New group hopes to chart new path for Redington Pass

For years, Redington Pass was a popular place for shooters, and wildcat shooting sites came to look like dumps, with assorted debris used for target practice. Shotgun shells and casings littered one such area, above. Redington is now largely cleaned up.

New group hopes to chart new path for Redington Pass

Almost anything was a target at one wildcat shooting site in Redington Pass. This one had a bullet-riddled computer monitor and appliances.

New group hopes to chart new path for Redington Pass

A cleanup of trashed-out shooting sites has been completed in Redington Pass east of Tucson - and events at the pass next weekend will highlight the many recreation opportunities there.

Catalina Park has it all

Left: You know you want to relax in the warm early springtime sun on one of those rocks and gaze at Montrose Pools on the Romero Canyon Trail. It's a 7.2-mile trail, but many hikers turn back after about 3 miles.

Catalina Park has it all

Hikers and horseback riders mix it up at the Sutherland Wash near the Romero Canyon Trail. In late winter and early spring, Catalina State Park offers flowing streams and tranquil pools.

Catalina Park has it all

This stream bubbles across the 2.3-mile Canyon Loop Trail, a mostly easy ramble with big visual rewards.

Catalina Park has it all

Tucson hikers Kevin and Melanie Duckett gaze at stone ruins along the Romero Ruin Interpretive Trail at Catalina State Park.

Catalina Park has it all

The mile-long Birding Trail at the park winds through three kinds of habitat. This nest was built in a cholla cactus.

Catalina Park has it all

Greenery along the Canyon Loop Trail at Catalina State Park.

Catalina Park has it all

Recreation options you'll find at various sites around Arizona: hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, bird-watching, camping, picnicking and exploring ancient ruins. • Recreation options you'll find at Catalina State Park: all of the above. • You get the point. • The park - nestled in t…

Long-legged big birds descend on ponds near Kino Stadium

An egret gazes out over waters that are flushed red by the setting sun reflecting off a building near the basins of the Kino Environmental Restoration Project on Tucson's south side. Great blue herons have been spotted at the site as well.

Long-legged big birds descend on ponds near Kino Stadium

Dazzling white egrets and great blue herons have been swooping through the skies and wading in ponds near a south-side sports complex - adding pizazz to the urban bird-watching scene.

Bird festival draws participants from 20 states for August event

A bird finds a scenic perch near a pasture in Amado. Field trips next month will take birders to sites around Southeastern Arizona, including Cienega Creek, Catalina State Park and the Catalina and Huachuca mountains.

Bird festival draws participants from 20 states for August event

Hundreds of birders are expected to flock to various events planned next month by the Tucson Bird and Wildlife Festival.

Bird festival draws participants from 20 states for August event

Bird-watchers find a good observation spot at Oracle State Park.

Bird festival draws participants from 20 states for August event

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Bird festival draws participants from 20 states for August event

People from 20 states have already signed up for a major bird-watching bash in Tucson - even though it's more than a month away.

Bird lovers take in weekly park walks

Volunteer Jean Smith knows a lot about birds, like the sound a white-winged dove makes when it calls.

Bird lovers flock to guided program

Volunteer Jean Smith knows a lot about birds, like the sound a white-winged dove makes when it calls.

Bird lovers flock to guided program

Vickie Marron of Careywood, Idaho, scopes the trees for birds during the Wake Up With the Birds program at Roy P. Drachman-Agua Caliente Regional Park. The bird-watching tour is held at 8 a.m. each Thursday at the park.