The early bird catches the worm so it takes an even earlier birder to catch the bird.
Every Thursday through August, the Wake Up With the Birds bird-watching tour begins at 7:30 a.m. at Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Road. Starting in September, bird-watchers can sleep in because the walks start a half-hour later, at 8 a.m.
"We're trying to educate people about not only the county parks, but present an opportunity for beginning and experienced birders to learn about the birds in the area," said Sandy Reith, environmental education program coordinator with Pima County Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation.
"We get up to 40 people in the busier times, in early winter and spring," Reith said. "It's pretty much our most popular program. Look - it's a hot summer day and 20 people showed up."
A variety of birds regularly wing through the park, including a pair of great horned owls that make it their home for much of the year. A Tucson Audubon Society volunteer leads the tours, and other society members often tag along and, if called upon, add their experienced eyes and ears to the hunt.
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"The nice thing about these walks is there is a different leader every week," said Jean Smith, an Audubon and Parks and Recreation volunteer and regular tour leader who, last week, was among the followers.
"Each leader has certain things that are their favorites; each leader has a little different approach. That's what makes it fun every week."
If You Go
• What: Wake Up With the Birds.
• Where: Agua Caliente Park 12325 E. Roger Road.
• When: 7:30 a.m. every Thursday through August; 8 a.m. Thursdays September through November, except holidays.
• Cost: Free and open to the public. Registration is not required and loaner binoculars are available.
• For more information: Go to www.pima.gov/nrpr or call Pima County Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation Environmental Education, 615-7855.
Contact photographer Kelly Presnell at presnell@azstarnet.com or 954-1974.
