{"id":36776,"date":"2025-04-17T14:53:44","date_gmt":"2025-04-17T14:53:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/?p=36776"},"modified":"2025-04-18T14:13:43","modified_gmt":"2025-04-18T14:13:43","slug":"best-states-birdwatching","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-states-birdwatching\/","title":{"rendered":"Feathered Finds: 2025\u2019s Best States for Birdwatching"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Which states are the best for spotting rare birds and enjoying nature\u2019s symphony?<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To celebrate National Go Birding Day (Apr. 26), <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/\">Lawn Love<\/a> ranked 2025&#8217;s Best States for Birdwatching.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We compared all 50 U.S. states across 5 feather-focused categories. We examined the number of Audubon centers and sanctuaries, bird species, endemic bird species, and birdwatching groups, among 21 total metrics.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fly through our ranking below. To learn how we ranked the states, see our <a href=\"#methodology\">methodology<\/a>.<\/p>    <h2 id=\"in-this-article\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">In this article<\/h2>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"#rankings\">State rankings<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"#top-5\">Top 5 close up<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"#key-insights\">Key insights<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"#ask-the-experts\">Expert take<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"#methodology\">Behind the ranking<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"#final-thoughts\">Final thoughts: Create a chirp-worthy backyard<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"rankings\"><span id=\"state-rankings\">State rankings<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">See how each state fared in our ranking:<\/p>   <div class=\"infogram-embed\" data-id=\"a8ac5060-fc38-4590-837e-85f782c52d3a\" data-type=\"interactive\" data-title=\"Copy: LL: Ranking Table - 2025&amp;#39;s Top 20 States for Apple Lovers\"><\/div> <p><script>!function(e,n,i,s){var d=\"InfogramEmbeds\";var o=e.getElementsByTagName(n)[0];if(window[d]&&window[d].initialized)window[d].process&&window[d].process();else if(!e.getElementById(i)){var r=e.createElement(n);r.async=1,r.id=i,r.src=s,o.parentNode.insertBefore(r,o)}}(document,\"script\",\"infogram-async\",\"https:\/\/e.infogram.com\/js\/dist\/embed-loader-min.js\");<\/script><\/p>   <div class=\"infogram-embed\" data-id=\"ab5d2253-a828-4c84-b8ed-97d9c738295f\" data-type=\"interactive\" data-title=\"Copy: LL: Top 50 Snowiest Counties\"><\/div> <p><script>!function(e,n,i,s){var d=\"InfogramEmbeds\";var o=e.getElementsByTagName(n)[0];if(window[d]&&window[d].initialized)window[d].process&&window[d].process();else if(!e.getElementById(i)){var r=e.createElement(n);r.async=1,r.id=i,r.src=s,o.parentNode.insertBefore(r,o)}}(document,\"script\",\"infogram-async\",\"https:\/\/e.infogram.com\/js\/dist\/embed-loader-min.js\");<\/script><\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"top-5\"><span id=\"top-5-close-up\">Top 5 close up<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Check out the slideshow below for highlights on each of our top 5 states for birdwatching.<\/p>   <div style=\"min-height: 535px\" class=\"ub_image_slider swiper-container wp-block-ub-image-slider\" id=\"ub_image_slider_fea044f5-d0d2-4faf-b207-6e0c3cd53cae\" data-swiper-data='{\"speed\":300,\"spaceBetween\":20,\"slidesPerView\":1,\"loop\":true,\"pagination\":{\"el\": \".swiper-pagination\" , \"type\": \"bullets\", \"clickable\":true},\"navigation\": {\"nextEl\": \".swiper-button-next\", \"prevEl\": \".swiper-button-prev\"}, \"keyboard\": { \"enabled\": true }, \"effect\": \"slide\",\"simulateTouch\":false}'>             <div class=\"swiper-wrapper\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/california2.png\" alt=\"California State Capitol in Sacramento\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\"><strong>No. 1: <\/strong>California | <strong>Overall score: <\/strong>57.08<br><br><strong>Number of Bird Species: <\/strong>714 | Rank: 1<br><strong>Number of Birdwatching Groups: <\/strong>18 | Rank: 1<br><strong>Audubon Offices and Chapters: <\/strong>54 | Rank: 1<br><strong>Number of National and State Parks: <\/strong>304 | Rank: 1<br><strong>Number of Hiking Trails: <\/strong>17,587 | Rank: 1<br><br>Photo credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/california-state-capitol-in-sacramento\/307885986\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Leonid Andronov<\/a> | Adobe Stock | <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/license-terms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">License<\/a><\/figcaption>             <\/figure><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/denys-kostyuchenko-FQjUaIMQF3Q-unsplash-1.png\" alt=\"silhouette of palm trees near body of water during sunset\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\"><strong>No. 2: <\/strong>Florida | <strong>Overall score: <\/strong>47.98<br><br><strong>Endemic (Unique) Species by State: <\/strong>10 | Rank: 1<br><strong>Number of Birdwatching Groups: <\/strong>13 | Rank: 2<br><strong>Number of Audubon Centers and Sanctuaries: <\/strong>9 | Rank: 3<br><strong>Audubon Offices and Chapters: <\/strong>50 | Rank: 2<br><strong>Number of Bird Festivals: <\/strong>2 | Rank: 1 (Tie)<br><br>Photo credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/silhouette-of-palm-trees-near-body-of-water-during-sunset-FQjUaIMQF3Q\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Denys Kostyuchenko<\/a> | Unsplash | <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/license\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">License<\/a><\/figcaption>             <\/figure><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Austin-TX-1.png\" alt=\"Urban Skyline of Austin, Texas\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\"><strong>No. 3: <\/strong>Texas | <strong>Overall score: <\/strong>46.77<br><br><strong>Number of Bird Species: <\/strong>679 | Rank: 2<br><strong>Number of Nests Found in 2024: <\/strong>550 | Rank: 1<br><strong>Number of Audubon Centers and Sanctuaries: <\/strong>5 | Rank: 5<br><strong>Number of Wildlife Refuges: <\/strong>19 | Rank: 8<br><strong>Historical Average Number of Extremely Cold Days: <\/strong>35.17 | Rank: 1<br><br>Photo credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/an-urban-skyline-of-austin-texas-5281394\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Trac Vu<\/a> | Unsplash | <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/license\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">License<\/a><\/figcaption>             <\/figure><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/NEW-YORK111.jpg\" alt=\"Statue of Liberty\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\"><strong>No. 4: <\/strong>New York | <strong>Overall score: <\/strong>46.04<br><br><strong>Number of Nests Found in 2024: <\/strong>305 | Rank: 4<br><strong>Number of Birding Organizations: <\/strong>5 | Rank: 4 (Tie)<br><strong>Number of Audubon Centers and Sanctuaries: <\/strong>10 | Rank: 2<br><strong>Audubon Offices and Chapters: <\/strong>28 | Rank: 3<br><strong>Number of National and State Parks: <\/strong>247 | Rank: 2<br><br>Photo credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/statue-of-liberty-2179606\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Matthis Volquardsen<\/a> | Pexels | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/license\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">License<\/a><\/figcaption>             <\/figure><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/pexels-vlada-karpovich-4448861-1-1.png\" alt=\"Mountain landscape with pinetrees.\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\"><strong>No. 5: <\/strong>Washington | <strong>Overall score: <\/strong>40.18<br><br><strong>Number of Bird Species: <\/strong>532 | Rank: 8<br><strong>Number of Bird Festivals: <\/strong>2 | Rank: 1 (Tie)<br><strong>Number of Audubon Centers and Sanctuaries: <\/strong>3 | Rank: 6 (Tie)<br><strong>Number of National and State Parks: <\/strong>229 | Rank: 3<br><strong>Number of Wildlife Refuges: <\/strong>26 | Rank: 4<br><br>Photo credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/green-pine-trees-near-mountain-under-blue-sky-4448861\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Vlada Karpovich<\/a> | Pexels | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/license\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">License<\/a><\/figcaption>             <\/figure><\/div>             <div class=\"swiper-pagination\"><\/div>             <div class=\"swiper-button-prev\"><\/div> <div class=\"swiper-button-next\"><\/div>         <\/div>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"key-insights\">Key insights<\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The chirp<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Feathered favorites: California <\/strong>(No. 1), <strong>Florida <\/strong>(No. 2), and <strong>Texas <\/strong>(No. 3) soar to the <strong>top<\/strong> for birdwatching, with Texas leading in <strong>conservation <\/strong>efforts through its \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/tx.audubon.org\/urbanconservation\/lights-out-texas\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Lights Out, Texas<\/a>\u201d campaign to protect <strong>billions<\/strong> of migratory birds. <strong>Alaska<\/strong> (No. 8) takes flight with the highest <strong>popularity<\/strong> among enthusiasts.