Arizona Trails and Tales with Rich Fuhrmann

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...

In episode 65 of Arizona Trails and Tales, Rich reviews the Wilderness First Aid course he took this weekend to consider if this might be something to add to your own skill set. Rich is including two meditative thought experiments from when you are out on the trail. This episode was recorded on the cell phone and may lack the theme song written and recorded by Mike Myers and has a few audio fades...

Episode 64 of Arizona Trails and Tales features Saguaro Lake's history and many of the activities one can engage in while visiting. A key feature of this episode is the Butcher Jones Trail hike which is a must do excursion! The tales portion closes with a general warning about bee swarms this time of year and a hiker who just survived an attack this past Saturday, April 4, 2026 in Phoenix. Theme s...

In episode 63 of Arizona Trails and Tales, Rich highlights the need for an improved first aid kit and explores the benefits of attending an upcoming wilderness first aid class. Mooney Falls is explored in this episode including the hike, the history and a bit about the experience there. The tales portion features a recent rescue of an injured hiker from Mooney Falls. Theme song composed and perfor...

In episode 62 of Arizona Trails and Tales, Rich discusses how to overcome a failure in completing a strenuous hike. This episode also features some local birding spots in the west valley and the importance of being outside.  An article from the Audubon is shared about the economic positive impact Arizona's Recreational activities has on the state. The Tales portion closes with Rich sharing some of...

In episode 61 of Arizona Trails and Tales, Rich begins by sharing some cautionary warnings about hydration, heat and the importance of sunscreen. Allergy season is starting early this year in the Sonoran Desert, and he cautions about certain locations. Bees swarms and venomous creatures are being seen around trails and listeners are urged to use caution. This episode explores a recent all day bird...

In episode 60 of Arizona Trails and Tales, Rich highlights some key features and changes in the Sonoran Desert this time of year. Spring Training fans and Spring Breakers are welcomed and given a few reminders on the importance of hydration and sunscreen. The episode explores a few fauna and flora species that are more commonly seen when on trails this time of year. The tales portion highlights an...

In episode 59 of Arizona Trails and Tales, Rich focuses on the Desert Botanical Garden and the Hole in the Rock Trail found in Papago Park. This episode features a review of a recent school field trip to the White Tanks, birding on Friday at the Tres Rios Wetlands, The Tres Rios Festival held at the Base and Meridian Wildlife Area on Sunday and a Saturday trip to the Desert Botanical Gardens. The...

In Episode 58 of Arizona Trails and Tales, Rich Highlights the North Mountain Preserve and its connection to the former Indian School. This episode features some history of the park, a few recommended trails, highlights the visitor center and shares the connection to the Indian School and using the park as a campground.   Theme song composed and performed by Mike Myers.

In episode 57 of Arizona Trails and Tales, Rich shares some pointers from the first two days of the Great Backyard Bird Count. This podcast provides some basic tips for when and where to find birds and other strategies for targeting a specific bird. The tales portion closes with a brief Happy Birthday to Arizona on Valentine's Day. Theme song composed and performed by Mike Myers.

In episode 56 of Arizona Trails and Tales, Rich discusses and encourages participation in the Great Backyard Bird Count from February 13-16, 2026. Rich shares some resources including tools, apps and techniques so that anyone can participate. The tales portion highlights one of his favorite writers Edward Abbey. Theme song composed and performed by Mike Myers.

In episode 55 of Arizona Trails and Tales, Rich describes the history, features, DragonFly Trail and the importance of Jewel of the Creek Preserve as an important bird area (IBA) The tales portion features Rich's quest to finally spot the elusive Blackburnian Warbler and what has inspired this trip to the Preserve. Did he finally get this lifer? Theme song composed and performed by Mike Myers.

In episode 54 of Arizona Trails and Tales I feature a recent birding location scouting trip to Lake Pleasant, Arizona. I discuss some of the history of the lake, the dams and water sources and some of the key features to be found in this area. I share some of the 4 recommended trails and a brief review of the birding experience in the area. The tales portion closes with 5 things you may not know a...