The following trips will be lead by Pinau.

 

Mata Ortiz Birding and Pottery

Oct 9-12, 2009

Dec. 4-7, 2009

Copper Canyon Birding

Oct. 17-25, 2009

Nov. 28-Dec. 6, 2009

Jan. 9-17, 2010

Feb. 27-March 7, 2010

Rancho Esmeralda

April 2-5 2010

Pinau Merlin,

Trip leader, ecology, natural history, mammals. Pinau Merlin is a naturalist and author of several books and numerous articles about the natural history of the Sonoran Desert region. Her works include The Field Guide to Desert Holes, A Guide to Southern Arizona Bird Nests and Eggs, Hummingbirds of the West, Raptors and Soaring Birds of the West, and she is a contributing author to The Natural History of the Sonoran Desert. 

In addition, Pinau speaks throughout the U.S. sharing her passion, gentle humor and fascination for the natural world. Her programs help others re-connect to nature by teaching about desert ecology, birds, wildlife, plants, tracking, and outdoor awareness skills.  She has presented natural history programs for Smithsonian, National Wildlife Federation, American Birding Association, Denver Museum of Nature and Science, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Phoenix Botanical Society, Saguaro National Park, the Audubon Society and Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo, among many others. 

Pinau has taught natural history at the University of Arizona and she has also designed natural history centers, interpretive exhibits, nature trails and wildlife habitats for a variety of organizations in the Southwest. Her insights and observations about the natural history of the Sonoran Desert have been featured on PBS’ Arizona Illustrated, on National Public Radio and in Smithsonian and National Wildlife magazines, among others.

Pinau has lived in the desert southwest for 35 years and in wilderness areas for 14 years, studying the wildlife and natural history of this unique area and learning the ways of wildlife. Her many encounters with wildlife include walking up on a sleeping mountain lion, receiving a proposal of marriage from a roadrunner and sharing her home with skunks, ringtail cats and a family of canyon wrens.