advertisement
30 May 2022
Sitting in my office in Chandler, Arizona, in an area commonly called Ocotillo, I can sometimes glimpse the most unlikely bird I ever thought I would see. Enjoying the outdoors of Arizona and bathing in the water in the artificial pond by my office are Rosy-faced lovebirds.
advertisement
At first, I thought the birds were lost pets, which had me alarmed as a former bird owner (I used to have a pet parakeet as a kid — lived a long and full life to the age of 12). Worrying about the potential pet owners missing their birds, I dove into researching these beautiful tropical birds living their best life in Arizona.
The improbable Rosy-faced lovebird has been spreading for years throughout the Phoenix valley. It’s improbable because Arizona is the only place you’ll find them in the wild outside of their native home in Africa.
The Peach-faced Lovebird is a small parrot native to Namibia, Africa, that is popular as a caged pet bird. Like many caged birds, accidental releases in urban areas occur. However, unlike most unintentional releases, this parrot has adapted to desert habitats in Arizona rapidly.
Typically, released parrots are entirely dependent on food and water from people. Nevertheless, the Peach-faced Lovebird has managed to flourish in Arizona and continue eating, breeding, and thriving. Research suggests this is because they come from a similarly dry area in Africa and live in palm trees identical to the kind of trees they inhabit in Africa.
advertisement
Colonies most likely started by an unintentional Love Bird release from an aviary in Apache Junction in 1987 that got hit by a monsoon microburst. It destroyed the aviary and turned at least 100 love birds loose.
Sometimes these Rosey-faced cuties are mistaken for escaped pets or parakeets because of their tropical look (as I did). But, of course, these parrots would die in the wild just about anywhere else. Still, as stated earlier, it happened to be a happy accident that Phoenix is almost identical to their native Namibia.
They are all over Scottsdale, Central Phoenix, Ahwatukee, and Chandler. Technically, they are an invasive species, but they don’t seem to be killing off or affecting any of the native birds. So if you live in these areas and want to catch a sneak peek of these beautiful birds, try setting out a bowl of their favorite treat: sunflower seeds!
advertisement
When most people think of Arizona, they picture deserts, saguaros, and red rock cliffs. Fishing is not usually the first thing that comes to mind. But Arizona quietly offers some of the most diverse and underrated fishing in the Southwest, with everything from mountain trout streams to desert reservoirs full of bass and catfish. Whether you are a weekend angler or just looking for a new outdoor hobby, Arizona has water, fish, and year-round opportunities. advertisement What You Can Catch in Arizona Arizona’s variety of elevations creates a wide range of fishing options. In the high country, cooler waters support
When people hear “snowbirds,” they usually picture retirees escaping icy northern winters for Arizona sunshine. But the state’s true snowbirds arrive on wings, not wheels. Every winter, Arizona becomes an unexpected hotspot for migrating birds from across North America. From massive white pelicans gliding over desert lakes to honking flocks of geese touching down in farm fields, Arizona transforms into a seasonal refuge for birds seeking warmer weather, open water, and reliable food sources. And yes, you can see them without leaving the desert. advertisement Why Birds Choose Arizona for the Winter Arizona may be known for cacti and red
Spring Training is drawing closer in Arizona, and that means more than baseball; it’s sunshine, easy day trips, incredible food, and some of the best desert scenery in the country. With 15 MLB teams playing across Greater Phoenix, visitors can catch a game and still have plenty of time for hiking, shopping, museums, and nightlife. advertisement Plan Around the Baseball Schedule Arizona’s Cactus League brings teams and ballparks close together, making it easy to see multiple games (and multiple stadiums) in one trip. Many games start in the daytime, leaving late afternoons and evenings wide open for exploring. Pick a
Flagstaff, Arizona, is internationally recognized for its commitment to protecting the night sky. Long before “dark sky” became a global movement, this mountain town was taking action to preserve its stars. Flagstaff’s dark sky advocacy is a combination of science, community planning, and environmental stewardship that has made it a model for cities around the world. advertisement A City Built Around the Stars Flagstaff’s relationship with the night sky dates back to the late 1800s, when astronomers were drawn to the area’s high elevation, clean air, and minimal light pollution. The founding of Lowell Observatory in 1894 cemented the city’s
