The Great Lakes region is a wonderful destination for birders in the U.S. with its long shorelines, mighty rivers, and perfect migration locales. The state of Indiana, located in the heart of the Midwest and the Great Lakes area is a wonderful hotspot of avian activity and definitely worth checking out!

Highlights:

• Most Common Birds — Northern Cardinal, White-breasted Nuthatch, American Goldfinch
• Rare Birds — Bewick’s Wren, White-faced Ibis
• Environment of Indiana — Great Lake, lakes, lowlands, plateaus, plains, rivers, hills
• Best Time for Birdwatching Travel — Spring and autumn months during the migratory seasons are the best time for birding

Top 5 Indiana Birding Trails & Areas

If you’re thinking of taking a trip to the Hoosier State for some good old fashioned birding, do yourself a favor and see if you can hit these top five birding hotspots in Indiana.

Falls of the Ohio State Park

The Falls of the Ohio State Park is located on the banks of the Ohio River off exit 0 on Interstate 65 in the state of Indiana. The Falls was originally known for the series of drops the Ohio River took over the course of two and a half miles, lowering the elevation by 26 feet. It was a sort of dangerous area for river traffic and the only hazard on the entire length of the almost 1000-mile river.

The series of drops have long since been almost entirely obliterated by various floods and rising waters, but the area is still famous for another reason. The Falls of the Ohio State Park features 220 acres of fossil beds that offer views of 390 million year old fossils. Naturally exposed, these are the largest Devonian fossil beds in the entire world.

The area is also quite famous for its magnificent birding. Birders from around the country–and indeed the world–often make trips to the Falls of the Ohio State Park to catch glimpses of a great variety of Sandpipers and Gulls.

Visit the official site of Falls of the Ohio State Park

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore

Spanning the distance from Gary to Michigan City, the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore is a unique treasure trove of natural wonder found in a somewhat urban setting. The National Lakeshore encompasses 15,000 acres and features 15 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. Some of the Lakeshore’s most famous features are the sand dunes found on the beaches, some of which rise upwards of 200 feet.

The Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore is a great spot for naturalists and history buffs alike, featuring four national natural landmarks and a national historical landmark, as well.

A remarkable array of flora and fauna are found at the Indiana Dunes, drawing nature lovers from around the country to its sandy shores. But the National Lakeshore is most famous, perhaps, for the more than 350 species of birds that live there, either temporarily or permanently.

Visit the official site of Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore

IWC Canal Greenway

This trail, also known as the Central Canal Towpath, features two American Water Landmarks: a couple of iron bridges crafted in the 19th century. Everything about the IWC Canal Greenway is simply beautiful. Located not too far outside of Indianapolis, this path is a little slice of green heaven in the midst of urban activity.

The actual pathway is made from crushed limestone, which makes for a great walking surface. As you’re strolling along the banks of the canal or over the many beautiful bridges you’ll come across, keep your eyes open for the area’s most frequent flyers: ducks, geese, and blue herons. And hey, if you look down now and again instead of up, you may even catch sight of a turtle or two.

Pumpkinvine Nature Trail

This five-mile trail runs along a popular railway that used to carry passengers back and forth between Goshen and Middlebury during the 20th century. The tracks had a rambling nature, taking many turns and sharp curves, hence the nickname “pumpkinvine”.

The Pumpkinvine Nature Trail begins in downtown Goshen, where you will be greeted with the history of the area’s railroad, complete with plaques, interpretive signs, and a beautifully restored railroad viaduct that takes you across a creek. A quarter of a mile along and you find yourself walking through the magnificent forest that separates the town small towns. Here you’ll find a number of different songbird species.

Wabash & Erie Canal Trails – Delphi Historic Trails

The Delphi Historic Trails are a system of paths that span a total of about 10 miles, in and around the Wabash river valley and the old canal town of Delphi. A number of trails take you around this region of northwest central Indiana, but perhaps the best of the best are the Wabash & Erie Canal Trails.

These magnificent trails follow a 2-mile stretch of the Wabash & Erie Canal System. They go through city parks, over sections of Deer Creek, past historic homes on the National Registry, and offer a good deal of great birding opportunities.

