Bird watching at the Dallas Arboretum
The Arboretum is one of the premier spots in Dallas to experience nature. Our beloved Arboretum isn’t just home to breathtaking gardens full of lush plants and vibrant flowers, it’s home to a variety of bird species, making it an ideal spot for bird watching. The next time you visit, don’t forget to look up. Here’s a rundown of what you might see:
During the summer months, spy red-winged black birds, grackles, red-bellied woodpeckers, northern mockingbirds, ruby-throated and black-chinned hummingbirds, starlings and northern cardinals. Because of our proximity to water, you might also distinguish the sights and sounds of gulls, American coots, cormorants, great blue and little blue herons, great egrets, snowy egrets and cattle egrets.
The summer is a special time for us, as it’s the only time the white ibis, white-faced ibis, roseate spoonbills and wood stork birds visit the Arboretum. If you live nearby, watch for these majestic creatures at sunrise and sunset, though you could potentially spot them any time of day.
There are a few key traits to note to be able to identify a bird. Size, bill shape, body markings, behavior/habitat and geographic range are all important in distinguishing the birds that are part of the North Texas ecosystem. Bring a pair of binoculars along to help you determine what you’re seeing.
You may also want to bring a field guide with you on your Arboretum bird-watching expedition. For beginners, one guide is no better than any other; it’s just a matter of preference. We do recommend using a field guide specific to our region. It helps narrow the possibilities and makes identifying the birds easier.
We wish you luck in your bird-watching endeavors and invite you to identify your favorites in the Arboretum gardens this summer and all year long. Click here for more information on visiting the Dallas Arboretum.
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