Arizona Trails and Tales with Rich Fuhrmann

In Episode 89, Rich takes us to Wickenburg, Arizona, for a day filled with birds, bats, and the unique character of a historic Arizona town. The episode begins with the search for the rare Louisiana Waterthrush spotted at Hassayampa River Preserve. From there, Rich heads to the Bats and Buzzards on the Bridge event, hosted by Arizona Game and Fish and Maricopa County Parks, where birds, bats, and...

In Episode 88, Rich takes a break from the trails after a relentlessly difficult workweek left him too burned out to get outside. Instead of forcing an adventure, he reflects on the importance of stepping back, recharging, and remembering that the wild will still be there when you’re ready to return. He then looks ahead to an exciting weekend of bats, buzzards, and birding, including Bats and Buzz...

In Episode 87, A Big Year in Arizona, Rich talks about some of the recent rare bird sightings that have captured the attention of Arizona birders. He shares what it’s like to find these unexpected birds, the excitement of seeing them, and the connections that develop with fellow birders along the way. Rich also discusses how you can have your own Big Year right where you live, without traveling ac...

In this 86th episode, Rich explores the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, also known as the Gilbert Recharge Ponds. He discusses the history and purpose behind the area’s reclamation efforts and looks at the remarkable habitat they have created for birds and other wildlife. Rich also explores some of the birding and recreational opportunities that make the preserve such a unique place in the Valle...

In Episode 85, Rich discusses a return to a few favorite birding locations and the surprise of seeing several juvenile Cooper’s Hawks. He explores the joy of returning to a familiar place and simply being there with a loved family member. Using Cornell Lab’s Birds of the World, Rich shares some field marks and behaviors of the Cooper’s Hawk. The Tales portion closes with a brief reflection on falc...

In episode 84: Rich discusses his recent experience at Rattlesnake Ranch in Cave Creek, Arizona, where he completed the Level 1 Venomous Snake Handling course through the Rattlesnake Conservancy (Save the Buzztales). In this episode, we examine common rattlesnake myths, safety protocols, and how lessons from working with rattlesnakes can be applied to our everyday interactions with people. The Tal...

Episode 83: Rich discusses the importance of making preparations for the upcoming season’s adventures during the slower pace of August in the Sonoran Desert. He breaks down planning strategies, research, and other preparation for upcoming fall adventures on Mount Ord and in Madera Canyon. Also included is a discussion of the Santa Rita Lodge and the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, two additional des...

In episode 82, Rich explores some ways of coping with the Extreme Heat Warnings that Maricopa has been under for the past week including exercises from home and in indoor spaces. This episode touches on how the Palo Verde and Talus Snail adapt to the extreme heat and thrive during the monsoon. The tales portion reviews the survival story of Ann Rodgers and how she and her dog survived for 9 days l...

In episode 81 of Arizona Trails and Tales, Rich shares direct lessons the desert taught him since living in Arizona since 2001. The tales portion features a recent story of a father and son getting stuck out in the desert off roading. Theme song composed and performed by Mike Myers.

In episode 80 of Arizona Trails and Tales, Rich shares some ideas on how identifying female birds will improve your overall birding experience and expand your birding skills. This episode shares a bit about road cruising for snakes and how even a night without anything being spotted can still be a learning experience. The tales portion focuses on Dr. Earyn McGee an active herpetologist, birder, na...

In Episode 79 of Arizona Trails and Tales, Rich explores snake week 2026 and some of the programs about our snakes. Two snakes are highlighted for their benefits to the residents on Arizona: the California Kingsnake and the Sonoran Gopher snake.  The tales portion highlights the contributions to herpetology from Rom Whittaker.   Theme song composed and performed by Mike Myers.

Episode 78 is a reflection on the outdoor experiences I had while on summer break. The episode highlights: volunteering, spending time with nature, seeking experiences and the Sonoran Desert Toad. I also provide some context and reflections on letting a hobby turn into an unpleasant hustle and how to take it back. The tales portion focuses on Joseph Wood Krutch.   Theme song composed and performed...

Episode 77 of Arizona Trails and Tales introduces the concept of Nature Journaling, explores the importance of continued summer birding and shares the concept of a free course that will be offered in November of this year on Nature Journaling. The tales portion explores the contributions of Herbert Brown to Arizona's rich ornithological traditions.   Theme song composed and performed by Mike Myers...

Episode 76 explores the thinking and controversy over closing certain Phoenix trails due to Excessive Heat Warnings. This hot button issue frequently shows up on social media forums. This episode explores both perspectives and leaves it to the listener to decide. The Tales portion focuses on two rescues-one where the hiker seemed to do everything right and still needed rescue, the other a famous t...

Episode 75 of Arizona Trails and Tales examines the similarities and differences in adaptations between summer species in the Sonoran Desert and Winter species in the Hudson Valley of New York. Happy Father's Day listeners!   Theme song composed and performed by Mike Myers.

Episode 71 Memorial Day weekend titled: Adventure, Remembrance & Arizona Legends! Rich shares a brief history of Memorial Day, explores a variety of activities to do in Arizona this weekend in 2026, offers some words of caution, but most of all wants to enjoy this weekend of remembrance and celebration with all of you. The tales portion explores the significant contributions of Arizona's 158th...

*Dear listeners-the first minute of audio cut out as it was recorded on my phone and I couldn't edit it out. I apologize for this error* Episode 70 discusses the profound beauty of life at the Hassayampa River Preserve, the impending sense of loss due to fire and other natural disaster and a reflection of our responsibility. Theme song composed and performed by Mike Myers.

In episode 69 of Arizona Trails and Tales, Rich discusses his recent citizen science contributions to ebird and reflects on some questions about which pair of binoculars are right for me? Rich uses the analogy of watching football on progressively better television sets to help you make the determination as to which pair might be best for you right now. This episode also explores who is walking wi...

Episode 68 of Arizona Trails and Tales: Petty, Peaceful, and Present: What Bird walks Taught Me or Seeing the bird and not just the branch it was sitting on. In this episode Rich discusses some of his moral/ethical dilemmas with being part of bird walks and bird clubs. He highlights an event that crushed his ego and brought about his passive-aggressive tendencies. Rich reflects on perspective chan...

In episode 67 of Arizona Trails and Tales, Rich highlights a recent trip up to Cornville/Page Springs in Arizona. This episode features attractions in town and the experience of visiting the Bubbling Spring Ponds, The Page Springs Fish Hatchery and exploring the Lower Oak Creek IBA. The Black Hawk Loop Trail is given a brief overview as a short recounting of the 52 different species seen on this t...

Episode 66 of Arizona Trails and Tales features a recent visit to the Agua Fria Monument and a Sonoran Audubon Birding trip to the Agua Fria IBA. This podcast describes some of the history, sights and things to do in this amazing place found just off the I-17 about 40 minutes north of Phoenix. The tales portion discusses a bit about what makes this an IBA area. Theme song composed and performed by...