2026 Arizona Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Survey Training – May 5 and May 13
The 2026 Arizona Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Training is occurring May 5th (virtual presentations) and May 13th (site visit). Both days are essential to completing the training.
On May 5th we will give presentations via Microsoft Teams. Species experts will give presentations that address flycatcher biology, survey methodology, identification, and other related issues. This virtual training will last approximately six hours.
On May 13th we will convene at the lower San Pedro River Preserve in Dudleyville near dawn for a Site Visit. We will split into groups, rotating through Field Form discussion and the Site Visit. We anticipate people will hear and see flycatchers and complete the training between 10 and 11 am.
Salt River Project, who manages the San Pedro River Preserve, will open their gates for campers the afternoon and evening of May 12th for those who wish to be nearer to our Site Visit location the morning of May 13th. In order to reach the Preserve, vehicles will need to travel on a dirt road and cross the San Pedro River. Typically, the stream is shallow and narrow, but conditions are unpredictable. We encourage a high clearance vehicle with four-wheel drive capability.
There is no cost for the training. We are limited to about 30 participants.
If you would like to sign up, please contact Laura Stewart, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at laura_r_stewart@fws.gov. After sign up, we will distribute a more detailed agenda and documents.