must-see birdwatching spots in the northeast
The Northeast region of the United States is a hotspot for birding, with plenty of diverse and beautiful species and ecosystems to explore. From the peaceful forests of New England to the marshes of Cape May, these are the five must-see bird spots in the Northeast.
Connecticut River, New Hampshire, and Vermont
The Connecticut River might seem like just another river, but it's actually a birdwatcher’s paradise! Spanning from one New England state to the other, this river is surrounded by over 120 bird-spotting sites. Venture into lush forests during the summertime and you'll be met with a flurry of color — rose-breasted grosbeaks, tiger-striped cape may warblers, and fiery orange Blackburnian warblers are aplenty.
If bird watching in the high alpine forest is more your style, keep an eye out for gray jays, unafraid and always ready to greet visitors. But have patience if you're looking for black-backed woodpeckers — they can be quite elusive! Last but not least, don't miss out on pristine wetlands that are ideal birding spots as well.
Cape May, New Jersey
Visiting Cape May in the fall should be at the top of bird spotters' bucket lists. Its status as National Geographic's one of the World's Best birding locations is well deserved, with more than 400 bird species passing through annually, and it definitely hits its prime during autumn. With tens of thousands of bird specimens - ranging from hawks and songbirds to waterbirds - making their way through here no matter what the weather conditions are like, birders can expect a wondrous experience.
Niagara Falls, New York
Niagara Falls may be best known in summer for its honeymooners and tourists, but bird spotters flock here in late fall and winter for a very different reason. This November, birders can expect an avian extravaganza, with more than 100,000 separate gulls representing over a dozen species crowding the Niagara river near the falls. Most will be common birds you'd normally expect to see, but there's always the chance of spotting something more exotic - potentially even a rare Siberian Ross gull!
It goes without saying that with all those feathered wonders present, you'll need to wrap up warmly - but believe us, it's worth it. The Audubon Niagara Birding Trail takes viewers through an array of spring birding hotspots too, so birders of all levels can benefit from visiting this frankly fantastic birding spot.
Hawk Mountain, Pennsylvania
If you find yourself captivated by the striking beauty of powerful birds of prey, Hawk Mountain should be at the top of your list of must-see birding spots. Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is a bird watcher's dream come true! Every autumn, bird enthusiasts flock to the 2,600-acre natural area in southeastern Pennsylvania to experience the famous hawk migration. The evergreen ridgetops offer spectacular vistas of hawks and other raptors flying at eye level from August 15 through December 15.
For bird spotting enthusiasts or those looking to embark on a wildlife adventure, Hawk Mountain offers free programs that feature live birds of prey and occur most Saturdays and Sundays, May through November. So if you're itching for bird-spotting thrills, look no further than the world's first refuge for birds of prey: Hawk Mountain Sanctuary.
Lake Champlain, New York and Vermont
Lake Champlain may reel people in with rumors of a water monster named “Champ,” but bird enthusiasts are entranced by its birding trail that identifies 88 superb bird spots. From sky-blue eastern bluebirds to small hooded mergansers, birders will love the chance to explore this long lake during summer or migration seasons. If you're an adventurous bird spotter, follow the shorelines and forest shadows for the best bird encounters.
Whether it’s bobolinks singing their bubbly songs or wood thrushes delivering flute solos from deep in the woods, birders have plenty of reason to make Lake Champlain one of their next destinations.
Bird watch and learn
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With plenty of diverse and beautiful species and ecosystems to explore - from the peaceful forests of New England to the marshes of Cape May, the Northeast region of the United States is a hotspot for birding.
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