Birdwatching Areas
Birdwatching
Areas
ALABAMA
Dauphin Island /
Fort Morgan
30.14 N 88.02 W
These islands in the Gulf of Mexico
can be a spectacular spot -- especially during migration or just after a
hurricane! These two sites, a ferry ride apart, rank right up there with
Rockport or High Island, Texas.
Wheeler
National Wildlife Refuge / Guntersville
Lake
34.52 N 86.94 W
The lake (actually a wide spot
in the Tennessee River) is the best spot in Alabama to find 60,000
wintering ducks, grebes and loons. Bald Eagles can be seen near the
dam.
ALASKA
Attu Island
53.00
N 173.60 E
You can see the end of the world from here. Rare
migrants for those trying to see 700 birds in North America. Outward bound type
conditions -- for the truly possessed birder only!
Barrow
71.20
N 156.60 W
Not much diversity, but what is here is spectacular.
All four Eiders including Spectacled Eider and Steller's Eider. Breeding
plumaged Sandpipers and Phalaropes are here, too.
Chilkat
River
59.30 N 135.00 W
See thousands of Bald Eagles
near Skagway from October through January as they assemble here to feast on
salmon.
Copper River
Delta
60.50 N 144.90 W
Would you believe 20 million
shorebirds and waterfowl a month moving through during spring migration!! Be
there at the end of April and the beginning of May.
Denali National
Park (Mt. McKinley)
62.48 N 150.15 W
Arctic
Warbler, Ptarmigans, Northern Goshawk, Gyrfalcon, and Northern Wheatear are all
possible. Good birding between Talkeetna and the park. Inside Denali, travel is
by shuttle-bus. You will see lots of mammals, too.
Kenai
Peninsula (Anchorage-Homer)
59.39 N 151.33 W
A
240 mile drive full of northern specialties. Watch for Boreal Chickadee,
Bohemian Waxwing and Spruce Grouse in Chugach National Forest. Red-faced
Cormorants, all 3 Scoters, and Wandering Tattler at Kachemak Bay.
Nome
64.40
N 165.20 W
Fly into Nome in early June. You will have 22 hours of
daylight for birding! Look for Glaucous Gull, Black-legged Kittiwake and Arctic
Tern along the waterfront. Try Taylor Road (beyond Mile 73) for Bluethroat and
Bristle-thighed Curlew.
Pribilof Islands
57.10 N 170.30 W
St. Paul Island is your destination. You
are almost sure to find a fantastic Asian migrant plus Parakeet, Crested and
Least Auklets. Watch for McKay's Bunting, Bar-tailed Godwit, and Rock
Sandpiper.
St. Lawrence
Island (Gambell)
63.70 N 171.70 W
Perpetual
inclement weather. Many Asian strays and semi-regular migrants. Perhaps you will
see Yellow-billed and Arctic Loon; Spectacled Eider; Wagtails; Ross's and Ivory
Gull; or a Red-throated Pipit.
ALBERTA
Banff National Park
/ Lake
Louise
51.51 N 116.11 W
One of the most beautiful
spots in the Canadian Rockies. Over 260 species have been recorded here. Birding
is good even in the winter. Look for Clark's Nutcrackers, Black-capped, Boreal
and Mountain Chickadees.
Elk
Island National Park / Beaverhill
Lake
53.60 N 112.81 W
Located 25 miles east of
Edmonton, the park is a series of small hills with wetlands between them. There
is a Snow Goose festival in the spring and fall, but it is a great place at all
times for birding.
Clifford E.
Lee Nature Sanctuary
53.44 N 113.77 W
Southwest of
Edmonton, this sanctuary has been designated as one of Alberta's "Special
Places". Trails wind their way through marshes, sand hills, meadows and aspen
and pine woods. May through August are the best times to visit.
Drumheller /
Newell
Lake
50.51 N 111.94 W
Near Brooks, Alberta, this is a
fantastic area for birds. American White Pelicans and American Avocets can be
found here in the summer.
Jasper National
Park
52.71 N 117.53 W
This huge National Park is high
in the Canadian Rockies. Habitat ranges from alpine meadows and tundra to
forested valleys. Visit Talbot lake for waterfowl and Cottonwood Slough for
Owls. Go from late March through September.
ARIZONA
Arizona-Sonoran Desert
Museum
32.18 N 111.03 W
A museum and botanical garden in one -- a great spot for birders and non-birders
alike. The botanical gardens, west of Tucson, attract desert species. Look for
Verdin, Gilded Flickers and Gila Woodpeckers.
Cave Creek Canyon
/ Chiricahua Mountains
31.52 N 109.09 W
This is one of THE most exciting birding spots in North America according to
many. South Fork Trail may yield Elegant Trogon or Flame-colored Tanager. There
is great "owling" and lots of rare hummingbirds here as well.
Madera Canyon / Santa Rita Mountains
31.42 N 110.52 W
Magnificent Hummingbirds and magnificent birding. On everyone's top 10 list.
Buff-collared Nightjar, Cassin's and Botteri's Sparrows at Florida Wash. Arizona
(Strickland's) Woodpecker higher up the mountain. Elf Owls nest at the lodge.
Patagonia / Sonoita Creek
31.35 N 110.45 W
Patagonia is famous for its roadside rest area. Watch for Gray Hawk, Thick-Billed
Kingbird, and Rose-throated Becard. Sonoita Creek Sanctuary (open Wed-Sun) is
one of the best birding spots in Arizona! Look here for Violet-crowned Hummingbirds.
Ramsey Canyon
/ Huachuca
Mountains
31.29 N 110.20 W
World famous for the variety and quantity of Hummingbirds. Go in July or August.
Sit and marvel. Black-chinned, Magnificent, Blue-throated, Broad-billed and
maybe even Violet-crowned Hummingbird. One of the top 10 spots in North America.
San Pedro River
31.32 N 110.11 W
Seven miles east of Ramsey Canyon, this riparian habitat is great for Green
Kingfisher, Vermilion Flycatcher and, with luck, Tropical Kingbird. Walk north
across the river for Gray Hawks.
Sedona / Oak
Creek Canyon
35.02 N 111.45 W
One of the loveliest spots in North America. The red cliffs of Sedona make a
perfect backdrop to the birds flying overhead. Yes, there are birds in other
parts of Arizona besides the southeast corner! Stop here on your way to the
Grand Canyon.
Sycamore Canyon
/ California Gulch
31.23 N 111.17 W
HOT, HOT, HOT. The hike to Hell looking for Five-striped Sparrow will seem more
fun looking back than it does at the time. Take WATER and a 4-wheel drive.
ARKANSAS
Felsenthal
National Wildlife Refuge
33.15 N 92.14 W
Wintering
waterfowl like the rivers, lakes and streams here. The area is flooded from
November through early June. The bottomland hardwood forests are a major
stopping point for migrating songbirds.
Holla Bend National
Wildlife Refuge
35.20 N 93.14 W
This is the place to
be during the winter. Snow Geese and Bald Eagles are here. Raptors are easy to
spot. In spring and summer look for Scissor-tailed Flycatchers and Lark
Sparrows.
Lake Chicot State
Park
34.41 N 90.74 W
This is the largest oxbow lake in
the country. Restoration in the 1970s saved the lake and it is now a great
birding spot. Large wading birds are everywhere. Warblers in migration are easy
to see as well.
Ouachita National
Forest
34.48 N 94.06 W
The US Forest Service's Buffalo
Road Demonstration Area, 7 miles south of Waldron, is a great spot for
Red-cockaded Woodpecker, Bachman's Sparrow and Brown-headed
Nuthatch.
BRITISH
COLUMBIA
Mount Revelstoke National Park
51.19 N 118.00 W
This 100 square mile park includes
snow-capped peaks and alpine meadows. There are 40 miles of hiking trails nut
the 16 mile drive up the mountain is best for birders. Late June is the best
time to visit.
