What is your favorite bird species?
Green-tailed Towhee
What is your name, and where do you live?
Melody Kehl, Tucson, AZ
What are the main regions or locations you cover as a bird guide?
Southeast Arizona
How long have you been a bird guide?
Since 1991
How did you get into bird guiding?
By accident
What are the aspects of being a bird guide that you like best?
Sharing new species
Which aspects do you dislike most?
Target birders who ignore all the other birds in their view
What are the top 5-10 birds in your region that you think are the most interesting for visiting birders?
- Elegant Trogon
- Montezuma Quail
- Greater Roadrunner
- Mexican Chickadee
- Rufous-backed Robin
- Yellow-eyed Junco
- Cactus Wren
Can you outline at least one typical birdwatching trip in your area? Please briefly describe the locations, the key birds, and the approximate duration of such a trip
Generally, I suggest an early start and plan on ending shortly after lunch. Our heat is too extreme to be out all day. I particularly like the Catalina Mountains because of the diversity of birds and habitats. You virtually travel from Mexico to Canada in 26 miles.
What other suggestions can you give to birders interested in your area?
Bring Sunscreen, Hat, Chapstick. . .
If any reader of 10,000 Birds is interested in birding with you, how can they best contact you?
Text is best 520-245-4085
Email is Melodysbirding@cox.net
Melody guided me about 8 years ago for a wonderful day of birding between Tucson & Madera Canyon. She was helpful, knowledgeable & a joy to bird with.
I birded with Melody multiple times. She showed me so many birds and we had a great time together. She has an incredible ear for bird songs/calls.