Southeast Arizona in August is one of North America's premier birding destinations, where the monsoon season brings lush greenery to the sky island mountain ranges and attracts an extraordinary diversity of hummingbirds — with up to 15 species possible, including Rivoli's, Blue-throated Mountain-gem, and rare Plain-capped Starthroat. Madera Canyon, Patagonia, and the Huachuca Mountains around Sierra Vista offer reliable looks at sought-after species like Elegant Trogon, five owl species, and a dazzling array of Mexican specialties that barely cross the U.S. border. Mt. Lemmon and the surrounding Santa Catalina range add montane breeders like Red-faced Warbler and Buff-breasted Flycatcher to the mix, making a single August trip capable of yielding 200+ species across desert scrub, riparian corridors, and cool conifer forest. Tom Johnson, Hap Hamous and local guides will help you find and photograph these stunning birds during the trip.