It’s officially autumn, and soon we will see flocks of birds migrating from the northern U.S. and Canada to make their winter homes in warmer climates. In other words, it’s the perfect time for birding!
Birding, or bird watching, is one of the fastest growing hobbies in the country. It doesn’t require any fancy equipment, just the desire to observe wild birds and their behaviors. The four states that make up the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (Service) Southwest Region (Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas) are home to 690 different migratory birds species. The Service’s Division of Migratory Birds helps protect migratory birds and their habitats.
A great place to start your birding hobby is to visit one of the Service’s National Wildlife Refuges. You can find interesting and beautiful birds on any of our 47 refuges in the Southwest. Click here for a refuge near you: http://www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/ . ou can also find birding guides or checklists on individual refuge Web sites.
In addition, the U.S. Geological Survey has a bird checklist you might find helpful at:http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/birds/chekbird/. A guide provides pictures and descriptions of birds; a checklist provides more detailed information, including the best time of year to see individual species.
