By Emma Wolff
Photo by Miachelle D Photography
Migration season is approaching for many Arizona birds and Peoria Parks and Recreation is doing all it can to help these feathered friends. All month long, the city of Peoria is hosting a BioBlitz in order to record as many bird species as possible. A BioBlitz is an interactive way to track and learn more about the birds located in Peoria while engaging the community in a fun, safe outdoor activity.
“We need all the help we can get from local bird watchers. By taking your own photos, we will be able to catalogue all the birds in Peoria. Whether it is a common bird or rare, local or migratory, we will take all the pictures you have,” says Della Killeen, a City of Peoria Park Ranger. “Learning about the birds in Peoria will provide the city with valuable information about the surrounding ecosystem, food production, biodiversity, and give us a better understanding on which plants support these bird populations.”
The Parks and Recreation department is encouraging Peoria residents to enjoy the beautiful spring weather and try birding while participating in the BioBlitz. Here’s how to participate: If you see a bird while exploring a park, hiking or just hanging out in your backyard, snap a photo of it. Once the photo is taken either upload it to the iNaturalist app or email it to [email protected].
With the iNaturalist app, you can take a picture of a bird or a bird-friendly plant and the community will help identify the species. Any observation made in the Peoria boundaries during March will count in this event. The Sonoran Audubon Society will also help identify bird species as well as give tips on selecting bird friendly plants and installing water features to attract more birds.
To learn more about the BioBlitz go to peoriaaz.gov or follow Peoria Parks and Recreation on Facebook @peoriaazrec.
