Arizona’s Desert Wetlands are Vital to Birds on the Move

The deserts of the American Southwest are a hotspot for a variety of birds discovered nowhere else in america. Gambel’s Quail, Gila Woodpecker, and plenty of extra depend on habitats that the majority consider as sizzling, harsh, and dry. However, maybe surprisingly, many waterbirds additionally name the arid area residence for all or a part of the 12 months alongside their migratory journeys. Actually, on a median day throughout migration, some 250,000 shorebirds can be found in the wetlands of the Colorado River Delta—twice earlier estimates.

Whereas solely 2% of Arizona’s panorama is roofed by rivers and wetlands, as much as 80% of Arizona wildlife species are depending on these areas — often called riparian habitats — for breeding, migration, shelter, and seasonal foraging all through their lifetime. Defending and managing water is essential for birds, the habitats they want, and the communities that depend on wholesome water provides within the Southwest.

Lengthy-term drought, excessive warmth, and overallocated water provides are placing the rivers, streams, and wetlands alongside the tributaries of the Colorado River—and the birds that rely upon them— in danger. All through the arid West, communities and scientists are coming collectively to enhance the resilience of watersheds and landscapes that present important water that birds and folks want.

Approaches to defending these habitats are simply as various because the birds that depend on them. From advocating for bird-friendly insurance policies, to eradicating invasive vegetation and re-establishing with native ones, to creating thriving habitats with purified reclaimed water, we can assist assist resident and migratory birds all through their journeys.

Our Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Middle in Phoenix, Arizona is considered one of greater than 30 Audubon conservation motion facilities all through the nation. It serves because the gateway to a novel city inexperienced area within the coronary heart of town. By inviting the neighborhood in for a full calendar of environmental and cultural occasions, they’ve grow to be a hub that connects folks from throughout the Phoenix metro space to the wildlife of their backyards.

This is only one a part of a a lot bigger story. In Audubon’s Birds on the Transfer, a four-part documentary sequence, we comply with these migrations from the Boreal Forest to Colombia—tracing the paths of the birds, and the folks and locations working to make sure they make it safely alongside the best way.

Watch the third episode of Birds on the Transfer, “Desert Rivers” here and subscribe to our YouTube channel to comply with the journey.