This is the year Texans get outdoors and enjoy the sound of birdsong: The Lone Star State has soared to the top as the No. 3 best state for birdwatching in 2025, according to a new study by Lawn Love.
The report ranked all 50 states based on five "feather-forward" categories, such as each state's climate, conservation efforts, access to parks and sanctuaries, number of bird varieties, and general popularity of the hobby.
Texas was beat only by California (No. 1) and Florida (No. 2), the two states that loved birds more than Texas. Rounding out the top five: New York was No. 4 and Washington state which came in at No. 5.
Here's how the report breaks down Texas' rank across the five main categories:
- No. 1 – Bird variety rank
- No. 1 – Conservation rank
- No. 7 – Access rank
- No. 25 – Climate rank
- No. 41 – Popularity rank
Lawn Love's findings revealed that 679 different species of birds can be found in Texas, which is the second greatest numerical variety of birds nationwide. The report added there are five different Audubon societies and sanctuaries in the state, and 19 wildlife refuges.
Audobon Texas' "Lights Out, Texas!" campaign is a major contributor to the state's No. 1 rank in conservation, as the program raises awareness and educates about light pollution, which effects billions of migratory birds that fly through the state every year.
"Approximately 1 of every 3 birds migrating through the U.S. in spring, and 1 of every 4 birds migrating through the U.S. in the fall, or nearly two billion birds, passes through Texas in one of the planet’s great wildlife spectacles," the Audubon website says. "Unfortunately, light emanating from our cities can disorient birds, leaving them confused and vulnerable to urban threats like collisions with buildings."
Birdwatching for beginners in Fort Worth
Fort Worth is no stranger to this fun (and inexpensive) hobby, and the Fort Worth Audubon Society is the best local resource for diving into the world of birdwatching. Its organizers host events and field trips across all skill levels.
The nonprofit lists dozens of birds that can be found in Tarrant County in the spring, including mourning doves, red-belled woodpeckers, house sparrows, Carolina chickadees, northern cardinals, and more. The audubon also has seasonal bird checklists available online at no cost.
Free apps like Merlin Bird ID and Audubon Bird Guide are handy tools for tech-savvy beginners to get acquainted with their local bird species.
For those who prefer a physical field guide, the Dallas Audubon Society recommends David Allen Sibley's books, such as The Sibley Guide to Birds Second Edition. Enthusiasts who want to test their skills on a road trip would get good use out of The Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Eastern North America, which also covers most areas of Texas.
North Texans can also make a day out of birdwatching by visiting the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge, or Wildwood Park. Members of the Fort Worth Audubon Society also created a collection of their favorite birding spots in Greater Fort Worth.
Other fun areas around Dallas-Fort Worth for birdwatching activities include:
- Bird's Fort Trail Park in Irving
- John Bunker Sands Wetland Center in Seagoville
- Lake Lewisville Environmental Learning Area
- River Legacy Park in Arlington
- White Rock Lake in Dallas
