Specialty birds in the Sierra Vista area include; Montezuma Quail, Coppery-tailed Trogon, Botteri's & Rufous-winged Sparrows, Lucifer, White-eared, Rivoli's, Berylline & Violet-capped Hummingbirds, Blue-throated Mountain-Gem, Bridled Titmouse, Mexican Jay, Scott's & Hooded Orioles, Arizona Woodpecker, Sulphur-bellied & Buff-breasted Flycatchers, Greater Pewee, Olive & Red-faced Warblers the stunning Painted Redstart. Also the lovely Scaled "Cottontop" Quail can be found in this area.
Yes, Cottontop Birding provides fully custom wildlife tour planning to accommodate your target species, preferred destinations, time frames, and budget. Custom tours can be designed for individuals, couples, families, or groups, both locally in Arizona and internationally.
International tours include birding & wildlife safaris in Kenya & Tanzania, birdwatching expeditions in Costa Rica, Ecuador & Brazil, and nature photography outings. These tours leverage the guide's extensive experience in these regions for smooth logistics, top-notch drivers & local guides and high-quality wildlife encounters.
Steven Easley the owner-guide has approximately 45 years of birdwatching experience and over 30 years of professional guiding, including six years living and guiding in Kenya and 20 years in Costa Rica. This extensive background ensures expert knowledge and well-organized tours.
Yes, Cottontop Birding integrates expert wildlife photography guidance into tours. If you have questions or need help with photography related questions then just ask Steven for assistance. He is knowledgeable about most camera brands and knows the best techniques to help you get the best images possible. Steven can offer advice on field techniques, positioning, lighting, and ethical practices to help photographers capture quality images without disturbing wildlife. He is also willing to help after hours with tips on post-editing your images.
The service caters to individual travelers, couples, families, private groups, bird clubs, nature societies, and other tour companies requiring subcontracted guiding. The tours are suitable for beginners, intermediate birders, serious photographers, and seasoned naturalists.
The guide emphasizes safety and client comfort by tailoring the pace and difficulty of tours to participants' abilities, providing clear pre-trip information, and managing logistics professionally. The guide's extensive experience in diverse regions supports a smooth and secure trip.
Yes, private bird guide services are available for individuals or couples seeking a customized and focused birdwatching experience, with flexible scheduling to meet your preferences.
Yes, Cottontop Birding offers specialized reptile and amphibian exploration tours in Southeastern Arizona, designed for enthusiasts interested in observing and learning about local herpetofauna in their natural habitats. Steven has thousands of hours driving back roads and going on nocturnal outings looking for reptiles & amphibians. He was a also a reptile breeder and knows this field inside & out.
Booking is straightforward and flexible. You can contact Cottontop Birding via phone or email for inquiries or to arrange a free consultation. The booking process accommodates individuals, groups, and custom itineraries with clear payment and scheduling instructions.
Yes, Cottontop Birding offers subcontract guiding services for other birding and safari operators, providing experienced field leadership and logistics support for their departures.
Cottontop Birding is distinguished by its owner's decades of firsthand experience in multiple world-class wildlife regions, a personable and humorous guiding style, flexible custom itineraries, and a strong emphasis on wildlife photography and ethical practices.
Cottontop Birding is based in the Sierra Vista area of southeast Arizona and is located at the base of the beautiful Huachuca Mountains. It is operating from 5529 E Linda Vista Dr., Hereford, AZ. It serves local and international clients with tours in Southeastern Arizona, East Africa, Costa Rica, Brazil and Ecuador.
Clients should bring comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, binoculars or cameras, water, sun protection, and any personal items needed for a day in the field. Specific recommendations are provided during pre-trip communication based on the tour type and season.
Yes, tours are designed to be accessible and enjoyable for all skill levels, including beginners and families. The guide adapts the pace and content to suit participants' experience and interests.
Children of all ages are encouraged to join tours and are welcome on Cottontop Tours. However, there are restrictions in East Africa on the ages of the children participants, inquire with the Cottontop office for further info.