Field trips for Ornithology are designed to complement the class and formal laboratory topics. These trips are designed to focus on particular field and research skills relevant to ornithology as a scientific discipline, and preparations for each trip will be discussed in advance.

Participation in all field trips is required. However, we recognize that work, class and family schedules may limit participation in all trips, but permission must be given in advance for missing. Students will be responsible for material and topics covered on these trips, so make sure you get notes from other students. As we cannot predict what will be encountered on the trips, and because they are time intensive, they cannot be made up. The final trip (Santa Rita Mountain Trip, April 23-25) is the most extensive, and we strongly encourage you to make efforts to ensure you are able to participate in this trip. For all trips we will provide University vans, which will depart from the South Main entrance of the Biosciences West building at the designated time. Arrangements can be made for students to travel in their own vehicles, but under these conditions the University does not provide vehicle or occupant insurance, and the driver should have appropriate insurance. Also, for all trips, the University does not carry insurance that would provide medical coverage for any injury or accidents. Students should carry their own medical coverage.

For each field trip, the student is required to provide: binoculars, small field notebook (5.5 x 8.5 inch open sheet preferable, although pocket-size will work), lunch or snacks, water, sunscreen, and appropriate clothing. Other necessary equipment or materials specific to individual trips will be discussed in class. Smoking, alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs and cell phones (unless phone use is necessary) will not be permitted on any of the field trips. The Santa Rita trip will be a camping trip, and camping gear or ground bedding will be necessary. There are cabin bunks and kitchen facilities available as well. A $10.00 fee is required for staying at the facility.

Field Trip Schedule

1. Sweetwater Wetland. (Fri Jan 30, 06:30-11:30)
   Sweetwater Wetlands, located on the western edge of Tucson, is an artificially constructed wetland, that supports a wide variety of resident and migrant birds in varied habitats. Goals: Field techniques and identification.
   
   
2. Dairy Barn Banding. (during regular Lab times, Feb 17-18) (2-4:30 PM)
   The Dairy Barns at the University Agricultural facilities attract a large number of common species, such as house sparrows and doves. This provides us with an opportunity to capture considerable numbers of birds for close study. Goals: Use of mist nets, measuring and handling birds, study of bird plumage in living specimens.
   
   
3. Location TBA. (Tue, Mar 9, 06:30-11:30)
   We’ve left this date open for now, and our destination will be determined by the needs and interests of the class, or to make up for an earlier bad weather day.
   
   
4. Location TBA. (Sat, Mar 27, 06:30-11:30)
   We’ve left this date open also; determined by the needs and interests of the class, or to make up for an earlier bad weather day. We will tentatively visit the Empire Cienega Resource Conservation Area, just North of Sonoita, for a bird netting session.
   
   
5. Dairy Barn Banding. (during regular Lab times, Apr 13-14) (2-4:30 PM)
   Second Visit to The Dairy Barns at the University Agricultural facilities. See description above.
   
   
6. Santa Rita Mountains. April 23-25 (Leave Friday at 4:30 PM, return Sunday about 16:00)
   The Santa Rita experimental station is located at a middle elevation, and allows us the opportunity to sample a wide variety of species and engage in a two-day intensive immersion into field techniques. Goals: surveys using point-counts and transects, opportunity to practice mist netting.