&nbsp;<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Fowl play: Iowa <\/strong>(No. 50) and <strong>Kansas <\/strong>(No. 46) land in the <strong>top half<\/strong> for <strong>conservation <\/strong>efforts despite landing at the <strong>bottom<\/strong> of the ranking. Joining them at the bottom but with some redeeming qualities, <strong>Oklahoma <\/strong>(No. 44) and <strong>Kansas<\/strong> offer decent bird variety, and&nbsp;<strong>West Virginia <\/strong>(No. 43) offers one of the <strong>best climates<\/strong> and good access to <strong>state parks and trails<\/strong>.<br><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Bird\u2019s-eye highlights<\/strong><br><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Room to roam: California <\/strong>(No. 1), <strong>New York <\/strong>(No. 4), and <strong>Washington <\/strong>(No. 5) boast the <strong>most state parks<\/strong>, while northern states <strong>North Dakota <\/strong>(No. 39) and <strong>Minnesota <\/strong>(No. 33) take flight with some of the most <strong>wildlife refuges<\/strong>. <strong>Connecticut <\/strong>(No. 10) and <strong>New York<\/strong> lead in <strong>Audubon centers<\/strong>, providing prime perches for birdwatchers.<br><\/li>    <li><strong>Winged wonders: Florida <\/strong>(No. 2) and <strong>Hawaii <\/strong>(No. 24) fly with the <strong>highest<\/strong> numbers of <strong>endemic bird species<\/strong>, followed by <strong>North Carolina <\/strong>(No. 12)<strong> <\/strong>and <strong>South Carolina <\/strong>(No. 13) in a tie. Despite its <strong>ideal birding climate<\/strong>, Hawaii\u2019s isolated islands host the <strong>fewest<\/strong> bird species overall and lack <strong>Audubon sanctuaries, <\/strong>leaving it just about the middle of the pack.&nbsp; <strong><br><\/strong><\/li>    <li><strong>Flock together: <\/strong>Birdwatchers unite in <strong>Colorado <\/strong>(No. 9)<strong> <\/strong>and <strong>Virginia <\/strong>(No. 18),<strong> <\/strong>with some of the most <strong>birdwatching groups, <\/strong>while smaller states, <strong>Delaware <\/strong>(No. 31)<strong> <\/strong>and <strong>Vermont <\/strong>(No. 14),<strong> <\/strong>stand out for the <strong>highest <\/strong>numbers of <strong>birdwatchers per capita<\/strong>.<br><\/li>    <li><strong>Birding hubs: Louisiana <\/strong>(No. 21)<strong> <\/strong>and <strong>Massachusetts <\/strong>(No. 11)<strong> <\/strong>tie for the <strong>most birding organizations<\/strong>, joined by <strong>Illinois <\/strong>(No. 29)<strong>.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Discover more state insights <a href=\"#media-resources\">below<\/a>.<\/p>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ask-the-experts\"><span id=\"\"><\/span><\/h2>  <div id=\"experts-block\" class=\"experts ask-the-experts\">     <h2 id=\"expert-take\" class=\"text-2xl font-bold text-black mb-3\">Expert take<\/h2>    <p>Birdwatching isn\u2019t just a hobby; it\u2019s a gateway to exploring nature\u2019s vibrant colors and melodies. But what makes a great birding experience? We turned to a panel of experts for their insights.<\/p> <ol> <li>What are three essential items to bring on a birdwatching trip?<\/li> <li>What is the best type or brand of binoculars for birdwatching?<\/li> <li>What are your three best tips for first-time birdwatchers?<\/li> <li>What are three interesting North American bird species that should be on every birding bucket list?<\/li> <li>What are the three top resources for identifying birds?<\/li> <\/ol>    <div id=\"experts-container\" class=\"relative lg:mt-6\" x-data=\"experts()\" x-init=\"init()\">      <style>       .expert-avatars {         scrollbar-width: none;         -ms-overflow-style: none;          \/* momentum scroll on iOS *\/         -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch;          \/* disbable vertical scroll for touch *\/         touch-action: pan-x;       }        \/* hide scroll bar *\/       .expert-avatars::-webkit-scrollbar {         display: none;       }        .expert-avatars .item {         width: 125px;         flex-shrink: 0;       }        .expert-avatars .item:not(:last-child) {         margin-right: 10px;       }        \/* hacky fix for padding at the end of the.expert-avatars *\/       .expert-avatars .item:last-child {         position: relative;       }        .expert-avatars .item:last-child::after {         position: absolute;         left: 100%;         height: 1px;         width: 20px;         display: block;         content: \"\";       }        .trim-label {         max-height: 18px;         text-overflow: ellipsis;         overflow: hidden;         display: -webkit-box;         -webkit-line-clamp: 1;         -webkit-box-orient: vertical;         line-height: 1.4;       }        .credentials {         max-height: 18px;         width: 250px;         text-overflow: ellipsis;         overflow: hidden;         display: -webkit-box;         -webkit-line-clamp: 1;         -webkit-box-orient: vertical;         line-height: 1.4;       }        .credentials-small {         max-height: 18px;         width: 110px;         text-overflow: ellipsis;         overflow: hidden;         display: -webkit-box;         -webkit-line-clamp: 1;         -webkit-box-orient: vertical;         line-height: 1.4;       }        [x-cloak] {         display: none;       }     <\/style>      <div class=\"expert-avatars flex overflow-x-scroll overscroll-contain px-2 mb-10 lg:hidden\">                         <div class=\"item text-center mx-3\" @click=\"openExpert('dr-dustin-reichard', 'container')\">             <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Screenshot-2025-04-17-223452.png\" alt=\"Dr. Dustin Reichard\" class=\"mt-0 mx-auto mb-3 w-24 h-24 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-black font-medium trim-label\">Dr. Dustin Reichard <\/div>             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-gray-800 trim-label\">Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences<\/div>           <\/div>                   <div class=\"item text-center mx-3\" @click=\"openExpert('kathryn-e-sieving-katie', 'container')\">             <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Screenshot-2025-04-17-223727.png\" alt=\"Kathryn E. Sieving\" class=\"mt-0 mx-auto mb-3 w-24 h-24 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-black font-medium trim-label\">Kathryn E. Sieving (Katie) <\/div>             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-gray-800 trim-label\">Professor, Graduate Coordinator<\/div>           <\/div>                   <div class=\"item text-center mx-3\" @click=\"openExpert('richard-l-hutto-', 'container')\">             <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Screenshot-2025-04-17-223936.png\" alt=\"Richard L. Hutto\" class=\"mt-0 mx-auto mb-3 w-24 h-24 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-black font-medium trim-label\">Richard L. Hutto  <\/div>             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-gray-800 trim-label\">Emeritus Professor in biology and wildlife biology<\/div>           <\/div>                   <div class=\"item text-center mx-3\" @click=\"openExpert('david-j-flaspohler', 'container')\">             <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Screenshot-2025-04-17-224140.png\" alt=\"David J. Flaspohler\" class=\"mt-0 mx-auto mb-3 w-24 h-24 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-black font-medium trim-label\">David J. Flaspohler <\/div>             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-gray-800 trim-label\">Interim Dean &amp; Professor, Director of Undergraduate Program<\/div>           <\/div>                   <div class=\"item text-center mx-3\" @click=\"openExpert('dr-peter-paton', 'container')\">             <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Screenshot-2025-04-17-224304.png\" alt=\"Dr. Peter Paton\" class=\"mt-0 mx-auto mb-3 w-24 h-24 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-black font-medium trim-label\">Dr. Peter Paton <\/div>             