Vancouver / Reifel Bird Sanctuary /
Pacific Rim National Park
Reserve
49.10 N 123.08 W
The Reifel sanctuary is a
key spot during shorebird migration with many rare species found here. Crested
Myna, an Asian bird, is established in Vancouver (local and declining).
Northwest Crow is everywhere. Take the ferry across the Strait to Vancouver
Island and watch for Sooty Shearwater, Northern Fulmar, Fork-tailed Storm-petrel
or a Jaeger. Look for Sky Lark at the south edge of the Victoria
International Airport.
CALIFORNIA
Arcata Marsh/Humbolt
Bay
40.85 N 124.19 W
Wetland birds are abundant from
October thorough May. The extensive trails make birding a pleasure here. The
Humbolt Bay National Wildlife Refuge has great views of the bay and its
birds.
Elkhorn Slough / Moss
Landing
36.49 N 121.44 W
One of the top 3 Christmas
Bird Count areas each year. Shorebirds galore at the Slough. Check the Moon Glow
Dairy Farm for Tri-colored Blackbirds. Eat an artichoke fritter in
Castroville.
Joshua Tree / Big Morongo
34.02
N 116.31 W
Combine the Mojave Desert with an oasis here and there
and you get BIRDS! Bendire's Thrasher, Ladder-backed Woodpecker and Scott's
Oriole can be seen. An excellent spot during migration. Many eastern vagrants
accidentally end up here.
Klamath
Basin
41.56 N 121.41 W
Six national wildlife refuges
in southern Oregon and northern California attract waterfowl and, in the winter,
Bald Eagles. The Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge and Lake Tule National
Wildlife Refuge are perhaps the best in winter.
Mono Lake
37.95 N 119.18 W
Mono Lake is famed for summer and fall
migrants as well as the strange rock deposits left behind by falling water
levels. You may be lucky enough to see a California Gull!
Monterey Bay
36.36
N 121.53 W
Pelagic (open ocean) trips run by Shearwater
Journeys will be looking for Flesh-footed and Buller's Shearwaters; Ashy and
Black Storm-Petrels. The "regular" species are likely to add half a dozen birds
to your life list! Whales are always a possibility.
Morro Bay
35.34 N
120.85 W
Peregrines, Merlins, Snowy Plover, Eurasian Wigeon, Brant, and a
200+ species Christmas Count. 122 species seen in one day, without moving! Stop
at nearby Montana de Oro State Park for Hutton's Vireo, Chestnut-backed
Chickadee and more (best in August through November and in winter, bring your
scope and scan the ocean).
Upper Newport Bay
33.38 N 117.53 W
Look for the endangered California
Gnatcatcher in the brushy areas surrounding the Slough -- before the developers
get them! This is a wonderful spot that needs to be protected!
Point Reyes / Bodega
Bay
38.00 N 122.58 W
This is such a great spot they
built a Bird Observatory here! This natural migrant trap has good birding all
year around. Something really rare seems to turn up every year.
Salton Sea
33.05
N 115.41 W
An absolutely UNBELIEVABLE experience any time of
year! This huge oasis in the middle of the desert attracts millions of birds in
the winter! The south end is best for birds like Shorebirds, Burrowing Owls and
Mountain Plover. Take a friend and Cher the experience as you look for
Yellow-footed Gull during the hot, Sonny, smelly summer.
San Diego / Tijuana Slough
32.41 N 117.17 W
An early September pelagic (open ocean)
trip may let you see Black and Least Storm-Petrels and Craveri's and Xantus's
Murrelets. Clapper Rails are at Tijuana Slough. Point Loma can be a great spot
during migration.
San Francisco
Bay
37.48 N 122.28 W
Seabirds flying over the water.
Rails and other marsh birds at the southern end of the bay. Over 250 species and
up to 800,000 waterbirds at one time. San Francisco is an ideal vacation spot
for the entire family. It is OK to leave your heart here, but don't leave your
binoculars!
Santa Barbara
34.25
N 119.43 W
With over 430 birds recorded here, birders will think
they died and went to heaven. The San Ynez mountains and the Pacific Ocean
combine for exceptional birding -- especially in winter. Yellow-billed Magpies
are common in the foothills near Nojoqui Falls Park.
Yosemite National Park
37.44
N 119.42 W
Tourists come for the scenery. Birders see all that
plus some spectacular birds as they move off the beaten path. Look for Great
Grey Owls, Northern Pygmy-Owls, Williamson's Sapsucker, American Dipper and Red
Crossbills. Black Swifts nest at Bridalveil Falls.
COLORADO
Colorado National
Monument
39.10 N 108.92 W
Beautiful red sandstone
cliffs are home to birds that prefer arid lands and Pinyon/Juniper pines. Stop
at Devil's Kitchen picnic area and Saddlehorn Campground.
Fountain Creek Regional
Park
38.24 N 104.17 W
Good riparian habitat here can
be very productive during migration. Watch for Lazuli Bunting and Lesser
Goldfinch. The marsh has Wood Duck, Sora and Virginia Rail.
Monte
Vista National Wildlife Refuge
37.47 N 106.16
W
Mid-March is the time to see the Sandhill Cranes.Later in May the waterfowl
and rails begin the breeding season. In summer the pond edges are very
productive. Wintering raptors make this a great spot any time of the
year.
Pawnee
National Grassland
40.45 N 104.19 W
Look for Mountain
Plover, Brewer's Sparrow and Lark Bunting plus Ferruginous Hawk and McCown's
Longspur. A visit in June is ideal -- the birds are singing and the wildflowers
are in bloom.
Rocky Mountain Park /
Golden Gate
Canyon Park
40.23 N 105.38 W
A real Rocky Mountain
high! Blue Grouse, Three-toed Woodpecker, Clark's Nutcracker, Red Crossbill,
White-tailed Ptarmigan and Rosy-Finches. Black Swift in the
summer
CONNECTICUT
Audubon Center in Greenwich
41.02 N 73.63 W
This 522 acre sanctuary is a great
spot for beginning birders and is good almost any time of the
year.
Hammonasset Beach State Park
41.26 N 72.55 W
Over 285 species have been seen here.
Visit in the spring, summer or fall. Follow the 3/4 mile trail around the salt
marsh to see many of the birds.
Lighthouse Point Park
41.22 N 72.91 W
Watch for Hawks overhead in the
fall from this spot, near New Haven. The surrounding woods are
also very good for fall migrants.
Milford
Point
41.24 N 72.78
W
This is one of the best spot for birds in the state. Of the 402 species
known in Connecticut, over 300 have been recorded here or nearby. Very good for
shorebird and waterfowl migrations. Fall landbird migrations can be very good,
though recent habitat loss has hurt.
White Memorial
Conservation Center
41.73
N 73.23 W
35 miles of trails and interesting 4,000 acres of
interesting habitat make this the best birding spot in northwest
Connecticut.
DELAWARE
Delaware Bay / Bombay Hook National
Wildlife Refuge
39.17 N 75.26 W
It is estimated that
over 500,000 Red Knots, Sanderlings, Ruddy Turnstones, Semipalmated Sandpipers
and Dunlin gather here in late May to eat the Horseshoe Crab eggs. Try Reed's
Beach, NJ, too.
White Clay Creek
State Park
39.74N 75.78 W
The woods are full of
singing songbirds in April and May. Cerulean Warblers nest here.
FLORIDA
Corkscrew
Swamp
26.25 N 81.34 W
A boardwalk through the swamp
will let you get up close and personal with birds and other critters. Watch for
Wood Stork and Limpkin.
Dry
Tortugas
24.38 N 82.55 W
Fantastic in late
April. Almost anything can show up inside Fort Jefferson during spring
migration. Magnificent Frigatebirds and Brown Noddies nest nearby. Watch for
Black Noddies. Bridled Terns are likely on the boat trip back to Key
West.
Everglades National
Park
25.15 N 80.50 W
Anhinga Trail, Snake Bight Trail,
and Eco Pond. Watch for Roseate Spoonbill, Purple Gallinule and Short-tailed
Hawk. Mosquitoes over 6 inches in length may be counted on your bird life
list.
