Bird/Nature Photography: Mt. Lemmon 6/5/2025
Cost: Free, but you must register to attend.
Mt. Lemmon is the highest peak in the Santa Catalina Mountains. Vegetation ranges from saguaro-palo verde Desert scrub at the base to mixed conifer forest at the summit. Numerous recreation areas, rest areas, and pull-offs provide us the opportunity to see many birds that are not in or rare the Green Valley/Madera Vista area, such as Band-tailed Pigeons, Cordilleran Flycatchers, Stellar's Jays and Mountain Chickadees. Check out the Ponderosa Pines for breeding Olive Warbers and owling in this area can net Spotted and Northern Saw-Whet owls.
Stops will include Incinerator Ridge, Rose Canyon and Palisades Visitors Center to bird. Long lenses very helpful- no tripods needed.
Lunch will at the Iron Door in the Ski area by Summerhaven.
Even though walking will be limited, be sure to wear comfortable shoes (preferably close-toed), a hat and sunscreen, bring water, and be sure to pack snacks if needed. Please be aware of the elevation and travel distance.
For those driving, make sure you have a full tank of gas before setting out. We are approximately 40 miles (1 hour & 46 minutes) from the Marshall Gulch Picnic Area (the end-of-the-road).
Denise LeCount-O'Brien will lead the group.
Meet at the Photography Club upper parking lot at 7:15 AM for carpooling, departure at 7:30 AM. Please wear your GVR Photography Club or Camera Club badge if you have one. For those carpooling, $10.00 is an appropriate contribution to the driver.
GVR requires that every person participating in Photography Club Field Trips must sign a one-time waiver prior to departure absolving GVR of any liability. You may sign the waiver the morning of the trip, if you have not already done so.
If you have any questions, please contact Denise LeCount-O'Brien at (309) 830-0177 or email at rurt2dede@gmail.com.
If you need to canceI, please contact Field Trip Facilitator Monica Parker at 618-304-1164 or email mparker582@aol.com. On the day of departure call Denise.
NOTICE:
All participants need to be responsible for an assessment of their mobility and health issues relating to field trips. Some trips may not be appropriate, but you must make that determination. However, the trip leader may deny participation in a specific field trip to anyone deemed not suitably prepared or able to walk with the group.
The club strives to provide several field trips specifically designed for members with physical limitations.
In order to participate in this event, you must be a member of the GVR Photography Club and GVR.
The GVR Photography Club is located in the Recreation Village of Santa Rita Springs.