Visit the official site of Wabash & Erie Canal Trails – Delphi Historic Trails

About the State of Indiana

Indiana, the Hoosier State, was the 19th state admitted to the union, in the year 1816. As far as size, population, and density is concerned, Indiana sits right in the middle of the pack–not too big and not too small. It has a major city, Indianapolis, and plenty of rural areas, full of a diverse range of people and cultures. Because it’s so “average”, it might seem, in fact, that there’s nothing incredibly special about Indiana at all. But that is where you’d be wrong.

Indiana plays home to a rich tapestry of natural wildlife. The flora and fauna of the Hoosier State has been observed and revered for time out of mind. The region in which Indiana now sits was the home of a great variety of indigenous tribes and historical Native Americans long before the union was even around to admit it as a state. And during those times, Indiana’s natural world was held in very high esteem indeed. Today, there are countless parks, preservation areas, conservation centers, and wildlife refuges that keep alive that reverent tradition, making Indiana a wonderful destination for birders and nature lovers of all ages, shapes, and sizes.

The Pacific Northwest is a prime hotspot for birding enthusiasts, but perhaps not enough attention is paid to Idaho, nestled between the diverse environment of Washington and the majestic wilds of Montana. Idaho is a beautiful region full of mountains, valleys, plains, and forests that offer a vast network of remarkable trails for birding enthusiasts.

Highlights:

• Most Common Birds — Gadwall, Herring Gull (not very common though…)
• Rare Birds — Siberian Accentor, Ross’s Gull, Bushtit, Snowy Plover, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Rusty Blackbird, Summer Tanager
• Environment of Idaho — Mountains, rivers, lakes, valleys, canyons, forests
• Best Time for Birdwatching Travel — Year-round opportunities are available, but northern climate makes spring and summer the best birding months

Top 5 Idaho Birding Areas

Thinking of taking a trek to the Gem State for some northwestern birding? If so, be sure to check out these top five birding trails in Idaho.

Idaho Birding Trail

The Idaho Birding Trail is not just a single path, but rather a vast network of birding trails in the state. It incorporates just about every major birding hotspot into one great statewide birding adventure.

Spanning over 2,000 miles and featuring no less than 175 sites in four regions, the Idaho Birding Trail is the place to be for birders visiting the Potato State. This is certainly no single destination, but rather a gigantic resource for planning a bird watching vacation. Diverse in its beauty, its avifauna, and its geography, the Idaho Birding Trail features some of the very best birding opportunities in the whole country, let alone northwest.

Visit the official site of Idaho Birding Trail

Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area

Established in 1993 by the U.S. Congress to protect a special desert area that is the home of a variety of nesting raptors, the Snake River Birds of Prey NCA is a year-round hotspot for birding enthusiasts of the great northwest. There are more than 700 pairs of nesting raptors in the area, making it the most densely populated raptor nesting site in the entire country–no wonder it’s preserved and protected.

With more than 485,000 acres of conservation area encompassed in this region of Snake River, you’re bound to get your fill of raptor collecting–if that’s even possible! Among the various species you might be lucky enough to spy on are: Prairie Falcons, American Kestrels, Golden Eagles, Northern Harriers, Peregrine Falcons, Red-tailed Hawks, and Great Horned Owls–though you’re bound to see way more than that!

The Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area is an important legacy of the U.S. government–vowing the protection of so many majestic flyers. It’s also plain paradise for serious and casual birders alike.

Visit the official site of Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area

American Falls Area

The American Falls Area is by far one of Idaho’s best birding hotspots. This 3-mile area located in the state’s southeastern region features opportunities for birders to collect a vast variety of species, including shorebirds, songbirds, raptors, water fowl, and upland birds.

On the southern edge of the American Falls Reservoir sits the American Falls Area, a prime destination for birders from all over the country. It’s also a fantastic spot for family vacations, being on the water and in the state’s warmer region. A nearby marina, a shopping area, and the beautiful Snake River are found in this area, too, so every member of the family can find something to do keep him or herself busy and happy.

The birders, though, are bound to have the best time of all. Among the wide variety of species you’ll find in the American Falls area are: Common Loons, Bald Eagles, White-throated Sparrows, Harris’s Sparrows, Wilson’s Warbler, and Blue-winged Teals.

Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge

Located along the eastern shores of Lake Lowell in southwestern Idaho, the Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge is yet another mammoth hotspot for birding aficionados. Near the town of Nampa, the Deer Flat NWR is a 10,500 acre area that’s open from sunrise to sunset, every day of the year–free of charge.

Even though it’s open year-round, you have to wonder if there’s just one specific time that you should make the trek to see some birds. The answer is no. During any point in the year, you can collect a great variety of beautiful flyers. Come in the late summer to see an incredible array of shorebirds. Come during the fall and winter months to take in some gorgeous birds of prey. Come in springtime for a great migration of diverse avifauna. Any time is the right time for birding at the Deer Flat NWR.

What kinds of species will you find here? To name just a few: Canada Goose, Mallard, American Wigeon, Green-winged Teal, Bald Eagle, Rough-legged Hawk, Barred Owl, and Peregrine Falcon.

Visit the official site of Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge

Camas Prairie Centennial Marsh Wildlife Management Area

From April to June, Camas Creek is full of water (before drying up in July), making the Camas Prairie Centennial Marsh WMA an excellent spot for shorebird viewing in the spring.

The WMA is 3,100 acres large and features thousands of water fowl during the spring months, allowing for some of Idaho’s most amazing birding opportunities. Here, you’ll find Ring-necked Ducks, Killdeers, American Avocets, Spotted Sandpipers, American Coots, Sandhill Cranes, Snowy Egrets, California Gulls, and much, much more.

About the State of Idaho

Idaho is a quiet state, holding steady at as the 7th least densely populated state in the union, but its beauty is undeniable. Whether or not the quiet is because residents don’t want to draw too much attention to the natural majesty of the state’s mountainous environment, the truth remains that you can find some perfect solitude in the Idaho wilderness while collecting and cataloging gorgeous birds.

Though its population is comparatively low, the state of Idaho is bigger than all of New England put together. The region is considered mostly mountainous, though it does have an incredibly diverse environment, offering high peaks, deep valleys, and everything in between. Located on the northern border of the continental United States, embraced by Washington and Oregon to the west and Montana and Wyoming to the east, Idaho is situated in the middle of the Rocky Mountain range, as it spans from Colorado up through Canada to the north.

Idaho has two nicknames: the Gem State (because you can find nearly every type of gemstone in its wilderness) and the Potato State (because it’s a region famous for growing American spuds). But it might as well also be called the Avian State, too, because Idaho is an absolute birder’s paradise.

Special Thanks

Jay Carlisle and Gregory Kaltenecker of Boise State University and the Idaho Bird Observatory for assisting on the research for this article.

Illinois is a state famous mostly for the city of Chicago, the largest metropolitan hub of commerce and culture in that region of the United States. But Illinois also has a rich geography with plenty of flora and fauna to write home about–especially when it comes to birds.

Highlights:

• Most Common Birds — White-breasted Nuthatch, Blue Jay, Downy Woodpecker, American Robin, Mourning Dove, Ruby-throated Hummingbird
• Rare Birds — Bohemian Waxwing, Hoary Redpoll, Barrow’s Goldeneye
• Environment of Illinois — Great Lake, lakes, rivers, plains, hills
• Best Time for Birdwatching Travel — Year-round birding available, but migration during spring and autumn months are best

Top 5 Illinois Birding Trails

If you’re thinking about exploring the state of Illinois for some great birding opportunities, be sure you don’t miss out on these top five bird watching trails in the Prairie State.

Lincoln Park Bird Sanctuary

In Chicago’s North Side, along the lakefront, you’ll find Lincoln Park, a 1,200 acre park that stretches for seven miles, from Ohio Street to near Ardmore Avenue. Lincoln Park is Chicago’s largest public park and it features more activities, vistas, museums, attractions, and paths than you could ever hope to explore in a day.

Of the many destinations within Lincoln Park–which include a zoo, lily pool, nature and history museum, and flora conservatory–the Bill Jarvis Migratory Bird Sanctuary is a must-visit hotspot for avian enthusiasts. The sanctuary, which used to be called the Lincoln Park Addison Migratory Bird Sanctuary, is fairly unique in that almost the entire thing (all seven acres) is enclosed by a fence to preserve it from the damage of human hands.