Florida Keys
24.42 N 81.23 W
Look for White-crowned Pigeon, Gray
Kingbird and Mangrove Cuckoo as you bird your way down to Key West. Try the
airport there at dusk for Antillean Nighthawk.
Fort Myers
Beach/Estero
26.43 N 81.91 W
In back of the Holiday
Inn is one of the best spots to photograph shorebirds in Florida. The lagoon and
mudflats are full of interesting birds during migration and all winter long.
Wade out to the Gulf beach. If the traffic to Sanibel Island makes you crazy,
try visiting here instead. Go early before the sunbathers show up.
Loxahatchee National Wildlife
Refuge
26.28 N 80.13 W
Purple Gallinule, Smooth-billed
Ani and Limpkin are possible here. Try landfill at west end of 45th street in
West Palm Beach for Snail Kite. Swing by Jonathan Dickinson State Park to see
Florida Scrub-Jay.
Merrit
Island National Wildlife Refuge
28.38 N 80.43 W
Where
else can you see space shuttle launches and Mottled Duck at the same time? Over
150 species on the Christmas Bird Count including over 20 species of Ducks.
Snowbirds welcome!
"Ding"
Darling National Wildlife Refuge
26.46 N 82.06
W
Drive the loop to see Herons, Egrets, Roseate Spoonbills and alligators!
BIG BIRDS that are RIGHT THERE! One of the top birding spots in North America.
Take the kids and grandma. Eat lunch at the Mucky Duck. The causeway to
Sanibel and roads on the island are a nightmare in winter. Get there early.
(Check the woods around the lighthouse for passerines before you leave
Sanibel.)
St. Marks National
Wildlife Refuge
30.08 N 84.12 W
Red-cockaded
Woodpecker country. Lots of waterfowl in the winter. Look for Wood Stork, Least
Tern, Piping Plover and Budgerigar, too.
GEORGIA
Jekyll
Island
31.11 N 81.46 W
This resort destination
has done a wonderful job of preserving natural areas. The south end of the
island is probably the "birdiest". The island has 20 miles of jogging
trails that take you through good birding habitat.
Kennesaw Mountain National
Battlefield Park
33.91 N 84.61 W
The mile-long road to the top of the "mountain" should
yield about 20 warbler species in late April. On weekends,
you can ride a shuttle bus to the top. Good trails cover most of this park located about 20 miles northwest of
Atlanta.
Okefenokee Swamp
30.79 N 82.00 W
This huge wetlands area is on the Georgia/Florida border. Look for specialties like Red-cockaded
Woodpecker, Brown-headed Nuthatch and Bachman's Sparrow.
HAWAII
Alakai Swamp / Waimea
Canyon
22.18 N 159.61
W
The largest canyon in the
Pacific and the wettest spot on earth are here on the island of Kauai.
Honeycreepers abound.
Haleakala
National Park
20.73 N
156.25 W
Rare Hawaiian forest
birds can be seen at this park on the island of Maui. There are two distinct
habitats here: cloud forests/cinder-desert and coastal rainforest. The Nene or
Hawaiian Goose can occasionally be spotted near park headquarters.
IDAHO
American Falls
Reservoir
42.75 N 112.75 W
The reservoir attracts Bald
Eagles as well as shorebirds and ducks. There are good viewing areas near the
town of American Falls. Things may slow down in the summer, but can be quite
exciting during the winter.
Camas National
Wildlife Refuge
43.84 N 112.18 W
Look for waterbirds
during the summer and search riparian areas for spring and fall migrants. This
is a good spot to look for Peregrine Falcons.
Deer Flat National Wildlife
Refuge
43.50 N 116.80 W
Waterfowl are very abundant in
winter. During migration they are joined by shorebirds. Late summer is a good
time to see Ibis, Herons and Egrets.
Snake River
43.01 N
115.59 W
The Snake River Birds of Prey Natural Area near Boise has about 700
pair of nesting raptors! Visit from mid-March to early June. Watch out for
falling Evil Knievils.
ILLINOIS
Chautauqua
National Wildlife Refuge
40.45 N 89.93 W
Waterfowl
congregate here during the winter, with counts exceeding 400,000. Bald Eagles
and Swans are usually present as well. Fall shorebird migration can be
productive if you find the right spot.
Horseshoe Lake
Conservation Area
37.13 N 89.28 W
A horseshoe bend in
the Mississippi River and regular flooding produced this pristine
woodland/wetland area. Cerulean Warblers and Summer Tanagers can be found here.
Waterfowl are abundant in winter.
Illinois Beach State
Park
42.41 N 87.81 W
This varied habitat, just south
of the Wisconsin border, has beaches, grasslands, wetlands and woods. Raptors
funnel overhead during September and October. Migration is the best time for
songbirds.
Lincoln Park Bird
Sanctuary / Montrose
Point
41.88 N 87.62 W
Birding in downtown Chicago
during migration can be extremely productive! Search the small shrubs and hedges
near Lakeshore Drive and almost anything can turn up! Turn around and check the
Lake Michigan shoreline and the lake for loons and grebes. Visit the bird
gallery in the Field Museum when you are done.
Shawnee
National Forest
37.39 N 88.26 W
The southern tip of
Illinois is the home of the Shawnee National Forest. This wilderness is a great
spot to find woodpeckers, warblers, vireos and owls. This is the way America
looked 300 years ago.
INDIANA
Falls of the
Ohio
38.28 N 85.76 W
Across the river from Louisville,
Kentucky, this can be a great birding spot when the Ohio River is low in
late summer and early fall. Rarities like Baird's Sandpiper and Buff-breasted
Sandpipers have been seen here. In winter, interesting gull species may appear
at any time.
Indiana Dunes
State Park
41.66 N 87.06 W
The shoreline of southern
Lake Michigan is a great spot for loons, grebes, gulls and shorebirds. In
between the dunes are forested or swampy areas where migrants like to hide.
Spring migration is good for hawk watchers.
Jasper-Pulaski Fish &
Wildlife Area
41.18 N 86.90 W
Sandhill Cranes are the
main attraction in the spring and fall with late October the best time to visit.
This is one of Indiana's largest wetland areas.
Muscatatuck National
Wildlife Refuge
38.96 N 85.82 W
Waterfowl love
this place. During the migration season over 15,000 birds may be present at one
time. Marshy habitat, open fields and woodlands result in a wide variety of
passerines as well. This Refuge is located between Indianapolis,
Cincinnati and Louisville.
IOWA
Cone
Marsh Wildlife Area
41.38
N 91.39 W
This marshland area is southeast of Iowa City. Look for
King and Virginia rails, Sedge Wrens and Yellow-headed Blackbirds. The water
levels vary, so you may see lots of waterfowl and shorebirds.
Lake Red
Rock
41.39 N 93.00 W
This is where many rare
gulls have been seen. In migration you will see loons, grebes and waterfowl.
Bald Eagles are easy to see in the winter -- check the river below the
dam.
KANSAS
Cheyenne Bottoms / Quivira National Wildlife
Refuge
38.25 N 98.37 W
These two areas, east of Great
Bend, are among the most important inland staging sites for migrating shorebirds
in the western hemisphere. About 45% of all shorebirds stop here on their way
north including White-rumped, Baird's and Stilt Sandpipers.
Cimarron National Grassland
37.25 N 101.82 W
Prairie,
sagebrush and riparian habitat make for great birding in this grassy sea. Lesser
Prairie-Chicken perform at their leks during courtship season. Look for
Burrowing Owls at the Prairie Dog towns.
Flint Hills National Wildlife
Refuge
38.40 N 95.84 W
This refuge is located along both sides of the Neosho river. Come to
see the migrating waterfowl in March and November. Bird along the gravel roads
and Burgess Marsh Trail. In spring look for Upland Sandpiper and Wilson's
Phalarope.
Weston Bend
Bottoms
39.61 N 95.04 W
The Missouri River lowlands is a bird magnet during migration.