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-gray-800 trim-label\">Professor and Chair<\/div>           <\/div>                   <div class=\"item text-center mx-3\" @click=\"openExpert('douglas-robinson', 'container')\">             <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Douglas-Robinsons.jpg\" alt=\"Douglas Robinsons\" class=\"mt-0 mx-auto mb-3 w-24 h-24 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-black font-medium trim-label\">Douglas Robinson <\/div>             <div class=\"text-sm leading-4 mb-2 text-gray-800 trim-label\">Professor <\/div>           <\/div>                   <\/div>                     <div           id=\"expert-dr-dustin-reichard\"           class=\"mb-10 border border-gray-200 p-4 cursor-pointer lg:block\"           x-bind:class=\"{'lg:border-theme-green block': focusedExpert == 'dr-dustin-reichard', 'hidden': focusedExpert != 'dr-dustin-reichard'}\"           @click=\"openExpert('dr-dustin-reichard', 'expert'); 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expertIsFocused = true\">View Answers <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-4 ml-2\">                 <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M12.909.258a.919.919 0 00-.007 1.294l4.275 4.282H.907a.914.914 0 000 1.828H17.17l-4.275 4.286a.925.925 0 00.007 1.294.91.91 0 001.287-.007l5.794-5.836a1.026 1.026 0 00.19-.288.872.872 0 00.07-.352.916.916 0 00-.26-.64L14.189.283a.9.9 0 00-1.28-.025z\" fill=\"#48a27a\" \/>               <\/svg><\/button>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"details fixed top-0 left-0 bg-white h-screen z-10 overflow-scroll w-screen lg:w-full lg:relative lg:h-auto\"             x-cloak x-show=\"focusedExpert == 'dr-dustin-reichard'\"             x-transition:enter=\"transition ease-out duration-100 transform\"             x-transition:enter-start=\"opacity-0 scale-95\"             x-transition:enter-end=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave=\"transition ease-in duration-75 transform\"             x-transition:leave-start=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave-end=\"opacity-0 scale-95\">              <div class=\"bg-theme-green p-4 mb-4 pb-20 relative text-white lg:bg-white lg:pb-0 lg:text-theme-green lg:mb-8\">               <button class=\"close-details mr-4 mt-2 absolute top-0 left-0 flex items-center ml-4 lg:mt-0 lg:ml-0\" x-on:click.stop=\"closeExpert('dr-dustin-reichard')\">                 <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-6 mr-2 fill-current\">                   <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M7.334 13.243a.919.919 0 00.007-1.294L3.066 7.667h16.27a.914.914 0 000-1.828H3.073l4.275-4.286A.925.925 0 007.341.259a.91.91 0 00-1.287.007L.26 6.102a1.026 1.026 0 00-.19.288.872.872 0 00-.07.352.916.916 0 00.26.64l5.794 5.836a.9.9 0 001.28.025z\" \/>                 <\/svg> Close               <\/button>             <\/div>              <div class=\"item text-center px-4 w-full text-center -mt-20 relative z-20 pointer-events-none lg:hidden\">               <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Screenshot-2025-04-17-223452.png\" alt=\"Dr. Dustin Reichard\" class=\"mt-0 mb-3 mx-auto w-32 h-32 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">               <div class=\"text-base leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Dr. Dustin Reichard <\/div>               <div class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences<\/div>               <div class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">Ohio Wesleyan University<\/div>             <\/div>              <div class=\"px-4 lg:px-0\">               <p><strong>What are three essential items to bring on a birdwatching trip?<\/strong><\/p> <p>1. Binoculars<\/p> <p>2. Field Guide (paper guide or phone app &#8211; see recommendations below)<\/p> <p>3. Protection from the elements (sunscreen, rain gear, boots, bug spray \u2014 the exact needs depend on your location)<\/p> <p><strong>What are the best type or brand of binoculars for birdwatching?<\/strong><\/p> <p>There are many optics companies that produce binoculars, and the differences in quality between the best, most expensive binoculars from makers like Zeiss, Swarovski, and Leica, and the more introductory-level binoculars from other companies have been narrowing rapidly. This shift is good news because you don\u2019t have to spend thousands of dollars to get nice binoculars anymore.<\/p> <p>In my ornithology class, we use Vortex Diamondbacks and Nikon Monarchs. Both are in the $200-$250 range, and I recommend the 8&#215;42 model rather than the 10&#215;42 for beginners. The 8&#215;42 has less magnification, which means the view won\u2019t be as close, but the field of view is larger, making it easier to actually find the bird in the binoculars. That last piece is critical when you\u2019re first starting out.<\/p> <p>My final piece of advice is to spend more than you\u2019re comfortable spending on binoculars. They will last for decades with proper care and spending more usually results in a brighter, sharper view, which makes birding more enjoyable. I\u2019m still using the same Nikon Monarchs 8&#215;42 that I purchased in 2005.<\/p> <p><strong>What are your three best tips for first-time birdwatchers?<\/strong><\/p> <p>1. Go with someone more experienced if you can. Your local <a href=\"https:\/\/www.audubon.org\/about\/audubon-near-you\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Audubon Society<\/a>, Parks and Recreation Department, or birding affinity group likely offers guided birding trips for free.<\/p> <p>2. Start out focusing on larger birds, like ducks on the water, or smaller songbirds and woodpeckers at bird feeders to get comfortable with your binoculars.<\/p> <p>3. It\u2019s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of bird species and give up on trying to learn to identify them. Some groups like sparrows (mostly small brown birds) have so many species that look almost identical at first glance. It will get easier with practice. You will learn which birds to expect in different habitats and that will narrow the list of possible species substantially. Also, remember point one: go out with someone experienced who can help you with these identifications initially.<\/p> <p><strong>What are three interesting North American bird species that should be on every birding bucket list?<\/strong><\/p> <p>There are around 800 species of birds that breed regularly in North America, so it\u2019s very difficult to pick only three, and my choices inevitably suffer from my Eastern U.S. bias.<\/p> <p>1. Winter wrens are tiny brown birds that are difficult to spot and visually unimpressive, but they sing the most amazing bubbly song that\u2019s unforgettable.<\/p> <p>2. Northern shrikes are a bird of prey disguised as a songbird. They have a hooked upper bill and will literally impale lizards, rodents, and large insects that they capture on thorns and barbed wire to save them for later. It\u2019s an amazing behavior if you can get past the gore.<\/p> <p>3. Finally, Blackburnian warblers are stunningly beautiful with orange or yellow throats and faces. These tiny birds move quickly throughout the canopy searching for insects, which makes them difficult to spot, but those who do will be rewarded.<\/p> <p><strong>What are the three top resources for identifying birds?<\/strong><\/p> <p>1. <a href=\"https:\/\/merlin.allaboutbirds.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Merlin Bird ID<\/a>: a phone app from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology that\u2019s totally free. The app can help you identify birds by sight (upload a photo) and sound (make a recording). It is the absolute best tool for birding.<\/p> <p>2. \u201cNational Geographic Field Guide to Birds of North America\u201d is my top choice for beginners. The \u201cSibley Guide\u201d is excellent for more experienced birders. Sibley\u2019s artwork is beautiful.<\/p> <p>3. Your local Audubon Society or birding affinity group. These communities are amazingly supportive and helpful. If you don\u2019t have one close to you, the internet and social media can be very helpful too.