But just because you can’t go inside, that doesn’t mean you can’t set your sights on a great many species of fabulous flyers. A nature trail and series of observation platforms allow glimpses at the sanctuary’s herons, ducks, woodcocks, hawks, cuckoos, hummingbirds, thrushes, and many other avifauna varieties.

Visit the official site of Lincoln Park Bird Sanctuary

Mississippi Palisades State Park

Located near Savanna, Illinois, and right on the Mississippi River, the Mississippi Palisades State Park is a beautiful haven for birders from around the country. During any given year, there are nearly 200 species of bird that live or rest in the park.

You can come to the Mississippi Palisades any time of the year to check out the amazing avifauna, but the park is especially noteworthy in the spring and fall months during migration and breeding seasons. Of the 200 species of bird you can see at the Mississippi Palisades State Park, almost 100 of them actually breed there. This is much more than a stop along the migration trail! So what kinds of birds can you catalogue and collect at this excellent state park? Well, among the vast variety are: American White Pelicans, Snow and Canada Geese, Buffleheads, Golden Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks, Purple Finches, Wild Turkey, and so much more.

Visit the official site of Mississippi Palisades State Park

Busse Woods Trail

This 11.2-mile trail can be found inside the Ned Brown Forest Preserve, a 3,700 acre area located west of Chicago. The Busse Woods Trail cuts through the preserve and provides any number of beautiful and scenic vistas of lakes, meadows, and the forest itself.

The trail is paved with asphalt and is frequently used by hikers, cyclists, and equestrians, as well as birders, but it’s never incredibly crowded so you can be sure you’ll have plenty of solo time with your binocs. Aside from birding, you or other members of your family also have the opportunity to go boating, fishing, or hiking in the preserve–the family of moose that call the Ned Brown Forest Preserve home are worth checking out once you’ve had some time watching the birds along the trail.

Centennial Trail

Stretching 13 miles, from Willow Springs to Romeoville, the Centennial Trail is an asphalt-paved pathway that takes you through the heart of rural Illinois. Especially enchanting during the fall, when the leaves are changing on the trees, the Centennial Trail is a wonderful trip through the beauty of nature, featuring a great many spots for sightseeing and bird watching.

The Centennial Trail is labeled a canal trail, because it runs alongside a canal for a good length of time. While it’s paved, if you decide to go birding with your bicycle, be aware that portions of the path are torn up or littered with large branches that pose hazards.

The trail itself is perfect for hikers, though, offering plenty of shade in the summertime and protection from winds during the more wintry months.

Des Plaines River Trail

One of the best trails for birding, hiking, cycling, and nature loving in the entire state of Illinois is the Des Plaines River Trail. Following near the banks of its namesake for better than 50 miles, this trail features innumerable vista points and birding hotspots.

From the Illinois-Wisconsin border in the north to the western suburbs of Chicago in the south, the Des Plaines River Trail passes through nature preserves, protected forests, small communities, and natural wildernesses for much of its length, getting the journeyer as close to nature as possible in a highly populated state. If you go, be aware that much of the path is built from crushed stone, so wear supportive footwear that will help you not turn and ankle, stub a toe, or do anything to detract from the joy of your birding expedition.

About the State of Illinois

Everything about the state of Illinois is diverse–from its culture to its geography, its economy to its ecology. Due mostly to bigger cities like Chicago, Springfield, and Peoria, Illinois is the fifth most populated state in the United States. But the state’s population is generally concentrated around the larger, more urban areas, leaving much of the rest of the area in a state of natural preservation.

The wilderness of Illinois covers a wide variety of terrains, from lakes to rivers and plains to hills, making for a diverse region. The Illinois state parks system was put in place over a hundred years ago and has since created and preserved more than 60 individual parks in the state. Illinois is certainly a must-see destination for folks looking to thrive in the big city, but it’s also a hotspot for nature lovers looking to spend time in parks, wildlife refuges, and conservation areas.

For bird lovers and non-bird lovers alike, one of the most popular regions in the state is in the northeast, where Illinois borders Lake Michigan, one of the five Great Lakes. Here, you’ll find any number of recreational activities, tourist spots, and natural vistas for birding. It’s a beautiful state with a beautiful history, and the bird watching available is absolutely top notch.

Oregon’s lush forests, rocky coastlines & mountainous terrain makes it heavenly for birdwatchers. Discover the top 5 Oregon Birding trails below so you know how to plan a birdwatching vacation to Oregon.

