One of the best parts of spring is the wildlife we are lucky to see around Sublette County.

Some of the most diverse spring/summer wildlife include the migratory bird species that pass through each year.

While birding is sometimes described as a boring hobby, I think it is fun and easy to do in conjunction with other outdoor recreation.

I am lucky enough to see all types of birds through fieldwork and recreation. Shorebirds are some of my favorite birds to watch.

Some of the species I have seen around Sublette County this year include the long-billed curlew (Numenius americanus), Wilson’s phalarope (Phalaropus tricolor), American avocet (Recurvirostra americana) and killdeer (Charadrius vociferus).

Shorebirds can be spotted in most riparian areas, creeks, rivers, lakes and wetlands. These birds can be a lot of fun to watch as they build nests, perform mating rituals and raise chicks.

Killdeer, while common, are very interesting as they often fake injuries in order to draw predators away from their nests.

While some traveling may be necessary to watch shorebirds, there are plenty of birds you can see in your backyard.

A bright flash of yellow and orange at a bird feeder may be a western tanager (Piranga ludoviciana) grabbing a snack. Another colorful and unique backyard visitor might be a red crossbill (Loxia curvirostra).

Even an American robin (Turdus migratorius) can be fun to watch.

Getting into bird watching can be really easy, especially with the internet. If you want to learn more about birds, the National Audubon Society All About Birds website is a great tool.

However, The Sibley Guide to Birds is one of the best for identifying birds, even if you are a beginner.

Apps like Inaturalist are also a tool but can also be used to record what you have seen and where. This also allows you to see what other people have recorded in your area.

Bird watching can be done from nearly anywhere and any time of year, making it a versatile hobby.