<\/p>             <\/div>            <\/div>          <\/div>                <div           id=\"expert-kathryn-e-sieving-katie\"           class=\"mb-10 border border-gray-200 p-4 cursor-pointer lg:block\"           x-bind:class=\"{'lg:border-theme-green block': focusedExpert == 'kathryn-e-sieving-katie', 'hidden': focusedExpert != 'kathryn-e-sieving-katie'}\"           @click=\"openExpert('kathryn-e-sieving-katie', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">            <div             x-bind:class=\"{'items-center': focusedExpert != 'kathryn-e-sieving-katie', 'items-start': focusedExpert == 'kathryn-e-sieving-katie'}\"             class=\"item mb-4 hidden lg:flex\"             @click=\"openExpert('kathryn-e-sieving-katie', 'expert')\">              <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Screenshot-2025-04-17-223727.png\" alt=\"Kathryn E. Sieving\" class=\"m-0 mr-3 w-16 h-16 object-cover rounded-full lg:w-20 lg:h-20\">              <div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'kathryn-e-sieving-katie'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Kathryn E. Sieving (Katie) <\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'kathryn-e-sieving-katie'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Professor, Graduate Coordinator<\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'kathryn-e-sieving-katie'}\"                 class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">University of Florida, Department of Wildlife Ecology &amp; Conservation<\/div>             <\/div>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"hidden lg:block\"             x-bind:class=\"{'lg:hidden': focusedExpert == 'kathryn-e-sieving-katie'}\">             <button class=\"flex items-center text-theme-green open-details\" @click=\"openExpert('kathryn-e-sieving-katie', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">View Answers <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-4 ml-2\">                 <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M12.909.258a.919.919 0 00-.007 1.294l4.275 4.282H.907a.914.914 0 000 1.828H17.17l-4.275 4.286a.925.925 0 00.007 1.294.91.91 0 001.287-.007l5.794-5.836a1.026 1.026 0 00.19-.288.872.872 0 00.07-.352.916.916 0 00-.26-.64L14.189.283a.9.9 0 00-1.28-.025z\" fill=\"#48a27a\" \/>               <\/svg><\/button>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"details fixed top-0 left-0 bg-white h-screen z-10 overflow-scroll w-screen lg:w-full lg:relative lg:h-auto\"             x-cloak x-show=\"focusedExpert == 'kathryn-e-sieving-katie'\"             x-transition:enter=\"transition ease-out duration-100 transform\"             x-transition:enter-start=\"opacity-0 scale-95\"             x-transition:enter-end=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave=\"transition ease-in duration-75 transform\"             x-transition:leave-start=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave-end=\"opacity-0 scale-95\">              <div class=\"bg-theme-green p-4 mb-4 pb-20 relative text-white lg:bg-white lg:pb-0 lg:text-theme-green lg:mb-8\">               <button class=\"close-details mr-4 mt-2 absolute top-0 left-0 flex items-center ml-4 lg:mt-0 lg:ml-0\" x-on:click.stop=\"closeExpert('kathryn-e-sieving-katie')\">                 <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-6 mr-2 fill-current\">                   <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M7.334 13.243a.919.919 0 00.007-1.294L3.066 7.667h16.27a.914.914 0 000-1.828H3.073l4.275-4.286A.925.925 0 007.341.259a.91.91 0 00-1.287.007L.26 6.102a1.026 1.026 0 00-.19.288.872.872 0 00-.07.352.916.916 0 00.26.64l5.794 5.836a.9.9 0 001.28.025z\" \/>                 <\/svg> Close               <\/button>             <\/div>              <div class=\"item text-center px-4 w-full text-center -mt-20 relative z-20 pointer-events-none lg:hidden\">               <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Screenshot-2025-04-17-223727.png\" alt=\"Kathryn E. Sieving\" class=\"mt-0 mb-3 mx-auto w-32 h-32 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">               <div class=\"text-base leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Kathryn E. Sieving (Katie) <\/div>               <div class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Professor, Graduate Coordinator<\/div>               <div class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">University of Florida, Department of Wildlife Ecology &amp; Conservation<\/div>             <\/div>              <div class=\"px-4 lg:px-0\">               <p><strong>What are three essential items to bring on a birdwatching trip?<\/strong><\/p> <p>1. Sustenance \u2014 water and snacks to share.<\/p> <p>2. Protection \u2014 appropriate clothing, sunscreen, bug spray, etc.<\/p> <p>3. Optics \u2014 binoculars and\/or camera.<\/p> <p><strong>What are the best type or brand of binoculars for birdwatching?<\/strong><\/p> <p>The best kind is an affordable pair that you like. Its feel (weight and size in the hand) and its optics need to help you see birds and enjoy walking with other birders, not hinder you. It really depends on you, and the best-rated models change every year, so read a bunch of reviews before you buy.<\/p> <p>For some, it\u2019s all about bragging rights, so they go spend a lot of money on the newest cool pair. For me, it\u2019s about feel, durability, and optics that do not hinder viewing at the right distances. Plus, I never spend more than $200, but I have three pairs of roof prism binoculars that all feel good in my hand and have no distortion at the edges of the lenses. Why do I have three?<\/p> <ul> <li>I have a pair of 10&#215;50 for big open spaces (grasslands and seabird trips need brightness and high power \u2014 Vortex Crossfire HD 12&#215;50 Binoculars).<\/li> <li>A pair of 8x42s with a close focus for interior forest birding (Celestron Nature DX 8&#215;42).<\/li> <li>If I\u2019m doing both open grasslands and forest, I have a pair of 10x42s (a bit tougher to handle but you get used to them \u2014 Celestron 10&#215;42).<\/li> <\/ul> <p>If I go backpacking, I borrow my husband\u2019s compact Nikon PROSTAFF P3 10x30s.<\/p> <p><strong>What are your three best tips for first-time birdwatchers?<\/strong><\/p> <p>1. Find local birders to pal around with. You\u2019ll learn the birds and gear faster, get more exercise and nature time, and make lovely friends all at the same time.<\/p> <p>2. Pay attention to behaviors of the birds. Don\u2019t just check off the species and look for the next \u2014 spend time and effort learning what each species does that makes it unique. When I go birding, I don\u2019t like to be rushed too much because I like to watch each species as long as possible. This way, the birds will start to feel like familiar friends that you know, and they become more relaxed as you watch them quietly.<\/p> <p>3. Don\u2019t become reliant on tricks to see birds, like playback. Learn how to walk, sit, look, and move quietly and unobtrusively so that when you see birds they are in their relaxed and authentic states. You will see so much more (other species, unique behaviors, rare events, etc) if you are not aggressive in your tactics. Let the birds know you are not there to distract, scare, or threaten them, but rather to just be with them.<\/p> <p>Being a bird is hard. They have to eat constantly and keep from being killed by hawks to survive each day, so honor them by being a quiet, kind birder.<\/p> <p><strong>What are three interesting North American bird species that should be on every birding bucket list?<\/strong><\/p> <p>1. Any chickadee or titmouse is worth a lot of your time as they are smart, they have a huge vocabulary and they talk all the time. Learning what they are talking about is one of my greatest joys. Case in point \u2013 I was out birding one day and I heard a titmouse behind me utter a call I never heard a titmouse make before \u2013 I stopped, turned around, and saw a bobcat. I heard a titmouse say \u201cYo \u2013 there\u2019s a bobcat!\u201d<\/p> <p>2. Acorn woodpeckers in California \u2013 they kill me. They are easy to observe in open woodlands and live in groups and group members stuff acorns in snags to make \u2018granaries\u2019 that are easy to spot. If you get near a granary tree, you\u2019ll hear from the birds. They guard their food caches vigorously. I once tossed an acorn in the air near some acorn woodpeckers and one of them swooped and caught it in midair and zoomed to its granary and stuffed it in a hole. Then, it looked at me and called as if to say \u201cThanks!\u201d<\/p> <p>3. I love black and white warblers a lot, too. They are warblers that act a bit like woodpeckers or nuthatches, creeping along woody trunks and branches. They are so pretty and in winter they stay close to titmouse flocks for protection here in Florida.<\/p> <p><strong>What are the three top resources for identifying birds?<\/strong><\/p> <p>These days, I coach students to start with two apps and one website:<\/p> <p>1. <a href=\"https:\/\/merlin.allaboutbirds.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Merlin Bird ID<\/a> app is magical. When birds are making noises around you, just open the app and let it tell you which species is making noise. Then, you can learn the noises and the birds making the noises much faster. And it is unobtrusive \u2013 it just enhances your ear-birding skills (with AI of course).<\/p> <p>2. Any field guide app in addition to Merlin (which is also a decent field guide) \u2014 but <a href=\"https:\/\/www.audubon.org\/app?ms=digital-acq-ppc-google-x-20210000_google_grant&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwj_ajBhCqARIsAA37s0wdQQtQjB9amJ509V7FI-Y6QbefLVNk-OtACgmNexBxlS940prJdDkaApsDEALw_wcB\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Audubon<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ibird.com\/about\/ios\/about.