Get Involved

Rock Wren holding a stick

NPS/CA Hoyt

There are many ways that you can contribute to our knowledge of birds. From visits to Big Bend to world-wide birding celebrations brought to your neighborhood, find out how reporting your bird sightings can make a difference.

 

A ranger leading a bird walk

NPS/CA Hoyt

Ranger Programs

Ranger-led birding programs are offered throughout the year, usually at Rio Grande Village or the Chisos Basin. These programs are open to birders of all levels, from folks just starting their bird journey, to those who come to Big Bend to find specific species. Join us to learn more about the birds of Big Bend.

 

Inca Doves and Mexican Jay

NPS/CA Hoyt

Christmas Bird Count

The Christmas Bird Count is a long-standing program of the National Audubon Society. It is an early winter bird census, where volunteers follow specified routes through a designated 15-mile (24-km) diameter circle, counting every bird they see or hear all day. It's not just a species tally - all birds are counted all day, giving an indication of the total number of birds in the circle that day. Big Bend National Park holds two bird counts annually in the week between Christmas and New Years day. One focuses on a circle in the Chisos Basin, the other in the Rio Grande Village area.

 

Swamp sparrow

NPS/CA Hoyt

eBird

eBird is the world's largest biodiversity-related citizen science project, with more than 100 million bird sightings contributed each year by people from around the world. It began with a simple idea - that every birdwatcher has unique knowledge and experience. Explore eBird to find out what birds have been sighted in Big Bend, and how you can contribute your Big Bend bird sightings and knowledge.

 

Park ranger with visitors

NPS/CA Hoyt

Report Your Big Bend Bird Sightings

Park visitors are often our eyes and ears for rare or unusual bird sightings. If you see a bird listed as rare, sporadic, or otherwise not listed on the park's checklist, please stop in at a visitor center and fill out an observation report. Be sure to include pertinent information such as an overall description of the bird, activity, or behavior, time of day, and where the bird was seen in the park. We appreciate your help!

 

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

NPS/R. Negele and CA Hoyt

Great Backyard Bird Count

The Great Backyard Bird Count is held every year in February for 4 consecutive days. Participants are encouraged to spend at least 15 minutes, on one or more days, tallying the number and kinds of birds seen in their location. During the count, you can explore what others are seeing in your area, or anywhere on the globe! These counts are used to create an annual snapshot of the distribution and abundance of birds around the world.

 

WMBD website

World Migratory Bird Day

World Migratory Bird Day highlights the need for the conservation of migratory birds and their habitats. Every year, people around the world take action and organize public events such as bird festivals, education programs, exhibitions and bird-watching excursions to celebrate migratory birds. Find out how you can participate!

 

Birding Information

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  Birding Hotspots

  Discover the best locations in the park for birding!

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  Seasons and Specialties

  What is the best time of year for birding? It depends on what bird you're looking for!

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  Main Bird Page

  Return to the main bird page to reach our Bird Stories!