advanced. Includes rest stops.

Wine Making & Tasting Tour
Meet at WCC: 12:50 PM, Return: 3:30 PM, $40.00
Willcox is a thriving vineyard and winemaking area, and grows roughly two thirds of the grapes produced in Arizona. This tour will visit the "Willcox Bench" area off Kansas Settlement Road, a popular birder area to see Sandhill Cranes, hawks, and other winter migrants. Learn about why Willcox is a great area for vineyards, what varieties of grapes do well here, and the process to produce award winning wines. Taste some of our locally produced wines, and learn about the many vineyards and tasting rooms in the Willcox area.

Willcox Walking History
Meet at WCC: 1:50 PM, Return: 4:30 PM, $25.00
Take a tour of the Historic Downtown's Railroad Avenue with a local historian. You'll see Arizona's only remaining original Southern Pacific Railroad Depot, constructed in 1880; the recently revitalized Willcox Commercial, formerly the oldest continually operating store in Arizona; and the Schwertner House, built as an overnight rooming facility for Army personnel en route through Willcox to area military posts. Nearby, the Rex Allen Cowboy Museum honors the late singer/actor "hometown boy" success story. Stop by the Chiricahua Regional Museum and Research Center where there are exhibits on the region's history, featuring the Chiricahua Apache, cavalry, Butterfield Stage Line, and mining and railroad displays. On your stroll, you'll pass several other historic buildings, such as the Headquarters Saloon, where Warren Earp was shot. Approximately 3/4 mile of easy walking. Includes a historic downtown walking tour map.

Banquet & Keynote Speaker
Meet at WCC: 5:50 PM, Return: 9:00 PM, $40.00
Banquet is held at the Elk's Lodge in Willcox at 247 E. Stewart Street
Saving Jemima
Naturalist/artist/writer Julie Zickefoose thinks of herself as an unsung, minor, rather dirty superhero. Her superpower: saving small, economically worthless wildlife that would otherwise die. An orphaned jay named Jemima was one such foundling. Spending nearly a year healing, studying and raising the young blue jay for release opened the door to their world for Julie. She began writing and illustrating Saving Jemima: Life and Love With a Hard-luck Jay immediately upon becoming her foster mother. More than a wildlife rehab story, it's the story of life, love and dealing with great loss; of finding grace and redemption in bonding with a wild bird.

Seminars

Crane Basics
Meet at WCC: 8:05 AM, Return: 9:00 AM
When watching a group of Sandhill Cranes did you ever wish you knew more about these elegant birds, what they re doing and why? Crane Basics is your opportunity to learn more about crane biology and behavior. You will gain insights into crane migration, family life, body language and vocalizations through our photographs and captivating video. It s knowledge that will significantly enhance your crane watching experience!

Chiricahua National Monument, the Wonderland of Rocks
Meet at WCC: 9:50 AM, Return: 11:00 AM
This year National Park Service staff at Chiricahua National Monument, the Wonderland of Rocks, will be commemorating the park centennial April 18. Park Ranger, Suzanne Moody, will share how and why the monument was established in 1924, what there is to see and do, plus the special events scheduled throughout this historic year.

Using Bird Behavior to Identify Birds
Meet at WCC: 11:20 AM, Return: 12:30 PM
Eric will share a system of bird identification he has developed that uses behavior as a primary determinant in lieu of using plumage. Birding plumage often confuses birders as you have to learn the variations of plumage within each species, such as male plumage, female plumage, juvenile plumage, and breeding plumage vs. winter plumage. Eric's seminar will discuss how bird behavior remains constant within each given species, whether it is a male, female, juvenile, breeding season or winter. This unique method of bird identification will provide you with another tool for bird identification.

Ducks/Not Ducks
Meet at WCC: 12:50 PM, Return: 2:00 PM
Wait! Those ducks don't all look alike! What are those smaller ones? How do you tell all those brown ones apart? How about that one with a tuft on its head? And what about things that look and act like ducks and aren't (coots, grebes and cormorants)? Focusing on the common species that spend their winters on ponds in southern Arizona, we'll parse through a dozen or more species of waterfowl to give you pointers – and confidence – about what you're seeing.

Recent History of Borderlands Jaguars
Meet at WCC: 2:20 PM, Return: 3:30 PM
Southeast Arizona and southwest New Mexico are the only locations in the United States where jaguars have been sighted in the past twenty years. In late 2016, one jaguar was in the Huachuca Mountains and the other in the Dos Cabezas. Earlier that year a video surfaced of a third jaguar in the Santa Rita Mountains. Although the Huachucas' jaguar came to a bad end in Mexico, its return there was biologically significant, and the Santa Ritas jaguar returned to Mexico as well but survived. Meantime, the Dos Cabezas jaguar has persisted south of Willcox, and recently a new trail camera image has surfaced of another jaguar in the Huachcuas, although it remains unclear if it is a new individual. This presentation will examine how the presence of these endangered species in the region pose unique challenges for wildlife and land managers, and how they are even more popular among the general public given the rise in use of trail cameras.

The Nurturing Nature of Rattlesnakes
Meet at WCC: 3:50 PM, Return: 5:00 PM
Explore the surprising world of rattlesnake families through a series of vignettes and videos. Experience a day in the life of a rattlesnake family to discover how they care for and defend their babies. Learn about babysitting, drinking, and other lesser-known aspects of rattlesnake behavior too. Let's take a journey into the unique and exciting realm of our scaley neighbors!

January 14, 2024

Field Trip

Southwest Winter Specialties
Meet at WCC: 6:50 AM, Return: 3:00 PM, $95.00
Some of the most sought-after birds in North America spend their winters here in Cochise County. The tour travels the wetlands, grasslands, agriculture fields, and foothills of the Sulphur Springs Valley and may include stops at Sunsites, Cochise Stronghold, and Whitewater Draw. The tour will look for Scaled Quail, Arizona Woodpecker, Mountain Plover, Sage Sparrow, Chestnut-Collared Longspur, Mexican Jay, and Bendire's Thrasher, as well as a variety of waterfowl, raptors, and shorebirds. Be ready for other rare and exciting finds. Approximately one mile of easy to moderate walking with several stops, and long vigils sitting on the bus waiting for birds to appear. Intermediate to Advanced. Includes lunch, drinks, and rest stops.

Daylong Sparrow Seek
Meet at WCC: 7:50 AM, Return: 3:00 PM, $95.00
The grasslands of the Sulphur Springs Valley are well known for the diversity of sparrows, towhees, and longspurs that are winter residents. Over 24 species of Passerellidae (members of the sparrow family) may winter in Cochise County and as many as 19 species have been observed during the festival weekend. The tour starts with an hour-long class on sparrow identification, followed by a field trip seeking over 15 sparrow species. Approximately 1- 1 1/2 mile of easy to moderate walking that includes agricultural fields and brushy areas. Intermediate to Advanced. Includes lunch, drinks, and rest stops.

Daylong Hawk Stalk
Meet at WCC: 8:50 AM, Return: 3:00 PM, $95.00
Explore Sulphur Springs Valley, a hawk-watcher's dream during the winter months when large numbers of raptors are seen throughout the area. Approximately 1/2 mile of easy walking. Beginner to Intermediate. There will be rest stops.

Date: January 11-14, 2024

Location:
Willcox Community Center,
312 West Stewart Street,
Willcox, AZ 85643.

Click here for more information