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">iBird Pro<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sibleyguides.com\/product\/sibley-birds-v2-app\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sibley Birds<\/a> are also great bird ID and learning apps.<\/p> <p>3. <a href=\"http:\/\/birdsna.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Birds of North America Online<\/a> is a great website to learn all the dirty details known about all the bird species you are watching. You\u2019ll also notice, as you read, there is still a lot we don\u2019t know about some of our most common birds.<\/p>             <\/div>            <\/div>          <\/div>                <div           id=\"expert-richard-l-hutto-\"           class=\"mb-10 border border-gray-200 p-4 cursor-pointer lg:block\"           x-bind:class=\"{'lg:border-theme-green block': focusedExpert == 'richard-l-hutto-', 'hidden': focusedExpert != 'richard-l-hutto-'}\"           @click=\"openExpert('richard-l-hutto-', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">            <div             x-bind:class=\"{'items-center': focusedExpert != 'richard-l-hutto-', 'items-start': focusedExpert == 'richard-l-hutto-'}\"             class=\"item mb-4 hidden lg:flex\"             @click=\"openExpert('richard-l-hutto-', 'expert')\">              <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Screenshot-2025-04-17-223936.png\" alt=\"Richard L. Hutto\" class=\"m-0 mr-3 w-16 h-16 object-cover rounded-full lg:w-20 lg:h-20\">              <div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'richard-l-hutto-'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Richard L. Hutto  <\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'richard-l-hutto-'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Emeritus Professor in biology and wildlife biology<\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'richard-l-hutto-'}\"                 class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">University of Montana<\/div>             <\/div>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"hidden lg:block\"             x-bind:class=\"{'lg:hidden': focusedExpert == 'richard-l-hutto-'}\">             <button class=\"flex items-center text-theme-green open-details\" @click=\"openExpert('richard-l-hutto-', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">View Answers <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-4 ml-2\">                 <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M12.909.258a.919.919 0 00-.007 1.294l4.275 4.282H.907a.914.914 0 000 1.828H17.17l-4.275 4.286a.925.925 0 00.007 1.294.91.91 0 001.287-.007l5.794-5.836a1.026 1.026 0 00.19-.288.872.872 0 00.07-.352.916.916 0 00-.26-.64L14.189.283a.9.9 0 00-1.28-.025z\" fill=\"#48a27a\" \/>               <\/svg><\/button>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"details fixed top-0 left-0 bg-white h-screen z-10 overflow-scroll w-screen lg:w-full lg:relative lg:h-auto\"             x-cloak x-show=\"focusedExpert == 'richard-l-hutto-'\"             x-transition:enter=\"transition ease-out duration-100 transform\"             x-transition:enter-start=\"opacity-0 scale-95\"             x-transition:enter-end=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave=\"transition ease-in duration-75 transform\"             x-transition:leave-start=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave-end=\"opacity-0 scale-95\">              <div class=\"bg-theme-green p-4 mb-4 pb-20 relative text-white lg:bg-white lg:pb-0 lg:text-theme-green lg:mb-8\">               <button class=\"close-details mr-4 mt-2 absolute top-0 left-0 flex items-center ml-4 lg:mt-0 lg:ml-0\" x-on:click.stop=\"closeExpert('richard-l-hutto-')\">                 <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-6 mr-2 fill-current\">                   <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M7.334 13.243a.919.919 0 00.007-1.294L3.066 7.667h16.27a.914.914 0 000-1.828H3.073l4.275-4.286A.925.925 0 007.341.259a.91.91 0 00-1.287.007L.26 6.102a1.026 1.026 0 00-.19.288.872.872 0 00-.07.352.916.916 0 00.26.64l5.794 5.836a.9.9 0 001.28.025z\" \/>                 <\/svg> Close               <\/button>             <\/div>              <div class=\"item text-center px-4 w-full text-center -mt-20 relative z-20 pointer-events-none lg:hidden\">               <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Screenshot-2025-04-17-223936.png\" alt=\"Richard L. Hutto\" class=\"mt-0 mb-3 mx-auto w-32 h-32 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">               <div class=\"text-base leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Richard L. Hutto  <\/div>               <div class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Emeritus Professor in biology and wildlife biology<\/div>               <div class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">University of Montana<\/div>             <\/div>              <div class=\"px-4 lg:px-0\">               <p><strong>What are three essential items to bring on a birdwatching trip?<\/strong><\/p> <p>1. Binoculars.<\/p> <p>2. Field guide that fits in your back pocket or as an app on your iPhone.<\/p> <p><strong>What are the best type or brand of binoculars for birdwatching?<\/strong><\/p> <p>Any quality name brand is fine, but the key is finding a pair that fits and feels like an extension of your hands and not something extra that you\u2019re holding.<\/p> <p><strong>What are your three best tips for first-time birdwatchers?<\/strong><\/p> <p>1. Learn to identify the top 10 birds near where you live.<\/p> <p>2. Go out with someone who knows the birds.<\/p> <p>3. Learn to listen carefully because 95% of all bird detections are by sound alone. You don\u2019t need fancy \u201ctricks\u201d to identify birds by sound \u2014 it\u2019s as easy as learning to identify people by their voice alone \u2014 just listen for nuanced differences.<\/p> <p><strong>What are three interesting North American bird species that should be on every birding bucket list?<\/strong><\/p> <p>1. Black-backed woodpecker \u2014 to better appreciate the value and uniqueness of severely burned conifer forests.<\/p> <p>2. Wrentit \u2014 to appreciate the value and uniqueness of chaparral.<\/p> <p>3. Vermillion flycatcher \u2014 to appreciate what it\u2019s like to be stunned by color.<\/p> <p><strong>What are the three top resources for identifying birds?<\/strong><\/p> <p>1. Binoculars.<\/p> <p>2. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.audubon.org\/app?ms=digital-acq-ppc-google-x-20210000_google_grant&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwj_ajBhCqARIsAA37s0wdQQtQjB9amJ509V7FI-Y6QbefLVNk-OtACgmNexBxlS940prJdDkaApsDEALw_wcB\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Audubon<\/a> field guide iPhone app.<\/p> <p>3. <a href=\"https:\/\/merlin.allaboutbirds.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Merlin<\/a> song ID iPhone app.<\/p> <p><em><strong>Expert bio: <\/strong>I taught ornithology at UM for about 40 years, hosted a PBS television series called \u201cBirdwatch\u201d 25 years ago, and I offer birdwatching hints in a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/playlist?list=PLYJGMeDtUZTjPwE8jpiPmDo8HjtBIU0Sy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">video series<\/a> that my wife and I created at the start of the COVID outbreak.<\/em><\/p>             <\/div>            <\/div>          <\/div>                <div           id=\"expert-david-j-flaspohler\"           class=\"mb-10 border border-gray-200 p-4 cursor-pointer lg:block\"           x-bind:class=\"{'lg:border-theme-green block': focusedExpert == 'david-j-flaspohler', 'hidden': focusedExpert != 'david-j-flaspohler'}\"           @click=\"openExpert('david-j-flaspohler', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">            <div             x-bind:class=\"{'items-center': focusedExpert != 'david-j-flaspohler', 'items-start': focusedExpert == 'david-j-flaspohler'}\"             class=\"item mb-4 hidden lg:flex\"             @click=\"openExpert('david-j-flaspohler', 'expert')\">              <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Screenshot-2025-04-17-224140.png\" alt=\"David J. Flaspohler\" class=\"m-0 mr-3 w-16 h-16 object-cover rounded-full lg:w-20 lg:h-20\">              <div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'david-j-flaspohler'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">David J. Flaspohler <\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'david-j-flaspohler'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Interim Dean &amp; Professor, Director of Undergraduate Program<\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'david-j-flaspohler'}\"                 