This guided bird walk offers participants an opportunity to observe the diverse avian life of Joshua Tree National Park during the active morning hours. Set in the Barker Dam area, the program focuses on bird identification, behavior, and habitat use within a desert ecosystem. Participants will learn how seasonal changes influence bird movement and activity, as well as how water sources like Barker Dam support a wide range of species. Wildlife ecologist Kurt Leuschner will provide field-based interpretation, helping guests sharpen observation skills and better understand the relationship between birds and their desert environment. The walk moves at a relaxed pace with frequent stops for viewing and discussion, making it accessible for beginners and enjoyable for experienced birders alike.

This class takes place in Joshua Tree National Park.
Anyone may attend! No expertise or experience is required.
Entry to Joshua Tree National Park is not included in the cost of enrollment. Please purchase your park pass online ahead of time on the NPS website.
No meals or equipment are provided.
Participants are responsible for their own transportation; carpooling with other participants is encouraged.

This class is leisurely. It requires less than 2 miles of walking on established trails with limited elevation gain. No prior birding experience is required. This is an introductory-level field experience suitable for all ages and skill levels.

Required Items:

Water (1 to 2 liters per person)
Appropriate hiking attire
Food and snacks
Closed-toe athletic shoes
Sun protection: A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are recommended
Daypack
Compass or GPS device
Binoculars (recommended)
Camera (optional)
Field notebook (optional)

Discount Policy: Only one discount may be applied per registration. Discounts cannot be combined. Eligible discounts include Friends & Family, Teacher, Veteran, Active Duty Military (and spouses), Park Lover Member, and Student discounts. The highest applicable single discount will be applied at checkout.

Meet Your Instructor: Kurt Leuschner, M.S., Wildlife Ecology, is a professor of Natural Resources at College of the Desert. Leuschner's specialties include ornithology, entomology, and desert ecology. He has led hundreds of field trips both locally and as far afield as Africa. He teaches natural history courses for the Bureau of Land Management, UCR Extension, Desert Institute, Living Desert, California State Parks, Riverside County Parks, and many other conservation organizations.

Photo Credit: NPS/Robert Zuniga

Contact the host of Seasonal Birding & Nature Walk in Joshua Tree