Ladyfisher;

Congrats on your tour of southern Arizona, and the preserve. These are some of the better kept secrets of the U.S. most people think of Arizona as being barren, but that is far from the truth. I lived in Sierra Vista for 3 years back int he 1980s, and got a chance to do some exploring there, myself. Wonderful country that really grows on you if you give it a chance.

Just a suggestion for another day trip from Tucson -- pass through Sierra Vista, and go to Ramsay Canyon Nature Conservancy. It's a beautiful little canyon in the Huachuca Mountains, and is home to more different species of hummingbirds than any other location in the U.S. These little flying jewels are amazing to watch.

Here are some links with more info:
http://www.nature.org/wherewework/no...s/art1973.html
http://www.sabo.org/birding/huacspv.htm#ramsey
http://www.arizonafolklore.com/ramsey.htm

Ramsey Canyon Preserve
is about 90 miles southeast of Tucson, near the city of Sierra Vista. Take I-10 east to Highway 90 exit. Go south to Sierra Vista. Take Highway 92 south from Sierra Vista for six miles and turn right on Ramsey Canyon Road. The preserve is at the end of Ramsey Canyon Road, four miles west of the highway.

(520) 378-2785