Nesting birds include Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Scarlet Tanager and Northern
Parula.
KENTUCKY
John James Audubon
State Park
37.89 N 87.55 W
John James Audubon spent
his early years here. The park has an Audubon museum and seven miles of
birding trails through woodlands and around two manmade lakes. Visit during
spring or fall migration.
Land Between the Lakes National
Recreation Area
36.78 N 88.04 W
Nesting warblers,
vireos and Wild Turkeys are found throughout the area. Spring and fall songbird
migration here is excellent. This is also one of the nicest places in the state
to take your family for an outdoor vacation.
Mammoth Cave National
Park
37.14 N 86.05 W
Visit the cave first, then
explore the hardwood forest and sandstone bluffs. Spring through mid-August is
the best time to see the birds.
LOUISIANA
Cameron
Parish / Sabine National
Wildlife Refuge
29.52 N 93.29 W
Southwestern
Louisiana can be very rewarding, especially in the winter months and during
spring migration. Look for Snow Geese, Peregrine Falcon, Wood Storks and Least
Terns.
Grand
Isle
29.15 N 90.21
W
This barrier island at the mouth of
Barataria Bay may have more birds per capita than anywhere else in the US during
a spring migration fallout. You should be able to find shorebirds, ducks, gulls,
terns, wading birds and many songbirds in the spring and fall.
Peveto Woods
Sanctuaries
29.77 N
93.51 W
This area is famous for spring
"fallouts". The Gulf Coast can become littered with birds when a north wind or
heavy rains force songbirds to drop into the first bush they see after crossing
the Gulf of Mexico.
MAINE
Acadia National Park
44.15 N 68.20 W
Spruce forests and rugged rocky coastline
combine to make Acadia a top 100 Spot for birders. Seabirds are plentiful. You
may even see a Purple Sandpiper or an Atlantic Puffin.
Baxter State Park
44.06
N 67.13 W
Bicknell's Thrush can be found at Mount Katahdin.
Look in burned out areas for Three-toed and Black-backed Woodpeckers. This
is 204,000 acres of remote birding in a land of BIG
mosquitoes.
Bluenose
Ferry
44.06 N 67.13 W
This ferry used to take 7 hours
to travel from Bar Harbor, Maine to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. Now a newer ferry
called The Cat makes the crossing in 2.5 hours. In September you might see Manx,
Greater and Sooty Shearwater; Wilson's and Leach's Storm-Petrel; Northern Gannet
as well as Red and Red-necked Phalarope.
Machias Seal
Island
44.59N 67.05W
This is a great place to see
nesting Atlantic Puffins in the summer. You must book ahead -- small boats leave
from Jonesport and Cutler. Arctic Terns will dive-bomb your head, so wear a
hat!
Monhegan
Island
43.47 N 69.22 W
Small, isolated, and far
offshore, Monhegan Island is famous for its picturesque beauty -- and birds! Its
size and location concentrate land bird migrants and attract off-course
vagrants. Late September can produce over 100 species during a long
weekend.
MANITOBA
Churchill
58.48 N 94.12 W
Go in mid to late June to see Ross's
Gull, Hudsonian Godwit, Arctic Tern, Smith's Longspur and lots of other
sought-after birds. Take the train up and fly back.
Riding
Mountain National Park
50.54 N 100.06 W
In southwest
Manitoba, this park has many excellent, easy to reach birding sites. Watch for
Northern Hawk-Owl. At dusk, watch beavers as they build yet another
dam.
MARYLAND
Assateague
Island National Seashore
38.34 N 75.08 W
This barrier
island has waterfowl, waders, peeps and songbirds. Habitats include dunes,
marshes and forests. Mid-April to Mid-May is best and you avoid the summer
crowds.
Chesapeake and
Ohio Canal National Historic Park
39.04 N 77.25 W
The
185 mile long canal stretches from Washington, D.C to Cumberland, Maryland. The
bottomlands woods are filled with warblers during migration -- but get there
early!
Conowingo
Dam
39.66 N 76.18 W
Come in the winter to see the Bald
Eagles. Thousands of gulls may be found just below the dam.
Ocean City
38.38 N
75.06 W
Stay away in summer -- too crowded. But the rest of the year you will
find seabirds and shorebirds along the jetty and in the surrounding
areas.
MASSACHUSETTS
Mount
Auburn Cemetery (Boston)
42.40 N 71.11 W
Visit
in early May. This migrant trap is a great spot for warblers and other spring
migrants. Located just west of Fresh Pond Parkway in
Cambridge.
Parker River
National Wildlife Refuge / Plum
Island
42.48 N 70.49 W
North of Boston, this can be a
great birding spot in winter! Snowy Owl and Northern Shrike may appear. Spring
migration brings in the warblers and there are always plenty of waterfowl at any
time of year.
Pleasant
Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
42.39 N 73.29 W
This
hardwood forest in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts is home to 80 nesting
species, including 15 warblers. There are seven miles of birding trails,
including one to the top of Lenox Mountain. Visit May through July.
MICHIGAN
Lake Erie
Metropark
42.07 N 83.19 W
This is a wonderful spot for
raptors in the fall. They come around the western end of Lake Erie and fly right
over your head! The Point Mouillee State Game Area is just south of here. The
wetlands and marshes are good for rails, gulls, wading birds and shorebirds,
especially during migration.
Mio
/ Grayling
44.40 N 84.08 W
This is where you must go
if you want to see the Kirtland's Warbler. Visit from mid-May to late June. This
rare warbler nests only in young Jack Pines.
Sault St.
Marie
46.48 N 84.30 W
A winter visit should add
some new birds to your life list! Great Gray Owls, Snowy Owls,
Sharp-tailed Grouse and Snow Buntings can be found by driving through the open
country south of town. A Gyrfalcon is regularly seen on the electric power plant
roof near the canal locks. Watch for Bohemian Waxwings in residential
areas.
Whitefish Point
46.46
N 84.58 W
April is the time to look for winter specialties and
early spring migrants. Loons, Winter Wrens, Evening Grosbeaks, Gray Jays and
much more. Stay in Paradise -- with 30 foot snow piles along main
street.
MINNESOTA
Hawk
Ridge Nature Reserve
46.50 N 92.00 W
Great Gray Owls in the dead of winter! Check your antifreeze. Buy A Birder's
Guide to Minnesota by Kim Eckert. Also look for Hawks in the fall and Connecticut
and Mourning Warblers in the summer.
Gunflint Trail
47.82 N 90.30 W
Start at Grand Marais and follow Cook County Road 12 north. This 63 mile drive
passes through boreal forests. Look for Spruce Grouse, Black-backed Woodpeckers,
Ruffed Grouse, Crossbills and Great Gray Owls. Good any time of year, but June
and July are best.
Minnesota Valley
National Wildlife Refuge
45.03 N 92.78 W
If the rest of the family want to visit the Mall of America, you can head over
here. Lots of variety here -- bottomlands, lakes, marshes and oak savanna. There
are miles of hiking trails.
Sax-Zim
Bog
47.17 N 92.62 W
Drive the back roads in this area to see Sharp-tailed Grouse, Upland Sandpiper,
Great Gray Owl and Connecticut Warblers. In winter this is a good spot for raptors.
MISSISSIPPI
Noxubee National Wildlife
Refuge
33.29 N 88.81 W
Lakes, bottomlands and pine
woods make this one of Mississippi's finest birding spots. You should
have no trouble finding a Red-cockaded Woodpecker along Woodpecker Trail. Visit
the boardwalk at Bluff Lake too.
Gulf Islands National Seashore
31.00
N 87.00 W
The woods near Ocean Springs may be full of spring
migrants and the marshes and shore nearby are great for wading birds.
Least Terns and Black Skimmers nest here.
St. Catherine
Creek National Wildlife Refuge
31.88 N 91.44 W
The
Mississippi River forms the western boundary of the refuge. Four lakes,
bottomlands and upland forests plus open fields offer a variety of habitat. The
waterfowl are best seen from October to February and shorebirds are here except
in the dead of winter.
