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.
California (No. 1) and Florida (No. 2) were the two bird-loving states that scored higher than Texas, while New York (No. 4) and Washington (No. 5) rounded out the top five.
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 San Antonio
San Antonio is no stranger to this fun (and inexpensive) hobby, and the San Antonio Audubon Society (SAAS) is the best local resource for diving into the world of birdwatching, and its organizers host events across all skill levels.
"The purpose of this organization is to raise the awareness of both members and the general public about the protection, preservation, and propagation of all wildlife, particularly birds, and their habitat," the website says.
SAAS has a gallery of birds that can be found in San Antonio throughout the year, including eastern bluebirds, black-chinned hummingbirds, painted buntings, northern cardinals, and much more.
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, SAAS recommend David Allen Sibley's 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.
San Antonians can also make a day out of birdwatching by visiting one of the many birding sites in the city and its surrounding areas, such as Brackenridge Park, the San Antonio Botanical Garden, or Cibolo Nature Center.
