Monday Morning Bird Walk at the Desert Botanical Garden

Millions if not billions of people suffer from the Monday morning blues, mourning the lost freedom of the weekend as they head back to work or school. But a few lucky people anxiously await the start of the work week because it's an opportunity to join an enthusiastic group for their regular Monday morning bird walks.

Held at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, seasoned birders escort a group throughout the museum's grounds, making frequent stops to identify both common and rare birds. Counting all bird sightings for future reference, they share facts and details about every species spotted. For example, on my recent visit they positively identified a blue gray gnatcatcher, a bird I'd have otherwise thought was the more common black-tailed species. They also pointed out where the last sightings of a western screech owl were, and sure enough, he was home in one of them! And the tour's leader quickly triangulated the unique tweet of a pyrrhuloxia into a nearby tree to give many of us our first sighting of this beautiful desert cardinal.

Throughout the walk, the guides and assistants - all volunteers - generously share their knowledge with anybody that want to listen or ask questions. Running about three hours, the tour is included with an admission ticket to the Botanical Garden. There are always dozens of species of birds in their native habitat waiting to be photographed - enthusiastic guides will help you get a few more every Monday morning!