MISSOURI
Prairie
State Park
37.49 N 94.34 W
Grassland birds of the
prairie are the specialty here. Look for Upland Sandpipers, Henslow's Sparrows
and Dickcissel. With luck you may even spot a Greater Prairie-Chicken. In winter
watch for Short-eared Owls.
St. Louis
38.42
N 90.20 W
Eurasian Tree Sparrows are established breeders here
and across the Mississippi River in parks and farmland of western Illinois.
Otherwise, go to Europe to see them. Check the Riverlands Environmental
Demonstration Area north of town for wintering gulls.
Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge
40.06 N
95.24 W
The 10 mile drive lets you view ponds
and fields from the comfort of your car.
Spring and fall migration are busy times with
more Snow Geese here than you knew existed!
Taberville Prairie Conservation Area
38.10 N
94.00 W
This tallgrass prairie was never
plowed for crops so over 400 plant species can be found. Greater
Prairie-Chickens perform on their lek in March and April. Watch for the
courtship display of Scissor-tailed Flycatchers.
MONTANA
Bowdoin National
Wildlife Refuge
48.45 N 107.82 W
This is prairie country.
Look here for Baird's Sparrow, Sprague's Pipit and McCown's Longspur. Lake
Bowdoin can be productive for Grebes and Pelicans
Freezeout
Lake Wildlife Management Area
47.62 N 112.02 W
Spring
and fall migrations can be spectacular. Shorebirds are abundant in April and
May. Check the grasslands for Short-eared Owls and Clay-colored
Sparrows.
Glacier National
Park
48.75 N 113.72 W
As you travel over Logan Pass,
stop at picnic areas to find higher-elevation species. American Dippers live
under the bridge just north of Lake McDonald. The cliffs near Avalanche Creek
may turn up a Black Swift.
Medicine Lake
National Wildlife Refuge
48.30 N 104.18 W
Site of one of the
largest American White Pelican rookeries. 250,000 waterfowl may stop over during
migration. The prairie grasslands are a good spot to find McCown's and
Chestnut-collared Longspurs.
NEBRASKA
Fontenelle Forest Nature
Center
41.16 N 96.19 W
The deciduous forest along the
Missouri river make this a great spot to look for warblers, vireos and even
raptors. Sharp-tailed grouse perform courtship displays in the spring. The
wetlands area is a good spot to look for Virginia Rails.
Fort Niobrara
National Wildlife Refuge
42.91 N 100.48 W
A deep
wooded canyon runs through the sandhill prairie. Watch for Sharp-tailed Grouse
and Greater Prairie-Chicken. Sparrows are plentiful in the grasslands while
songbirds are easier to see in the wooded areas along the Niobrara
River.
Oliver
Reservoir
41.09 N 103.96 W
Near Kimball, this is a
migrant trap that has produced more than one state record. Fall is the best
season to look for western birds in the riparian habitat.
Platte River / Crane Meadows Nature Center
40.39 N 99.04 W
Half a million Sandhill Cranes jam into a
150 mile stretch of the shallow Platte River in Mid-March. They fatten up in
local fields in preparation for the continuation of their migration
north.
NEVADA
Corn Creek Field
Station
36.47 N 115.32 W
This oasis in the Desert National
Wildlife range is about an hour north of Las Vegas. Check the desert scrub for
LeConte's Thrasher. Spring and fall migration are good for passerines. Follow
your early morning trip here with a drive up Mount Charleston.
Lamoille Canyon
Scenic Byway / Ruby Lake National
Wildlife Refuge
40.75 N 115.46 W
The Ruby Mountains
are home to the introduced Himalayan Snowcock. Hike up to Island Lake to find
their habitat. The best time to visit is mid-July through
August.
Mount
Charleston / Humbolt-Toiyabe National
Forest
36.28 N 115.68 W
This area is northwest of Las
Vegas. You will discover a variety of pine forests on the road to the summit.
Stop at picnic areas and
Red Rock Canyon
36.18
N 115.42 W
Look here for Mojave Desert species before you try your luck
in nearby Las Vegas. Continue south to Spring Mountain Ranch State Park for
Summer Tanager and Crissal Thrasher.
NEWFOUNDLAND
Gros Morne National
Park
49.55 N 57.77 W
A rugged park along the Gulf of
Saint Lawrence, it has both coastal lowlands and alpine plateau in the Long
Range Mountains. Visit St. Paul's Inlet at low tide from late July through
September. Three-toed Woodpeckers may be seen during the six hour hike up Gros
Morne Mountain.
Witless Bay
Islands
47.25 N 52.78 W
35 KM south of St. Johns, the Witless Bay
Islands support a globally significant colony of breeding seabirds. Great
Island, in particular supports the largest colony of Atlantic Puffins in eastern
North America.
NEW
BRUNSWICK
Grand Manan Archipelago
44.43
N 66.47 W
A beautiful spot for fall migration on the northeast
coast. Watch shorebirds and Atlantic Puffins in the Bay of Fundy. Look for
Crossbills and warblers in the nearby spruce-fir forests.
Kouchibouguac
National Park
46.81 N 64.95 W
Estuaries (fresh water
meets salt water), bogs, forests and salt marshes provide a variety of habitat
for over 230 species of birds -- and a few moose. Visit between May and
September.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Mount Washington
44.40 N 71.21 W
Take the toll road during the spring and
summer and listen for Bicknell's Thrush. Check out Jefferson Notch as well. You
may see a Ruffed Grouse.
Odiorne Point
State Park
43.04 N 70.72 W
Along the coast of New
Hampshire this park has tidal pools, marshes, forests and overgrown military
bunkers. August shorebird migration is very good. Raptors migrate over in the
fall and Purple Sandpipers and Grebes winter here.
Seabrook
Harbor
42.92 N 70.84 W
The 18 mile seacoast is a
great spot to bird. Start at Seabrook and work your way up to Odiorne Point
State Park and Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Check the mudflats for
migrating shorebirds.
NEW
JERSEY
Brigantine Division -
Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge
39.27 N 74.27 W
If
the slot machines in Atlantic City took all your quarters, you can always walk
the boardwalk at Brigantine to look for Saltmarsh's Sharp-tailed Sparrow. Drive
the dikes to see Waterfowl and Shorebirds. Best in May and August.
Cape May
38.56
N 74.57 W
Hawks "funnel" into Cape May each fall, making this the
best spot on the East Coast for raptors. Fantastic for warblers and other
migrating birds in spring and fall. One of the top 10 spots in North
America.
NEW
MEXICO
Bosque del
Apache National Wildlife Refuge
33.59 N 106.50 W
Wintertime
is when you will find thousands of Snow Geese, Sandhill Cranes and maybe even a
Ross' Goose. The riparian habitat along the Rio Grande River holds many
Curve-billed and Crissal Thrashers.
Gila National
Forest
32.92 N 108.68 W
This forest is home to
Flammulated and Spotted Owls, Painted Redstarts and Hepatic Tanagers. Check
riparian habitat along the Gila River for Common Black-Hawk.
Sandia
Crest / Cibola National
Forest
35.18 N 106.49 W
Watch for Black-headed
Grosbeak, Hermit Thrush and Red-naped Sapsuckers. Nearer Albuquerque, the Rio
Grande Nature Center State Park is a great spot for Say's Phoebe, Blue Grosbeak
and Black-chinned Hummingbird.
NEW
YORK
Braddock Bay
43.30
N 77.70 W
Just northwest of Rochester on the Lake Ontario shore,
this hot spot has waterfowl, wading birds and raptors. The hawk watch platform
is often crowded in the spring during migration.
Central Park, New York
City
40.47 N 73.58 W
Birds? In New York City? During
spring migration, Central Park is a
welcomed island of green trees in the middle of a concrete desert. Warblers,
Tanagers, Grosbeaks (and maybe a Rock Dove).
Derby Hill Bird
Observatory
43.52 N 76.26 W
This lookout spot on Lake
Ontario is a Mecca for hawkwatchers in the springtime. Broad-winged Hawks number
in the thousands on many days.
