top birding locations in the USA
All over the United States, the hype surrounding birding is growing. And with so much to love about this whimsical pastime, it’s easy to see why. But where can you go to witness some of the most captivating creatures of flight? This post will walk you through the top birding locations in the U.S. and what you can expect to see at each one.
Let’s get started!
Point Reyes National Sea Shore, California
Point Reyes is a must-visit location for many reasons, but the birding opportunities stand out from the rest. Here, you’ll uncover a unique environment where the San Andreas Faultline separates the two sides of the California coast. When you look around, you’ll be greeted with hilly terrain stretching eastbound and the vastness of the ocean heading westward.
But the cherry on top of this location is the 500 unique species of birds that glide through the surrounding forests and grasslands. This is a hotspot for any bird making its migration along the Pacific Flyway, which guarantees that you’ll see some incredible birds!
Everglades National Park, Florida
Florida is known for its feisty gators, but did you know that they also have an impressive array of avian life? In fact, you can catch a glimpse of some of the most famous wading birds in North America while visiting the Everglades. From egrets to ibis and everything in between, it’s no wonder why this location is considered one of the top birdwatching locations in the United States.
The best time of year to go birding in the Everglades is during the winter months. This is when you will find the most remarkable diversity in bird life. If you wait until February, you can also witness the swallow-tailed kites flocking back to the area after wintering in South and Central America.
New York City, New York
Believe it or not, the Big Apple is one of the biggest hotspots for bird activity in the United States! There are over 1,700 parks around the city, each home to some healthy flocks of bird life.
One of the most lively locations for birding in New York City is Prospect Park in Brooklyn. Here you will find more than 200 species of migratory birds that pass through during the transitional months of fall and spring. If you time your visit right, you can even catch a glimpse of nearly 100 unique species in a single day!
Smith Point, Texas
If raptors are more your style, we recommend checking out Smith Point Hawk Watch in Texas. Here, you’ll find a comfortable lookout perch that is perfect for witnessing the top birds of prey in the USA in action. To sweeten the deal, Smith Point, Texas, boasts an active birding community that will be eager to discuss the local avian life with you.
Depending on what day you visit, you can witness up to 100,000 individual birds from Smith Point’s perch. But that’s not all there is to birding in Texas. You can also visit the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, Corpus Christi HawkWatch, and more!
Final Thoughts
As you can see, the United States is home to many of the world's most exciting and vibrant birding hotspots. Whether you want to witness the magnificent migration in Point Reyes or experience the thrilling birds of prey in southern Texas, there is something for all different types of bird watchers in the U.S. Where will your next birding adventure take you?
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