The secret is out: Arizona is a world-class birding destination! Serious birders come from far and wide to experience the huge diversity of species that can be observed in the variety of Arizona’s landscapes. Arizona is rich in the natural resources on which birds depend, especially in migratory seasons. Spring migration begins in February and continues through May, so get ready to see swaths of migrating birds as they make their way north!

You don’t need to be an expert ornithologist or even a seasoned birder to appreciate all the beautiful species in our state! Here are some basic tips anyone can use to admire Arizona’s feathered friends.

1. Blend in: when you’re headed for an outdoor adventure, even if you’re not going specifically to bird, increase your odds of seeing more birds by wearing muted-colored clothing and take your time in areas where heightened bird activity is likely. Favored habitat for many species include areas by bodies of water, thickets of trees or shrubs, and fields where plants producing seeds, nuts, berries, and nectars are abundant. If you hear or see birds in the area, slow down for a little while or even take a seat on a nearby bench to take it all in! Good things come to those who wait.
2. Make use of available resources: there are numerous free and inexpensive resources available to help you learn more about birds while you’re out on the trail. A favorite for many of our team is a free smartphone app by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology called Merlin Bird ID, which detects bird calls and shows likely species in real-time. Most state parks also offer a free bird checklist, so you can record what you see from the species that are observed at that specific destination. Don’t forget a field guide, a variety of which are available for purchase in our park stores.
3. Look beyond just color: Because males and females of the same species can be colored differently, and many species have similarly-hued feathers, color is not always a giveaway when trying to ID a bird. Identifiers like bill shape, size, and color; leg color; tail length; head shape; the habitat they’re in; and even movements through the air can be very useful in differentiating species. Binoculars can help you see the finer details – no, you don’t need an expensive pair. Stick with it, and soon enough you’ll be excited to learn and ID more and more birds!

If you’re interested in learning more about birds but need some extra support or just want some company on the trail, check out the guided bird walks offered at many of the parks. You’ll have a helping hand to point out birds, identify species, and make fast friends with other nature lovers while on the trek!

Are you already an experienced birder? Play a part in expanding the birding community by welcoming others into this great hobby. Share your passion but keep the information bite-sized and digestible for those new to the world of birds. It’s second nature to you now, but it can be overwhelming to newbies! 

Be friendly and include nearby bird admirers in the process of observing and identifying a bird. Practice the adage, “Tell me and I will forget, show me and I may remember; involve me and I will understand” by encouraging a new birder to make their own observations, assisting them along the way. If you enjoy interactions like these, take it one step further and become a parks volunteer to get involved in our naturalist programming!

Birding is one way you can connect with nature from almost anywhere—from the rock pigeons in a parking lot to the house finches and mourning doves in your backyard. If you’re ready to get out there, immerse yourself in nature, and spend some time with those that fly, plan a trip to one of the parks below, all in Important Bird Areas identified by the Audubon Society.