Jamaica Bay National Wildlife
Refuge
40.37 N 73.52 W
Nestled between Brooklyn and
the JFK Airport , in the shadow of the Statue of Liberty, is a wonderful wetland
area officially called Gateway National Recreation Center. Great for migrants.
Something rare is always turning up here. You can even bird by
subway!
Montezuma
National Wildlife Refuge
42.98 N 76.74 W
This small
refuge is in the Finger Lakes region of Central New York. Eagles and waterbirds
congregate here, especially in the fall. The 3.5 mile Wildlife Drive is a good
place to start your visit.
Niagara
Falls
43.08 N 79.07 W
Winter gulls are the attraction
here. Rarities are always showing up each winter. Between the falls and Fort
Niagara State Park on Lake Ontario you will see thousands of gulls! When
finished, cross the river and start building up your Canada
list!
NORTH
CAROLINA
Mattamuskeet National
Wildlife Refuge
35.45 N 76.20 W
Tundra Swan show up
each winter by the thousands. Over twenty species of ducks can be found in the
winter as well. This is a very good spot in spring and fall migration for
shorebirds.
Outer Banks / Atlantic Ocean
35.31 N
75.29 W
This is one of the best spots on the East coast for pelagic (open
ocean) trips, especially in May. Go out 20-40 miles to see Cory's and Greater
Shearwater; Black-capped Petrel; and Wilson's, Leach's and Band-rumped
Storm-Petrel. Back on land visit the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
Pea Island National Wildlife
Refuge
35.73 N 75.51 W
The "dune peas" attract birds
of all types. Shorebirds nest in summer and waterfowl are here as well. Search
the estuary and tidal creeks. Piping Plovers nest here. You may even spot a
Parasitic Jaeger offshore.
NORTH
DAKOTA
J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife
Refuge
48.49 N 100.72 W
This refuge, in "pothole"
country, has grassland sparrows as well as waterbirds in the marshes and along
the Souris River.
Lostwood National
Wildlife Refuge
48.47N 102.51 W
Sparrows can be fun!
Le Conte's, Baird's, Grasshopper and Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow are here.
Sharp-tailed Grouse is the area specialty.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park
46.97 N 103.45 W
This badlands area is good for
western species. Riparian areas along the river are often productive. Watch for
Spotted Towhee, Lazuli Bunting and Bullock's Oriole.
NORTHWEST
TERRITORIES
Nahanni
National Park Reserve
61.00 N 126.00 W
You must fly
into the park in a hired plane or helicopter. It is a true wilderness with
rugged mountains and spruce forests. Look for Blue Grouse, Gray-cheeked Thrush,
Bohemian Waxwing and Trumpeter Swan. Visit in June through August.
Wood Buffalo
National Park
60.20 N 113.20 W
The northeast corner of this park is in
the Northwest territories (most of the park is in Alberta). This area
supports the entire breeding population of migratory Whooping Cranes during the
late spring and summer months.
NOVA SCOTIA
Cape Breton
46.70 N
60.37 W
French Mountain, Bird Island
and Ingonish are three of the best birding spots on the cape. Spring through
early winter can be a good time to visit. Watch for Bicknell's Thrush and
Atlantic Puffin.
OHIO
Adams Lake State
Park
38.81 N 83.53 W
Adams County is at the edge of
the Appalachian mountain range. Chuck-will's-widow, Wild Turkey, Blue Grosbeak
and other species are often easier to find here than anywhere else in Ohio.
Crane
Creek / Magee
Marsh / Ottawa National
Wildlife Refuge
41.37 N 83.09 W
Spring migration here
may be even better than Point Pelee -- and two hours closer if you live in Ohio!
Go visit the Oak Openings and Irwin Prairie on the west side of Toledo as well.
Green Lawn
Cemetery and Arboretum
39.94 N 83.04 W
This is a great
spot during spring migration. Birder's are always welcome. You
should see almost 50 species of warblers, thrushes and vireos in early
May.
Headlands Beach State
Park
41.73 N 81.33 N
There are a whole series of
birding spots along Lake Erie, just east of Cleveland. Spring migration is very
good here, as is the hawkwatching. Continue over to Mentor Marsh State Nature
Preserve and finally, the power plant in Eastlake.
Killdeer
Plains
40.65 N 83.31 N
In winter, look for hawks and
owls. Check the tall evergreens very carefully for Long-eared Owls. At dusk you
should see Short-eared Owls skimming over the fields. Depending on water levels,
shorebirds and waterfowl can be abundant, especially in
migration.
Pete Thayer's Former Back Yard
39.09 N
84.22 W
You don't have to be Dorothy from the Wizard of OZ to realize that
there is no place like home. Birders are always happy discovering and exploring
the birding spots close to home. Thanks to the foresight and conservation
efforts of others, I can visit great birding locations close to my home like the
Cincinnati Nature Center and the Oxbow. What have you done lately for the next
generation of birders in your home town?
OKLAHOMA
Black
Mesa
36.61 N 102.98 W
This birding spot is at the very
western tip of Oklahoma. Many western birds are found nowhere else in the state.
Watch for Chihuahuan Raven. Hike up the Black Mesa Preserve to the highest spot
in Oklahoma.
Little River
National Wildlife Refuge
33.94 N 94.75 W
Undeveloped
wilderness along the Little River is home to many woodland birds. Swainson's
Warblers can be found here but try April and May when they are singing to
improve your chances.
Salt Plains
National Wildlife Refuge
36.81 N 98.20 W
The salt
flats are home to Snowy Plover, American Avocet and Least Tern. Sand Creek Bay
is very good during shorebird migration.
Wichita Mountains
National Wildlife Refuge
34.10 N 98.46 W
Southwest
Oklahoma in winter may yield some hard-to-find Longspurs, Sparrows and Lesser
Prairie-Chicken. Try the loop from Norman to Altus to Washita National Wildlife
Refuge. Eastern and western birds come together here. Watch for bison and elk as
well.
ONTARIO
Amherst Island
44.18 N 76.75 W
Come in December to see Owls. You can
find them during daylight hours. The woodlot near the eastern end of the island
is a good spot. Also scan the ice floes just offshore.
Long
Point
42.58 N 80.25 W
This point thrusts 19 miles
into the northern edge of Lake Erie. Visit in the spring for spectacular warbler
migrations and great hawk flights. The Long Point Bird Observatory is a good
place to start -- pick up an annotated checklist.
Niagara Falls
43.06
N 79.04 W
Come in December to see Gulls. In general, birds are
easier to see from the Ontario side of the river. Specialties include Iceland,
Lesser Black-backed, Black-headed and Little Gull. Look for Ducks on the
river.
Point
Pelee
41.56 N 82.31 W
This tip of Ontario extends
into Lake Erie, forming a welcome site for migrating birds in May and a natural
"funnel" in the fall. Warblers in the spring are everywhere. Watch the flight of
Monarch butterflies and huge flocks of Blue Jays in the fall. Considered by most
as one of the Top 10 birding spots in North America.
OREGON
Crater Lake National Park
42.96
N 122.06 W
Alpine forests and beautiful scenery attract birders
in search of Stellar's Jay, Townsend's Solitaire, Three-toed Woodpecker and
Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch.
Malheur National Wildlife
Refuge
43.16 N 118.49 W
Watch for American White
Pelican, Trumpeter Swan, Sage Thrasher, MacGillivray's Warbler and other western
specialties. Visit in September or October and you may find a rarity or
two.
Sauvie
Island Wildlife Area
45.86 N 123.22 W
Visit during the
fall and winter to see raptors, gulls, sparrows and waterfowl. Thayer's Gull can
be found at the south end of the island. In late summer, mudflats hold thousands
of shorebirds.
Tillamook Bay / Cape
Meares
45.50 N 123.91 W
The entire coast along Highway
101 is a wonderful place to view seabirds. Watch for Tufted Puffin, Black
Oystercatcher, Common Murre, and sea lions on the rocks. In August, scan
offshore for migrating Sooty Shearwater.
