Arizona 2025

Before

After

These committed homeowners are transforming their barren front yard to bird and pollinator habitat adding desert shrubs and native flowering plants.
This property created an gorgeous xeriscape adding 21 native plants which has already attracted 15 insects species (8 of which are pollinators), a variety of reptiles and more than 20 new birds were seen enjoying the new landscape.
This property is removing the turf and adding native habitat.
Despite the heat, the natives are surviving. Bees and butterflies have been visiting and hummingbirds nested onsite.
Property owners are planning a complete renovation of the entire area. The yard has a 4 ft in 40 ft slope from left to right.
At 6300 feet in a droughty summer, these new plants needed plenty of irrigation to become established but this gardener felt it was really worth it! They took the opportunity to install a new path, seating area and fireplace among their native planters.
New native plants will add to the bird offerings in this habitat.
Despite the intense heat, this artificial hybrid plant survived
Front yard where desert willows will be added. The back corner yard will get old man’s beard and Arizona milkweed.
The summer was hot and dry, but the Arizona milkweed, desert milkweed, milkweed vine and pink mimosa all survived and will come back bigger and better in 2026.
Lots of options for adding native plants in this spot to support birds and provide shelter.
Plants grew–as advertised :).
Many bird feeders and birdbaths exist in this backyard area so now they are going to turn the empty planter into a native plant refuge.
Apricot Globe Mallow, Pink Fairy Duster were added, along with a water source and a small fence against rabbits
Considering the hot, dry conditions of the southwest, this wise homeowner is starting with a pot so that they can relocate the plant if the desert sun is too much in the summer. Plants they are considering adding are Gaillardia (Blanketflower) secured from the Maricopa Native Seed Library
The blanket flower is nestled in between these established plants. It will likely flower next year adding more resources to this site for birds and pollinators.
Lots of options for this border garden to support birds.
Native plants are spreading and flowering beautifully!

Remaining Before Photos

Potted plants will support and attract the local and migrating bird population.
This nature lover wants to have more plants that benefit local wildlife.
Homeowner added soil to yard. Now flowers to provide shade, water, and habitat are in the works!
High desert spot will be planted with Salvia gregii to attract hummingbirds and butterflies. There is already a pond and brush pile on site to help birds.
Homeowner will add plants to attract migrating and native birds (specifically hummingbirds) and butterflies.
Desert site with lots of birds. Autumn sage will be added to do more for the birds.
Large arid garden space for a lot of native plant potential.
Artistic mural will provide a dynamic backdrop to new native plant gardens.
Lovely rock garden will compliment native plant additions.
Homeowner is adding some plants near this tree that attract birds and butterflies.
The heat has made it difficult to establish plants, but this property keeps trying as they want to help the birds.
Sunflowers will provide a welcome seed source to birds in this garden.
Sunflowers will be added to this site where a water source and a variety of bird feeders are available to birds.

Stay connected to the Great Backyard Bird Count.

By subscribing to stay connected to the Great Backyard Bird Count, you agree to receive communications from The Cornell Lab, Audubon, and Birds Canada. You may unsubscribe from any of the organizations' communications at any time.