Texas is full of surprises and this time, it involves birds: The Lone Star State 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 climate, conservation efforts, access to parks and sanctuaries, number of bird varieties, and general popularity of the hobby.

The only two states that beat Texas were California, which came in at No. 1; and Florida, which took the No. 2 spot. But Texas at least beat New York which was No. 4, and Washington state, which was No. 5.

Texas came in high on variety of birds, but very low on climate and popularity, as follows:

• No. 1 – Bird variety rank
• No. 1 – Conservation rank
• No. 7 – Access rank
• No. 25 – Climate rank
• No. 41 – Popularity rank

Come on, Texans, bird-watching is fun, get with the program.

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. Even better, 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 affects billions of migratory birds that fly through the state every year. Some Dallas buildings such as Reunion Tower downtown make an effort to turn out the lights during migration periods.

"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 Dallas
Dallas is no stranger to this fun (and inexpensive) hobby, having been certified one of the first Bird Cities in Texas in 2020. The Trinity River Audubon Center and Audubon Dallas are the best local resources for diving into the world of birdwatching, and its organizers host classes and events across all skill levels.

The nonprofit lists dozens of birds that live in the 120-acre park year round, including mourning doves, yellow-rumped warblers, Carolina wrens, indigo buntings, and many 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, the Dallas Audubon recommends David Allen Sibley's books, such as 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.

Dallasites can also make a day out of birdwatching by visiting Cedar Ridge Preserve in Dallas, or heading to McKinney to visit the Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary.

Other fun areas around Dallas-Fort Worth for birdwatching activities include:

• Bird's Fort Trail Park in Irving
• John Bunker Sands Wetland Center in Seagoville
• Lake Lewisville Environmental Learning Area
• River Legacy Park in Arlington
• White Rock Lake in Dallas