Upper Klamath National Wildlife
Refuge
42.48 N 122.06
W
15,000 acres of mostly freshwater marsh and open water.
These habitats serve as excellent nesting and brood rearing areas for waterfowl
and colonial nesting birds including American White Pelican and several heron
species. Hundreds of thousands of waterfowl stop here during
migration.
PENNSYLVANIA
Hawk Mountain
Sanctuary
40.40 N 75.58 W
October = raptors. West of
Allentown, this is one of the best hawk and falcon watching sites in North
America. It consists of 2,200 acres straddling the Kittatinny Ridge of the
Appalachian Mountains.
Middle Creek
Wildlife Management Area
40.28 N 76.23 W
This may be
the top spot in the state to see waterfowl. Fall migration and late winter are
good times to visit. Migrating Snow Geese and Tundra Swans are present in large
numbers.
Presque Isle State Park
42.09 N 80.07 W
This hook of land juts into Lake
Erie, creating a wonderful migratory gathering point. Spring migration is best.
You are likely to see 20 or more warbler species in a day or two.
Tinicum (John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge)
39.90 N 75.41 W
Located just a mile north of the Philadelphia airport, Tinicum has
wetlands and fields that attract a wide variety of species. Birding can be good
at any time of the year. Check the marshes and impoundments for migrating
shorebirds.
PRINCE EDWARD
ISLAND
Prince Edward
Island National Park
46.41 N 63.15 W
Shorebirds and
waterfowl can be found at Rustico Bay. Check Long Pond for Greater
Scaup.
QUEBEC
Bonaventure
Island / Forillon
Nat'l Park
48.31 N 64.11 W
Go in summertime to see
breeding seabirds on the steep rocky cliffs. Watch for Northern Gannets, Common
Murres, Black-legged Kittiwakes, Razorbills and even Atlantic
Puffins.
RHODE
ISLAND
Block Island
National Wildlife Refuge
41.10 N 71.34 W
Visit during
the first week in October and you may see almost 150 species. Hawks and Falcons
overhead may occasionally spook the other birds.
Sachuest
Point National Wildlife Refuge
41.45
N 71.46 W
Visit during the fall
and winter for seabirds. You may see Purple Sandpipers and rafts of
Eiders.
SASKATCHEWAN
Pelican
Lake
50.52 N 106.03 W
Large numbers of shorebirds and
waterfowl utilize Pelican Lake during both the spring and fall migration.
Marbled Godwits, Wilson's Phalaropes and American Avocets are often present
during the spring and fall migration.
Prince Albert National Park
54.00 N 106.50 W
The park
is in a transitional zone where aspens and grasslands become boreal forest
farther north. This is a great place to look for the northern forest specialties
like Great Gray Owl, Boreal Chickadees and Black-backed Woodpeckers.
SOUTH
CAROLINA
Cape Romain National Wildlife
Refuge
33.00 N 79.28 W
In between Hilton Head and
Myrtle Beach. This refuge on South Carolina's Grand Strand is one of the
favorite birding spots of the "locals". Try Moore's Landing on Bull's Island
Road for marsh birds. Be sure to visit the Francis Marion National Forest nearby
for pinewoods birds.
Huntington
Beach State Park
33.45 N 79.28 W
Even closer to
Myrtle Beach is this top birding spot. Marsh birds and shore birds are abundant.
Drop off your spouse to play golf while you go birding!
SOUTH
DAKOTA
Badlands National Park
43.81
N 102.15 W
These rugged cliffs and gullies are home to raptors as
well as grassland sparrows. Drive along the scenic 27 mile Badlands Loop Road
and stop at the scenic overlooks for Golden Eagles and Ferruginous
Hawks.
Black Hills
43.93
N 103.47 W
While visiting Mount Rushmore, enjoy the forest birds
in aspen and ponderosa pine groves. Try stopping at various spots along the
Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway. Hanna campground is a good spot for the
high-elevation species.
Lacreek National Wildlife
Refuge
43.17 N 101.54 W
Lacreek National Wildlife
Refuge is a unique area featuring native sandhills, marshes, meadows, open
water, and prairie upland habitats and is home to an equally diverse set of bird
species. The best areas to bird at Lacreek are along the dike roads.
Sand
Lake National Wildlife Refuge
45.66 N 98.31 W
The
world's largest colony of Franklin's Gulls nest here (200,000+). Follow the 15
mile driving trail around the lake. Visit from March to May and September to
November to catch the waterfowl migration along the Central flyway.
Union County State
Park
42.82 N 96.78 W
One of the best places in the
state to observe neotropical migrants during spring and fall migrations. At the
peak of spring migration in mid-May, 20 species of warblers are possible.
TENNESSEE
Great Smoky Mountains
35.41 N 83.32 W
The ancient Appalachian Mountains of
Tennessee and North Carolina contain some wonderful surprises. Warblers nest
here that might otherwise have continued on to Canada. The scenery is beautiful
and serene. Plus, you can always drop off the non-birders at
Dollywood!
Reelfoot
Lake
36.38 N 89.37
N
Bald Eagles are a highlight of this area in winter. Formed by a huge
earthquake (the same one that made the Mississippi River flow backwards!), the
lake and surrounding areas offer dozens of birding spots throughout the year.
Wood Ducks and Wild Turkeys are everywhere.
Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge
36.26 N 88.11 N
This is actually two refuges 40
miles apart located along the Mississippi Flyway. Migration is the best time to
visit. Waterfowl spend the winter here as do Bald Eagles.
TEXAS
Anahuac National
Wildlife Refuge
29.35 N 94.30 W
Listen for Yellow and
Black Rails during the evening. Painted Buntings and Dickcissel are common.
Drive the 12 miles of gravel roads with windows down and insect repellent
on.
Aransas
National Wildlife Reserve
28.14 N 96.49 W
Herons,
Ducks, Sandpipers and maybe a Whooping Crane. Paved tour road is 16 miles long.
Try the observation tower and choose from six walking trails.
Bentsen-Rio Grande
Valley State Park
26.09 N 98.22 W
The lucky see a Blue
Bunting, Clay-colored Robin or Hook-billed Kite. Watch for Pauraque sitting on
the picnic tables at dusk. One of the top 10 sites in North
America.
Big Bend National Park
29.07 N 103.19 W
Hike 11 miles to see the Colima Warbler.
Lucifer Hummingbird and Gray Vireo are here, too. A beautiful, rugged area.
Birding Rio Grande Village in the morning is wonderful. Visit in June, July or
August.
Bolivar Flats
29.24 N 94.44 W
One of the premier birding spots on the
Texas coast for shorebirds and waders. Look for Red Knots, White-rumped
Sandpipers, Stilt Sandpipers, Sandwich Terns and Least Terns, among
others.
Brazos Bend State
Park
29.23 N 95.37 W
Southwest of Houston, this is a
great place to look for Masked Duck and both Whistling-Ducks. Nice observation
tower for scanning the marshy areas.
Brownsville
25.54 N 97.31 W
To the dump, to the dump, to the dump,
dump, dump = Tamaulipas Crows (formerly called Mexican Crow)! This species is
found in the US only at the Brownsville, Texas dump. Look for parrots roosting
in the trees in the suburbs.
Davis Mountains
30.35 N 103.57 W
Look for area specialties like Common
Black-Hawk and Montezuma Quail. A 75 mile scenic loop around the Davis Mountains
covers many productive habitats.
Falcon Dam / San
Ygnacio
26.35 N 99.08 W
The northern end of your Rio
Grande Valley trip could add Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl, Muscovy Duck or
White-collared Seedeater to your life list. San Ygnacio is about 44 miles
upstream from Falcon Dam.
High
Island
29.33 N 94.24 W
Spring warbler fallouts can be
spectacular. If you just flew all the way across the Gulf of Mexico, you would
plop down here to rest, too! Visit in April and early May.