class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">Michigan Technological University<\/div>             <\/div>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"hidden lg:block\"             x-bind:class=\"{'lg:hidden': focusedExpert == 'david-j-flaspohler'}\">             <button class=\"flex items-center text-theme-green open-details\" @click=\"openExpert('david-j-flaspohler', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">View Answers <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-4 ml-2\">                 <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M12.909.258a.919.919 0 00-.007 1.294l4.275 4.282H.907a.914.914 0 000 1.828H17.17l-4.275 4.286a.925.925 0 00.007 1.294.91.91 0 001.287-.007l5.794-5.836a1.026 1.026 0 00.19-.288.872.872 0 00.07-.352.916.916 0 00-.26-.64L14.189.283a.9.9 0 00-1.28-.025z\" fill=\"#48a27a\" \/>               <\/svg><\/button>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"details fixed top-0 left-0 bg-white h-screen z-10 overflow-scroll w-screen lg:w-full lg:relative lg:h-auto\"             x-cloak x-show=\"focusedExpert == 'david-j-flaspohler'\"             x-transition:enter=\"transition ease-out duration-100 transform\"             x-transition:enter-start=\"opacity-0 scale-95\"             x-transition:enter-end=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave=\"transition ease-in duration-75 transform\"             x-transition:leave-start=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave-end=\"opacity-0 scale-95\">              <div class=\"bg-theme-green p-4 mb-4 pb-20 relative text-white lg:bg-white lg:pb-0 lg:text-theme-green lg:mb-8\">               <button class=\"close-details mr-4 mt-2 absolute top-0 left-0 flex items-center ml-4 lg:mt-0 lg:ml-0\" x-on:click.stop=\"closeExpert('david-j-flaspohler')\">                 <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-6 mr-2 fill-current\">                   <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M7.334 13.243a.919.919 0 00.007-1.294L3.066 7.667h16.27a.914.914 0 000-1.828H3.073l4.275-4.286A.925.925 0 007.341.259a.91.91 0 00-1.287.007L.26 6.102a1.026 1.026 0 00-.19.288.872.872 0 00-.07.352.916.916 0 00.26.64l5.794 5.836a.9.9 0 001.28.025z\" \/>                 <\/svg> Close               <\/button>             <\/div>              <div class=\"item text-center px-4 w-full text-center -mt-20 relative z-20 pointer-events-none lg:hidden\">               <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Screenshot-2025-04-17-224140.png\" alt=\"David J. Flaspohler\" class=\"mt-0 mb-3 mx-auto w-32 h-32 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">               <div class=\"text-base leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">David J. Flaspohler <\/div>               <div class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Interim Dean &amp; Professor, Director of Undergraduate Program<\/div>               <div class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">Michigan Technological University<\/div>             <\/div>              <div class=\"px-4 lg:px-0\">               <p><strong>What are three essential items to bring on a birdwatching trip?<\/strong><\/p> <p>1. Binoculars.<\/p> <p>2. Field guide app or physical book \u2014 I prefer books because batteries can go dead.<\/p> <p>3. <a href=\"https:\/\/merlin.allaboutbirds.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Merlin<\/a> app for identifying songs.<\/p> <p><strong>What are the best type or brand of binoculars for birdwatching?<\/strong><\/p> <p>The highest-end options are Swarovski, Leica, and Zeiss. For less than half the price, Nikon, Vortex, and others are nearly as good, but maybe not as durable in the long (decades) term.<\/p> <p><strong>What are your three best tips for first-time birdwatchers?<\/strong><\/p> <p>1. Start off slow, with a few familiar birds \u2014 crows, or yard birds like robins and starlings.<\/p> <p>2. Then, work to add one new species to your knowledge base each day or each week.<\/p> <p>3. Use the Merlin AI app to identify songs for you. Knowing some songs greatly enhances your experience and ability to know what is around you. Many birds are shy and sing from concealed locations.<\/p> <p><strong>What are three interesting North American bird species that should be on every birding bucket list?<\/strong><\/p> <p>1. Painted bunting is arguably the most gorgeous North American bird.<\/p> <p>2. American white pelican is a fantastic, huge, and surprisingly widespread bird \u2014 they are common in Wisconsin.<\/p> <p>3. The California condor is an enormous scavenger bird that is a huge conservation success story and is now found in California, Utah, and Arizona.<\/p> <p><strong>What are the three top resources for identifying birds?<\/strong><\/p> <p>The Sibley and Peterson bird guides, as well as a growing list of apps (like Merlin) and citizen-science websites (like eBird), make it easier than ever to learn about birds and contribute observations to larger citizen-science efforts.<\/p>             <\/div>            <\/div>          <\/div>                <div           id=\"expert-dr-peter-paton\"           class=\"mb-10 border border-gray-200 p-4 cursor-pointer lg:block\"           x-bind:class=\"{'lg:border-theme-green block': focusedExpert == 'dr-peter-paton', 'hidden': focusedExpert != 'dr-peter-paton'}\"           @click=\"openExpert('dr-peter-paton', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">            <div             x-bind:class=\"{'items-center': focusedExpert != 'dr-peter-paton', 'items-start': focusedExpert == 'dr-peter-paton'}\"             class=\"item mb-4 hidden lg:flex\"             @click=\"openExpert('dr-peter-paton', 'expert')\">              <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Screenshot-2025-04-17-224304.png\" alt=\"Dr. Peter Paton\" class=\"m-0 mr-3 w-16 h-16 object-cover rounded-full lg:w-20 lg:h-20\">              <div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'dr-peter-paton'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Dr. Peter Paton <\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'dr-peter-paton'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Professor and Chair<\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'dr-peter-paton'}\"                 class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">University of Rhode Island, Dept. of Natural Resources Science<\/div>             <\/div>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"hidden lg:block\"             x-bind:class=\"{'lg:hidden': focusedExpert == 'dr-peter-paton'}\">             <button class=\"flex items-center text-theme-green open-details\" @click=\"openExpert('dr-peter-paton', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">View Answers <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-4 ml-2\">                 <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M12.909.258a.919.919 0 00-.007 1.294l4.275 4.282H.907a.914.914 0 000 1.828H17.17l-4.275 4.286a.925.925 0 00.007 1.294.91.91 0 001.287-.007l5.794-5.836a1.026 1.026 0 00.19-.288.872.872 0 00.07-.352.916.916 0 00-.26-.64L14.189.283a.9.9 0 00-1.28-.025z\" fill=\"#48a27a\" \/>               <\/svg><\/button>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"details fixed top-0 left-0 bg-white h-screen z-10 overflow-scroll w-screen lg:w-full lg:relative lg:h-auto\"             x-cloak x-show=\"focusedExpert == 'dr-peter-paton'\"             x-transition:enter=\"transition ease-out duration-100 transform\"             x-transition:enter-start=\"opacity-0 scale-95\"             x-transition:enter-end=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave=\"transition ease-in duration-75 transform\"             x-transition:leave-start=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave-end=\"opacity-0 scale-95\">              <div class=\"bg-theme-green p-4 mb-4 pb-20 relative text-white lg:bg-white lg:pb-0 lg:text-theme-green lg:mb-8\">               <button class=\"close-details mr-4 mt-2 absolute top-0 left-0 flex items-center ml-4 lg:mt-0 lg:ml-0\" x-on:click.stop=\"closeExpert('dr-peter-paton')\">                 <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-6 mr-2 fill-current\">                   <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M7.334 13.243a.919.919 0 00.007-1.294L3.066 7.667h16.27a.914.914 0 000-1.828H3.073l4.275-4.286A.925.925 0 007.341.259a.91.91 0 00-1.287.007L.26 6.102a1.026 1.026 0 00-.19.288.872.872 0 00-.07.352.916.916 0 00.26.64l5.794 5.836a.9.9 0 001.28.025z\" \/>                 <\/svg> Close               <\/button>             <\/div>              <div class=\"item text-center px-4 w-full text-center -mt-20 relative z-20 pointer-events-none lg:hidden\">               <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Screenshot-2025-04-17-224304.png\" alt=\"Dr. Peter Paton\" class=\"mt-0 mb-3 mx-auto w-32 h-32 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">               <div class=\"text-base leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Dr. Peter Paton <\/div>               <div class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Professor and Chair<\/div>               <div class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">University of Rhode Island, Dept. of Natural Resources Science<\/div>             <\/div>              <div class=\"px-4 lg:px-0\">               <p><strong>What are three essential items to bring on a birdwatching trip?