Maricopa County Parks and Recreation: Intro to Desert Birding

Ranger Jacque gives a beginner’s glimpse into the birding world with an indoor presentation on birding, followed by a review of Sonoran desert birds. From hobbyists to extreme birdathon competitors, birding is a popular past time all over the world thanks to its relative ease and affordability. Yet for those newly interested, it can seem overwhelming. How do you recognize one bird among some 500 species in Arizona? It may not be as difficult as it seems if you know what to look for. We start in the classroom with a beginner’s guide to birding, followed by a review of common Sonoran desert birds and their identifiers, finally ending with an opportunity to practice your skills on the viewing deck. Bring binoculars if you have them, and download the Merlin app (developed by Cornell) prior to arrival to get the most out of your experience. MEETING LOCATION: Nature Center No registration required.