Explore the Best Birding Locations in the US

Becoming a birder is easy; all you need to do is step outside. Be it NYC’s urban jungle or California’s wild coast, birds are everywhere, and enjoying these winged wonders is entirely free. According to the US Fish & Wildlife Service, roughly 45 million Americans consider themselves birders. During the pandemic, the enthusiasm for birding soared, with a notable increase in the downloads of online bird-identification apps and birding merchandise sales.

1. Harlingen, Texas

The southern tip of Texas is tops for birding, particularly when Harlingen hosts the Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival during the fall migration season. Birders can expect to spot nearly 100 species in just a few hours. This area is a riot of breeding birds migrating south from Canada, as well as vibrant species from Central America and Mexico. Notable residents include the green jay, known for its brilliant emerald, saffron, and navy plumage, alongside the fascinating chachalaca.

2. New York City, New York

Molly Adams, founder of the Feminist Bird Club, was thrilled to find that Brooklyn’s Prospect Park ranks as one of New York City’s most ecologically rich hotspots for birdwatching. Although pigeons dominate the streets, over 200 species of migratory birds thrive in NYC’s urban green spaces during spring and fall. These parks are part of the Atlantic Flyway, making them ideal for spotting various species throughout migration.

3. Toledo, Ohio

Toledo might not be at the top of everyone’s travel list, yet the surrounding area is the place to be for birders, especially during May’s Biggest Week in American Birding Festival. With over 300 species stopping to rest along Lake Erie’s southern shores, Toledo has become known as the unofficial warbler capital of the world.

4. Point Reyes National Seashore, California

Located thirty miles north of San Francisco, Point Reyes National Seashore is home to around 500 species of birds year-round. The area’s rolling hills and unspoiled beaches provide an ideal habitat along the Pacific Flyway. Birders can often find endangered species, including the snowy plover, along the shoreline.

5. Everglades National Park, Florida

While gators often steal the spotlight, North America’s rich diversity of wading birds is also crucial to Florida’s ecosystems. The best time to visit is in winter when birding conditions are superb, and a multitude of birds, including swallow-tailed kites returning from Central and South America, can be spotted.

6. Tucson, Arizona

Tucson and its surrounding areas boast an impressive array of species, many of which are unique to the region. Popular places include Saguaro National Park and the Chiricahua Mountains. The area’s birding community is vibrant, with many enthusiasts dedicated to spotting diverse species throughout the year.

7. Cape May, New Jersey

During October’s migration season, Cape May becomes a hub for birdwatchers. As birds migrate along the Atlantic Coast, the peninsula transforms into a picturesque location where various species can be observed. The stunning sight of peregrine falcons soaring against the backdrop of the chaotic migration adds to the allure of birding in this unique location.

This article was first published on June 3, 2020, and updated on November 9, 2023.