<\/strong><\/p> <p>Smartphone with birding apps [such as]:<\/p> <ul> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sibleyguides.com\/product\/sibley-birds-v2-app\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sibley<\/a><\/li> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/merlin.allaboutbirds.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Merlin<\/a><\/li> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/ebird.org\/about\/ebird-mobile\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">eBird<\/a><\/li> <\/ul> <p><strong>What are the best type or brand of binoculars for birdwatching?<\/strong><\/p> <p>It really depends on your price point. A minimum of 8&#215;35 power is needed if looking at birds in the woods, while 10&#215;5 power is needed for birds on the ocean or that are far away.<\/p> <p><strong>What are three interesting North American bird species that should be on every birding bucket list?<\/strong><\/p> <p>1. Common tern \u2014 migrates from breeding grounds in North America to wintering grounds in Argentina.<\/p> <p>2. Cerulean warbler \u2014 hard to find, and in need of conservation.<\/p> <p>3. Upland sandpiper \u2014 hard to find, in need of conservation, and needs large grasslands (over 200 acres) for breeding.<\/p> <p><strong>What are the three top resources for identifying birds?<\/strong><\/p> <p>Smartphone with birding apps [such as]:<\/p> <ul> <li>Sibley<\/li> <li>Merlin<\/li> <li>eBird<\/li> <\/ul>             <\/div>            <\/div>          <\/div>                <div           id=\"expert-douglas-robinson\"           class=\"mb-10 border border-gray-200 p-4 cursor-pointer lg:block\"           x-bind:class=\"{'lg:border-theme-green block': focusedExpert == 'douglas-robinson', 'hidden': focusedExpert != 'douglas-robinson'}\"           @click=\"openExpert('douglas-robinson', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">            <div             x-bind:class=\"{'items-center': focusedExpert != 'douglas-robinson', 'items-start': focusedExpert == 'douglas-robinson'}\"             class=\"item mb-4 hidden lg:flex\"             @click=\"openExpert('douglas-robinson', 'expert')\">              <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Douglas-Robinsons.jpg\" alt=\"Douglas Robinsons\" class=\"m-0 mr-3 w-16 h-16 object-cover rounded-full lg:w-20 lg:h-20\">              <div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'douglas-robinson'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Douglas Robinson <\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'douglas-robinson'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Professor <\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'douglas-robinson'}\"                 class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">Oregon State University<\/div>             <\/div>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"hidden lg:block\"             x-bind:class=\"{'lg:hidden': focusedExpert == 'douglas-robinson'}\">             <button class=\"flex items-center text-theme-green open-details\" @click=\"openExpert('douglas-robinson', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">View Answers <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-4 ml-2\">                 <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M12.909.258a.919.919 0 00-.007 1.294l4.275 4.282H.907a.914.914 0 000 1.828H17.17l-4.275 4.286a.925.925 0 00.007 1.294.91.91 0 001.287-.007l5.794-5.836a1.026 1.026 0 00.19-.288.872.872 0 00.07-.352.916.916 0 00-.26-.64L14.189.283a.9.9 0 00-1.28-.025z\" fill=\"#48a27a\" \/>               <\/svg><\/button>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"details fixed top-0 left-0 bg-white h-screen z-10 overflow-scroll w-screen lg:w-full lg:relative lg:h-auto\"             x-cloak x-show=\"focusedExpert == 'douglas-robinson'\"             x-transition:enter=\"transition ease-out duration-100 transform\"             x-transition:enter-start=\"opacity-0 scale-95\"             x-transition:enter-end=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave=\"transition ease-in duration-75 transform\"             x-transition:leave-start=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave-end=\"opacity-0 scale-95\">              <div class=\"bg-theme-green p-4 mb-4 pb-20 relative text-white lg:bg-white lg:pb-0 lg:text-theme-green lg:mb-8\">               <button class=\"close-details mr-4 mt-2 absolute top-0 left-0 flex items-center ml-4 lg:mt-0 lg:ml-0\" x-on:click.stop=\"closeExpert('douglas-robinson')\">                 <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-6 mr-2 fill-current\">                   <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M7.334 13.243a.919.919 0 00.007-1.294L3.066 7.667h16.27a.914.914 0 000-1.828H3.073l4.275-4.286A.925.925 0 007.341.259a.91.91 0 00-1.287.007L.26 6.102a1.026 1.026 0 00-.19.288.872.872 0 00-.07.352.916.916 0 00.26.64l5.794 5.836a.9.9 0 001.28.025z\" \/>                 <\/svg> Close               <\/button>             <\/div>              <div class=\"item text-center px-4 w-full text-center -mt-20 relative z-20 pointer-events-none lg:hidden\">               <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Douglas-Robinsons.jpg\" alt=\"Douglas Robinsons\" class=\"mt-0 mb-3 mx-auto w-32 h-32 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">               <div class=\"text-base leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Douglas Robinson <\/div>               <div class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Professor <\/div>               <div class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">Oregon State University<\/div>             <\/div>              <div class=\"px-4 lg:px-0\">               <p><strong>What are three essential items to bring on a birdwatching trip?<\/strong><\/p> <p>1. Binoculars, if you can get some.<\/p> <p>2. A field guide, if you want to identify birds \u2014 but it\u2019s also fine to just go watch them and appreciate their beauty.<\/p> <p>3. A friend who you can share the experience with.<\/p> <p><strong>What are your three best tips for first-time birdwatchers?<\/strong><\/p> <p>1. Look and listen. Birds are nearly everywhere. Some are small and hard to see but have big voices. Others are quiet but easy to see.<\/p> <p>2. Morning is better if you like to listen to birds, but birds are active all day \u2014 so, if you\u2019re not a morning person, that\u2019s ok.<\/p> <p>3. Relax and move slowly so you can get a better look at birds. Quick and sudden movement frightens many birds.<\/p>             <\/div>            <\/div>          <\/div>              <\/div> <\/div>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"methodology\"><span id=\"behind-the-ranking\">Behind the ranking<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">First, we determined the factors (metrics) that are most relevant to rank the Best States for Birdwatching. We then assigned a weight to each factor based on its importance and grouped those factors into 5 categories: Access, Bird Variety, Popularity, Conservation, and Climate. The categories, factors, and their weights are listed in the table below.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For each of the 50 U.S. states, we then gathered data on each factor from the sources listed below the table.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Finally, we calculated scores (out of 100 points) for each state to determine its rank in each factor, each category, and overall. A state\u2019s Overall Score is the average of its scores across all factors and categories. The highest Overall Score ranked \u201cBest\u201d (No. 1) and the lowest \u201cWorst\u201d (No. 50).<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Notes:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>The \u201cWorst\u201d among individual factors may not be No. 50 due to ties.