Springtime Updates
Kartchner Caverns State Park is springing into the season with plenty of warmth and signs of new life. It's been a cold, snowy winter, and the arrival of singing birds, blooming flowers, and cold-blooded reptiles is a wonderful sight. Our citizen science project just reached a new milestone - 250 observations! Thank you to both our observers and identifiers! We are getting to track the seasonal changes both outdoors and online.
Take a look at our recent observations for things to look out for when you hit the trails this spring - including desert evening primrose, tuber anemones, and blooming ocotillos. Summer birds, like the hooded oriole and the black-chinned hummingbird, are starting to reappear. Even year-round residents are becoming more prevalent, such as the vermillion flycatcher and the black-throated sparrow.
For those of you who come to the area looking specifically to go birding, we have created a new iNaturalist guide, titled Birds of Kartchner Caverns State Park. The interactive guide includes all species on our birding checklist, which you can also pick up at the Discovery Center. Check it out at: https://www.inaturalist.org/guides/9324
With the warmer weather, make sure to stay safe outdoors. Snake season is upon us, as well as the increasing risk of dehydration, sunburn, and other heat-related illnesses. Always keep safety in mind, and happy observing!
