Birding Photo Contest

Dead Horse Ranch State Park

September 1-20, 2026  

A juvenile black phoebe sits on a rock in the gently flowing Verde River.

Long celebrated as a world-class birding destination, the riparian zone and high desert landscape at Dead Horse Ranch State Park is an ideal backdrop for stunning photography. 

From nesting black hawks and the majestic bald eagle to numerous waterfowl species such as ducks and herons, plus hummingbirds, warblers, towhees, woodpeckers, and more — an abundance of avian species thrive in this area. Dead Horse Ranch State Park is part of the Tuzigoot Important Bird Area designated by the National Audubon Society.

Share your best bird photos taken in the park for a chance to win one of two great prizes!

How to Participate

It’s simple to enter! You are welcome to submit up to three of your best photographs total.

  • When: Submissions are open from September 1–20, 2026. Winners will be contacted via email and announced during the Verde River Day event at the park on September 26, 2026 (winners are not required to be present).
  • Requirements: Entries must identify the bird species and where it was taken in the park. Please ensure your photos were captured within the official boundaries of Dead Horse Ranch State Park; photos taken in other areas of the Verde Valley will not be eligible. Images that have been enhanced/generated with AI and photos with signatures/watermarks will be disqualified.
  • Prizes: Winning photos will be featured right here on our website! The first place winner will receive one free night's stay in a Dead Horse Ranch State Park cabin. The second place winner will receive one free day-use pass to any Arizona state park (pass does not cover tours/camping). Winners and additional notable entries will be highlighted on social media with credit to the photographers.

Before you upload, please make sure you read the full contest rules.

The submission form will be available on this page on September 1. Come back soon to enter!