McDowell Sonoran Conservancy: Bird Migrations – Nature’s Intricately Timed Dance

While we enjoy the cheerful presence of local birds at our feeders, each season brings surprise visitors—migratory birds that seem to arrive out of thin air. But their journeys are anything but random. Discover how these incredible travelers time their arrivals and the places they call home. Arizona is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 300 species recorded statewide, and nearly 190 documented in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve alone. Learn about our local and migratory birds, their unique habitats, and what they eat—straight from an expert in the field. Join Rick Pearce, McDowell Sonoran Conservancy Steward, for an immersive exploration of our local birds. Rick is an avid birder with years of experience leading bird walks for the Conservancy, along with scientific surveys and bird counts in partnership with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Audubon. His passion and knowledge will bring the fascinating world of local birds to life.