How Arizona Birdwatchers Can Make a Big Impact This Month

I enjoy walking in nature, and recently, I’ve become curious about the world around me. Lately, I’ve noticed the birds more, and I just found out that the things I’ve learned can actually help scientists.

I’m putting on my walking shoes, grabbing my binoculars and phone, and heading outside to count the birds in my backyard!

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What is the Great Backyard Bird Count?

The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) returns from February 13 to 16, 2026. Arizona is a wonderful place to take part.

The event welcomes everyone—kids, parents, retirees, or anyone with 15 minutes to spare—to go outside, look for birds, and share what they find. It’s easy and fun, and even small efforts can make a big difference.

The GBBC started in 1998 as a partnership between the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society. Today, it remains one of the world’s largest citizen science projects.

READ: Arizona Boasts More Hummingbirds than Anywhere in the World!

A Fun Way To Connect in the Arizona Outdoors

The GBBC is a fun reason to get outside with your kids or spend time with friends and neighbors.

Kids enjoy being “official bird counters,” and adults can slow down and share a meaningful activity while helping as citizen scientists.

Citizen science is powerful. It lets everyday people join in discovery, which feels perfect for Arizona families.

RELATED: The Fascinating World of Arizona's Red-Tailed Hawks

Why Your Count Matters

It doesn’t take much time. Just 15 minutes of birdwatching adds to a huge global dataset that helps scientists track migration, population changes, and climate trends. You can help follow species as they move north or change their feeding habits.

It might seem like a simple backyard activity, but it really helps with real research.

READ: How to Identify Ravens and Crows in Arizona

Birds You Might Spot In The Desert

Arizona is unique, with deserts, sky islands, and riparian areas. This means your bird list could be exciting. Some birds you might see in your yard or local park include:

• Gambel’s quail
• Gila woodpecker
• Cactus wren
• Verdin
• Curve‑billed thrasher
• Anna’s hummingbird (a species whose winter range has expanded northward, according to GBBC data)
• Mourning dove
• House finch
• Roadrunner
• Red-Tailed Hawk

Wherever you live in Arizona, you’re in a great place to spot birds.

How To Join

• Dates: February 13–16, 2026
• Websites:
• • Great Backyard Bird Count: https://www.birdcount.org
  • eBird: https://ebird.org
  • Merlin Bird ID App: https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org

Get your binoculars and start counting birds!