<\/li> <\/ul>   <div class=\"infogram-embed\" data-id=\"39e50ab8-35e5-484c-86c3-712823148d3c\" data-type=\"interactive\" data-title=\"LL: Methodology Table - 2025&amp;#39;s Best State for Birdwatching\"><\/div> <p><script>!function(e,n,i,s){var d=\"InfogramEmbeds\";var o=e.getElementsByTagName(n)[0];if(window[d]&&window[d].initialized)window[d].process&&window[d].process();else if(!e.getElementById(i)){var r=e.createElement(n);r.async=1,r.id=i,r.src=s,o.parentNode.insertBefore(r,o)}}(document,\"script\",\"infogram-async\",\"https:\/\/e.infogram.com\/js\/dist\/embed-loader-min.js\");<\/script><\/p>    <h3 id=\"sources\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sources<\/h3>    <p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Audubon, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, Playground Equipment, America\u2019s State Parks, AllTrails, Forest Service U.S.D.A., eBird, CornellLab NestWatch, biodiversitymapping.org, Wikipedia, Wildside Nature Tours, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Meetup, American Birding Association, and National Centers for Environmental Information&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"final-thoughts\"><span id=\"final-thoughts-create-a-chirp-worthy-backyard\">Final thoughts: Create a chirp-worthy backyard<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Create a melodious retreat right outside your window. By attracting feathered friends, you not only enhance your view but also contribute to local ecosystems. Check out these articles for expert tips.&nbsp;<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/beneficial-birds-in-your-yard\/\">Beneficial Birds You Want in Your Yard<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/benefits-attracting-birds-your-yard\/\">Benefits of Attracting Birds to Your Yard<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-attract-birds\/\">How to Attract Birds to Your Yard<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-plants-to-attract-birds\/\">Best Plants to Attract Birds to Your Yard<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/attract-hummingbirds-yard\/\">How to Attract Hummingbirds to Your Yard<br><\/a><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Maximize your birdwatching experience with tree care. Proper tree care plays a vital role in providing shelter and nesting sites for local bird species. Get inspired with these tree care tips:&nbsp;<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/when-to-trim-bushes-and-trees\/\">When to Trim Bushes and Trees<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/common-pests-that-damage-trees\/\">Common Pests That Damage Trees<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/pest-control-how-to-protect-trees-shrubs-from-japanese-beetles\/\">How to Protect Your Trees and Shrubs from Japanese Beetles<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/landscaping-must-have-pruning-tools\/\">Must-Have Pruning Tools for Trimming Bushes, Trees, and Plants<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ready to bring the birds to you? <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/\"><em>Hire a local Lawn Love pro<\/em><\/a><em> to create a bird-friendly landscape that\u2019s music to your ears.&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"media-resources\">Media resources<\/h2>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle wp-block-ub-content-toggle-block\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-block-e8ac556d-bbda-41e5-949d-9323dc4055ed\" data-mobilecollapse=\"true\" data-desktopcollapse=\"true\" data-preventcollapse=\"false\" data-showonlyone=\"false\"> <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion\" style=\"border-color: #f1f1f1; border-top-left-radius: 8px; border-top-right-radius: 8px; border-bottom-left-radius: 8px; border-bottom-right-radius: 8px; \" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-block-e591f898-7f45-45d0-93d7-afe4912ddfb6\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title-wrap\" style=\"background-color: #f1f1f1;\" aria-controls=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-e8ac556d-bbda-41e5-949d-9323dc4055ed\" tabindex=\"0\"> \t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title ub-content-toggle-title-e8ac556d-bbda-41e5-949d-9323dc4055ed\" style=\"color: #000000; \">Quotes from Lawn Love Editor-in-Chief, Sharon Sullivan:<\/p> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-toggle-wrap right\" style=\"color: #000000;\"><span class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-state-indicator wp-block-ub-chevron-down\"><\/span><\/div> \t\t<\/div> \t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-content-wrap ub-hide\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-e8ac556d-bbda-41e5-949d-9323dc4055ed\">  <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Species spectacle: California <\/strong>(No. 1) and <strong>Texas <\/strong>(No. 3) lead the flock with the <strong>most bird species<\/strong>, while Texas also nets the <strong>highest number of bird nest sightings<\/strong> in 2024. <strong>Alaska <\/strong>(No. 8) joins the party with some of the <strong>most birdwatchers <\/strong>and <strong>checklists per capita.<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong><\/li>    <li><strong>Wild yet risky: <\/strong>Despite boasting high <strong>bird species <\/strong>diversity, <strong>Arizona <\/strong>(No. 32) falls in the <strong>bottom<\/strong> <strong>half<\/strong> overall due to having some of the <strong>fewest endemic <\/strong>species and a staggering <strong>273<\/strong> wildlife and natural disaster<strong> fatalities<\/strong>.<br><\/li>    <li><strong>Forested flight: Maine <\/strong>(No. 15), <strong>New Hampshire <\/strong>(No. 40), <strong>West Virginia <\/strong>(No. 43),<strong> <\/strong>and <strong>Vermont<\/strong> (No. 14) boast the <strong>highest<\/strong> share of <strong>forest area<\/strong>, creating habitats <strong>critical <\/strong>to local fauna.<br><\/li>    <li><strong>Checklist champions: Vermont <\/strong>(No. 14)<strong> <\/strong>and <strong>Maine <\/strong>(No. 15) soar to the <strong>top <\/strong>with the <strong>highest<\/strong> numbers of <strong>checklists, <\/strong>joined by <strong>Montana <\/strong>(No. 25) and <strong>Oregon <\/strong>(No. 6).<strong><br><\/strong><\/li>    <li><strong>Feather festivals: New Mexico <\/strong>(No. 19), <strong>Washington <\/strong>(No. 5), <strong>North Carolina <\/strong>(No. 12), <strong>Florida <\/strong>(No. 2), and <strong>Missouri <\/strong>(No. 20) host <strong>2 <\/strong>bird festivals annually, celebrating local avian life and drawing <strong>birding enthusiasts<\/strong> from near and far.<br><\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Lonestar landing: Texas <\/strong>(No. 3) stands alone as the <strong>only state<\/strong> with a statewide <strong>Urban Bird Treaty program, <\/strong>serving as a <strong>migratory stopover<\/strong> for <a href=\"https:\/\/tx.audubon.org\/urbanconservation#:~:text=623%20different%20bird%20species\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>623<\/strong><\/a> different bird species, providing essential breeding and wintering habitats.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li> <\/ul>  <\/div> \t\t<\/div> <\/div>   <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/infogram.com\/ranking-table-2023s-best-cities-for-birdwatching-1ho16voejn8z84n?live\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">2023\u2019s ranking results<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/spreadsheets\/d\/1DAez0eoaXqlbpkyhL553MwV4C0eEHQeRndj6mexkXWs\/edit#gid=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">High-resolution images of states<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Main photo credit: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.istockphoto.com\/photo\/girl-watching-through-binoculars-gm819762658-132879759?phrase=birdwatching\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ArtMassa<\/a> | iStock | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.istockphoto.com\/help\/licenses\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">License<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Which states are prime for spotting feathered friends and enjoying nature\u2019s symphony? Discover 2025\u2019s Best States for Birdwatching. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":90,"featured_media":16345,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[169],"tags":[348],"class_list":["post-36776","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-studies","tag-studies"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/iStock-819762658new-1.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Kimberly Magerl","author_link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/author\/kimberly-magerl\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36776","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/90"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=36776"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36776\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/16345"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=36776"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=36776"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=36776"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}