Upcoming Events
Join Casa de San Pedro for a relaxing stay and enjoy special birding events or special dinners to make your stay even more satisfying! Be sure to sign up in advance for special events by calling us toll free at 888-257-2050. The calendar above has a representation of a few of the many events in the area.
Winter Birding is in full flight!
Humans come to Arizona for the Winter to enjoy comfortable weather and sunny skies. Birds do the same thing! While our Summer birds have headed further South for the winter, a wholesale changeover starts in late October with their departures and the arrival of flocks of birds that love our stunning habitat for their Winter stay-over.So as the weather cools we observe the arrivals of different hawks, sparrows, and other field birds. One of the noteworthy arrivals each November is a mixed flock of Sandhill Cranes (arriving from Nebraska, Alaska, and Siberia!). About 22,000 Sandhills take up residence for the Winter at Whitewater Draw (just east of Bisbee). And they are joined by a lot of overwintering waterfowl (ducks, geese, teal, kerlews). One of the best things to do is to spend an afternoon watching flight upon flight of the Sandhills as they go out to the local corn fields to graze, or to watch them return (predictable return time start at about 11:00 AM each day).
A simple 3 day tour of the area in the Winter can include heading West to Patagonia (1 hour) to visit a Nature Conservancy preserve, and to stop at the Patton's yard (Tucson Audubon managed), with excellent birding along the way - and even the opportunity to also visit local wineries in Sonoita and Elgin. On another day one can explore the San Pedro River Valley and the several canyons along the face of the Huachuca Mountains (7 miles west of the Casa.). And finally yet another day of exploring the Sulphur Springs Valley and Whitewater Draw (where the Sandhills hang out for the Winter) to find even more birds. It is entirely possible to find over 180 different species in a simple 3 day tour of the area - with everything you want to see in only short drives (or walks along the San Pedro River right outside our back gate) each day.
Fortunately the Casa is located in a perfect habitat (riparian) to attract the birds you want to see, and with only short trips to nearby related canyon and mountain habitats you can find many different species in the different habitats and elevations (from 4230 at the Casa to over 9000 feet at the mountain peaks). Our Winter weather is still pleasant with sunshine and cooling nights - just perfect for you to enjoy magnificent bird watching, and relax in the quiet serenity of the Casa.
We can give you directions to all of our local birding hot spots, starting with our own back yard and the adjacent San Pedro River!
As you tour SE Arizona from our high prairie grasslands, to mountain canons, and riparian areas, it is probable that you will find well over 180 species in just a few days, without a lot of effort. Local bird guides can help you find and identify the many types of birds, and guide you to the Winter birding hot-spots. And as always, the San Pedro River Valley is at the heart of SE Arizona's hottest birding sites.
BIRDING (AND MORE!) AT THE CASA:
Hummingbird Banding at the Casa - Early April thru June 1, and then July thru early October
Sheri Williamson and Tom Woods from the Southeastern Arizona Bird Observatory (www.sabo.org) are again planning to do Hummingbird Banding at the Casa on most Friday afternoons during most of the summer months and into September and October. (Exact dates and times are on their web site: www.sabo.org). And, see our calendar, above, for the dates.
The Hummingbird Banding happens in our back yard on (most, but check the calendar carefully!) Friday afternoons from 4-6pm. Join Tom and Sheri for a great hummingbird experience.
These banding sessions at Casa de San Pedro are free to our resident guests.
For non-resident participants you must pre-register with SABO at their website and attendance is limited.
There is a small charge for participants not staying at the Casa.
COOKING CLASSES AT THE CASA
We are pleased to announce that we have partnered with Chef Ginny Durbin from Sierra Vista who will be hosting Fall Cooking Classes/Dinners at the Casa several times this Fall. Ginny worked in the Navy, attending the the culinary demands of the Admirals and Captains, catering their special events. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience and is eager to host these cooking classes at the Casa for our guests.
IMPORTANT: PLEASE CALL US TO RESERVE YOUR SPACES AT THESE DINNERS AT (888) 257-2050
Dates this Fall:
Dates and Menus for Cooking Classes in January, February, and March are currently in development. Watch this space for updates!
IMPORTANT: For Cooking Class/Dinner Reservations PLEASE CALL US toll free at (888) 257-2050
Kathe Anderson Birding Seminars:
Mar 1-3, 2019: Two New Programs: All About Cranes, and State Birds of the West
This is a full weekend program focusing on birds morning and evening, with afternoons free to relax at la Casa or explore the many natural and cultural resources of the area.
On the first evening, we’ll talk about cranes—previewing the field trip on Saturday to Whitewater Draw that attracts more than 20,000 sandhill cranes in the winter. On the second evening, we’ll review the state birds of the lower 48 states west of the Mississippi, and what could be alternate choices! Choose one or both classes, each $30. Field trips included.
Click Here to View the Detailed Itinerary
June 7-9, 2019: Summer Color. Flycatchers, and Temporary Custody of a Rainbow II
This is a full weekend program focusing on birds morning and evening, with afternoons free to relax at la Casa or explore the many natural and cultural resources of the area.
On the first evening, we’ll take a closer look at the large and often confusing flycatcher family, which includes kingbirds, phoebes and pewees, among other flycatchers—some colorful and some not!Class the second evening, in a program specifically developed for Casa de San Pedro, will highlight a range of common colorful birds of the Sierra Vista area, plus a trio of striking black-and-white birds. Choose one or both classes below, each $30. Field trips included.
Click Here to View the Detailed Itinerary
Oct 4-6, 2019: Condors and Vultures and Migration.
This is a full weekend program focusing on birds morning and evening, with afternoons free to relax at la Casa or explore the many natural and cultural resources of the area.
Class the first evening will feature nature’s remarkable recyclers—the large avian carrion eaters of this continent, with a peek into worldwide species and issues. Class the second evening is an interactive program focusing on the amazing journeys of bird migration, with a bit of fun duplicating the hardships of this seasonal phenomenon. Choose one or both classes below, each $30. Field trips included.
Click Here to View the Detailed Itinerary* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
For more detailed information about history tours, special events, stage/arts events, and festivals please click the following links for:
Events in Bisbee, AZ
Events in Sierra Vista, AZ
Huachuca Art Association: Art in the Park - First Weekend in October annually; plus First Sunday Artist Receptions in the SV Mall Gallery monthly 3 - 5 p.m.; and Artist Potluck on the Second Saturday at the Astro Gallery in Hereford (4-6 p.m.)
The Nature Conservancy Nature Walks
Nature Walks Visitors from all over the world come to see the more than 170 species of birds found in the preserve and surrounding national forest. Southwestern specialties such as painted redstarts and magnificent hummingbirds share the canyon with many other animals, including black bears, Chiricahua leopard frogs and dozens of species of butterflies. The canyon is also home to more than 400 species of plants, from tiny mosses to towering firs.
Guided walks are on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 9 a.m. from March 1 to the end of October.
The reserve is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.