King Ranch
27.33
N 97.54 W
The largest ranch in Texas has been a haven for birds
for over a century. Small groups are permitted to visit here and discover birds
like Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl, Tropical Parula, Audubon's Oriole and White-tailed
Hawk.
Laguna Atascosa
National Wildlife Refuge
26.11 N 97.20 W
Mottled
Duck, Olive Sparrow and lots of waterbirds and shorebirds. Aplomado Falcons are
being reintroduced here -- don't count them yet.
Padre Island
National Seashore
27.31 N 97.35 W
70 miles of
unspoiled beach is home to gulls, terns, shorebirds and a few Peregrine Falcons.
Rockport/Fulton
28.01 N 97.03 W
A perennial top 3 ranking in the
Christmas Bird Count. Over 200 species in one day! Fantastic in the spring,
too. A boat tour
out of Rockport is the best way to see a Whooping Crane during the
winter.
Sabal Palm Grove Sanctuary
25.51 N 97.29 W
Look for Buff-bellied Hummingbirds, Least
Grebe and Green Jays at Sabal Palm.
Santa Ana National
Wildlife Refuge
26.04 N 98.05 W
One of the VERY BEST
spots in the US. Green Kingfisher, Green Jay, Red-billed Pigeon plus lots of
other colors, too! Visit in late January or early February.
UTAH
Antelope Island State
Park
40.98 N 112.18 W
This is the largest island in the
Great Salt Lake. Get your "lifer" Chukar here (I did!). The causeway over to the
island has shorebirds along the side of the road. The park itself has grassland
birds like Sage Sparrow and Sage Thrasher.
Bear River Migratory Bird
Refuge
41.45 N 112.45 W
August sees spectacular
numbers of waterfowl and shorebirds at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge at the
north end of the Great Salt Lake. Birding has recovered nicely since the floods
of the mid-1980s.
Dinosaur
National Monument
40.54 N 109.11 W
Discover prehistoric
"birds" as well as modern birds. This arid, rocky area is home to Black-chinned
and Broad-tailed Hummingbirds. Riparian areas along the Green River are
productive as well.
Ouray National
Wildlife Refuge
39.96 N 109.93 W
This wetlands is
smack in the middle of the desert. Waterbirds are the specialty here. Be sure to
scan the water's edge around Pelican Lake.
Wasatch-Cache
National Forest
41.87 N 111.51 W
The Cache Valley
near Logan and nearby forest are amazing. You may find Williamson's Sapsucker,
Three-toed Woodpecker Pine Grosbeak and Red Crossbill, Virginia's Warbler and
Calliope Hummingbirds. Drive up the Mill Creek Canyon.
VERMONT
Dead Creek Wildlife
Management Area
44.19 N 73.23 W
Migrating waterfowl as
well as nesting species make this Vermont's most popular birding spot. In winter
watch for Snow Buntings and Lapland Longspurs.
VIRGINIA
Chincoteague
National Wildlife Reserve
37.59 N 75.17 W
More famous
for its ponies than its birds -- but that may soon change! This barrier island
is a last staging area each fall for Shorebirds on their way to South America.
Thousands of waterfowl spend the winter here.
Chesapeake
Bay Bridge & Tunnel
37.00 N 76.02 W
Write or call
for a letter that will permit you to stop on island 2,3 and 4 as you cross the
bridge/tunnel. Purple Sandpiper, Great Cormorant, Long-tailed Duck and all three
Scoters may fly by.
Great
Falls Park
39.00 N 77.26 W
Just north of Washington,
D.C., this park is in the Potomac River floodplain. Swamps and deciduous forests
are the primary habitat. Lots of warblers are the main attraction for
birders. Non-birders come to see the rocks and waterfalls.
Kiptopeke State Park
37.15 N 75.98 W
Located at the tip of Cape
Charles, this is the place to be in the fall. About 70,000 raptors fly overhead
between September and November. The park is also great for fall
songbirds.
Shenandoah
National Park
38.25 N 78.70 W
Skyline Drive is a
beautiful experience. Birders like to explore the South River Falls Trail around
mile 63. Spring and summer are the best times to visit.
WASHINGTON
Ocean Shores
/ Gray's Harbor / Westport
46.55 N
124.08 W
This is probably the best spot in the state for shorebirds. You will
also find pelagic birding at its best! On the boat, look for Black-footed
Albatross; all three Jaegers; Pink-footed and Flesh-footed Shearwaters; and
Sabine's Gull in late July or early August.
Olympic National Park / Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge
48.03 N 123.42 W
Lush and majestic scenery. Drive up
Hurricane Ridge Road to try for Vaux's Swift and Red Crossbills. At Dungeness,
watch for Marbled Murrelet and Brandt's Cormorant.
Skagit Flats / Samish Flats
46.48
N 122.17 W
Winter is the time when swans and geese gather here in
the agricultural fields, wetlands and bay. Watch for raptors -- maybe even a
Gyrfalcon.
Wenas
Valley
46.62 N 120.63 W
Pine forests, aspen groves and
sagebrush flats provide an incredibly diverse habitat for Western Tanagers,
Calliope Hummingbirds, Blue Grouse and much more.
WEST
VIRGINIA
Cranesville
Swamp Preserve
39.54 N
79.49 W
This unusual boreal bog is home to birds and plants that normally are
found much farther north. Stay on the boardwalk to protect the plants. Visit in
spring and summer.
Green Bottom Wildlife Management
Area
38.56 N 82.28 W
South of Glenwood, this marshy
area is good for birding at any time of the year. Look for Little Blue Herons,
Great Egrets and Great Blue Herons.
Monongahela National Forest
38.19
N 80.13 W
The Cranberry Glades Botanical Area is a good spot to
see the birds of the Appalachian mountains. Alder Flycatcher, Mourning and
Canada Warblers and Northern Waterthrush may be found. Follow the Highland
Scenic Highway if you have time.
WISCONSIN
Devil's Lake State Park
43.42 N 89.73 W
Great scenery and a mix of
northern and southern birds can be found here. For worm-eating Warbler, try
nearby Baxter's Hollow Preserve. The International Crane Foundation is located
just north of here in Baraboo.
Horicon
Marsh
43.34 N 88.38 W
Roger Tory Peterson once
selected this as one of his top dozen birding spots. HUGE staging area for
migrating waterfowl.
WYOMING
Grand Teton National Park
43.89
N 110.75 W
Unbelievable scenery. Watch for Black Rosy-Finch atop
Rendezvous Mountain. You may also spot Great Gray Owl, Boreal Owl, Trumpeter
Swan and Three-toed Woodpecker in late June - early July. Check Jackson Lake for
waterfowl.
Seedskadee National Wildlife
Refuge
41.70 N 109.70 W
This riparian habitat along
the Green River support Mountain Bluebirds, Sage Thrashers and Sage Sparrows
plus over 220 other species. Try floating down the river in the summer. Sandhill
Cranes gather in the fall.
Snowy
Range Scenic Byway
41.38 N 106.74 W
This road through
the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest is open from late May until October.
Watch for Townsend's Solitaire, Mountain Chickadees and Cordilleran Flycatchers.
Stop at Brooklyn Lake.
Yellowstone
National Park
44.51 N 110.81 W
This huge park is a
wonderful place to look for Great Gray Owl, Three-toed and Black-backed
Woodpecker. Hike the trails and check the habitat at different elevations. After
watching "Old Faithful" erupt, bird the areas between it and Mammoth Hot
Springs.
YUKON TERRITORY
Dempster
Highway
65.00 N 135.13 W
Here is
some real wilderness birding! The vast expanse of tundra north of Whitehorse is
home to Surfbirds, Northern Wheatears and Gray-crowned Rosy Finches. Try
Surfbird Mountain in late May for high alpine birds.
Kluane National Park and Reserve
61.00 N 138.50 W
Several of Canada's highest mountain peaks are in the park. Glaciers give way
to valleys with spruce and aspen. Start at the Dezadeash River Trail and listen
for warblers. All three ptarmigan are seen in the southern part of the Park.