Maricopa County Parks and Recreation: Homeschool Happenings – Birdwatching

Homeschool students can join Ranger Nikki to learn how to identify common desert birds and their homes with an indoor classroom discussion and an outdoor birdwatching walk. Fall weather is a great time to get outside and enjoy observing our feathered friends. Ranger Nikki will introduce students to some common bird species that can be seen at our desert parks and a few birds that are drawn to Estrella Park because of vegetation that grows near the river bottom and irrigated areas. We will start indoors with visual aids that show features that are helpful in identification, from colors to size to nest style. Then we will take a walk near the Nature Center to the turf area to be near mesquite trees and the Pollinator Garden that attract a variety of birds. A helpful resource to download beforehand is the Merlin Bird ID app from The Cornell Lab and install the “US: Southwest” bird pack – all free! A fun feature of this app is the sound recorder that can identify the bird it hears and keep it in a list for you. We will walk one-half to one mile total on flat dirt pathways and sidewalks. Binoculars will be available to borrow for the birdwatching walk but you are welcome to bring your own. Wear closed-toe shoes, sun-protective clothing and a hat for the outdoor portion. Be sure to bring plenty of water. Restrooms and water are available at the Nature Center. MEETING LOCATION: Nature Center Map of Meeting Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/gY5PGjqvMiYmDAB67 Limit 20 school-age students. To register, please call the Estrella Nature Center at (602) 506-2930 ext. 6 with your name, phone number and number of people attending. (Adults and toddler siblings are not counted in the registration limit). If you find you cannot attend a program after you have registered, please call the Nature Center ASAP so we may contact those on the waiting list. Registration for this program will close on 10/21/25.