Highlights:

• Most Common Birds — Stellar’s Jay, Lazuli Bunting, Common Poorwill
• Rarest Birds – Hooded Merganser (Common along the coast), Snowy Egret, Rock Sandpiper, American Dipper, Snow Bunting
• Environment of the State – High alpine, old-growth forest, coastline, tidal estuaries, marshland, lakes, rivers
• Best Time For Birdwatching – Spring, summer, fall

Best Birding Trails in Oregon

Oregon Coast Birding Trail

The trail is composed of 173 sites divided into four sections and spans the entire Oregon Coast from the Columbia River on the north and Cascade Head on the south.  It includes rocky beaches, tidal estuaries and old-growth forests. It presents exceptional birding opportunities in some of the most spectacular scenery you’ll find anywhere.

Gnat Creek Campground and Fish Hatchery offer a chance to see mountain quail, American dipper, hermit warbler, stellar’s jay and Rufus hummingbirds. Twilight Creek Eagle Sanctuary on the trail comprises 35,000 acres of mudflats, tidal marsh and open water within the Lewis and Clark National Wildlife Refuge. You’ll see tundra swan, Canada goose, bald eagle, great egret and great blue heron.

Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach is within the Oregon Islands Wildlife Refuge.  You can spot tufted puffin, western gull, black oystercatcher, surf scooter, brown pelican, pelagic cormorant and greater scaup. Cape Lookout has eight miles of hiking trails through old growth forest, making it a great spot to see hairy woodpecker, brown creeper, golden-crowned sparrow, gray jay, red-breasted nuthatch, Wilson’s warbler and red crossbill.

Learn more at the official website for the Oregon Coast Birding Trail.

Oregon Cascade Birding Trail

This trail spans both sides of the Cascade Mountains making a large loop, with Mt. McLoughlin to the south and Mt. Hood to the north. The two sides of the loop have intersecting trails which form five smaller loops. The trail guides are divided into the five loop sections. The entire trail can be taken as a self-guided driving tour encompassing 1,200 miles of road and 200 birding sites with spectacular scenery in the Oregon Cascades.

Here’s a complete guide to the Oregon Cascade Birding Trail.

Mount Hood Loop

Mount Hood Loop: The trail climbs from the Colombia River to the base of Mount Hood, traversing the Columbia River National Scenic Area.  You’ll be able to spot Lewis’s woodpecker, Clark’s nutcracker and Clark’s grebe, which were named for the famed explorers.  You’ll see Osprey, Bald Eagle and a large array of waterfowl.

Here is the official Mt. Hood National Forest website.

The Mount Jefferson Loop

The Mount Jefferson Loop: This contains Mt. Jefferson, second only to Mt. Hood in elevation within the state. It features alpine meadows and forests, conifer forests, canyons and dry sage and flatlands. The Metolius and Deschutes Rivers contain riparian areas which are rich with birdlife. You’ll spot harlequin duck, barrow’s goldeneye, white-headed woodpecker, yellow warbler, northern goshawk and white-throated swift in these areas.

Here’s a map of the Mount Jefferson Loop from OregonBirdingTrails.com.

Three Sisters Loop

Three Sisters Loop:  This portion of the trail explores the Three Sisters Wilderness, which takes its name from three distinctive 10,000 foot volcanic peaks in the Oregon Cascades. It includes McKenzie Pass and Cascade Lakes, with some stunning scenery and a diverse array of birdlife.  It contains 50 birding sites where you’ll be able to spot feathered flyers like savannah sparrow, western meadowlark, yellow-headed blackbird, American bittern, ruffled grouse, winter wren, rosy finch, black swift and harlequin duck.

Click here for additional info on the Three Sisters Loop.

Crater Lake Loop

Crater Lake Loop: This is a spectacular area worth visiting just to see the lake itself, which is the seventh deepest in the world.  The trail encompasses several lakes, of which Crater, in Crater Lake National Park, is the largest.  Bald eagle, osprey, double-breasted cormorant, peregrine falcon, American dipper, wood duck, Nashville warbler, Pacific-slope flycatcher, Lincoln’s sparrow, yellow rail and northern waterthrush are some of the birds you’ll find in this area.

Here is the official Crater Look website where you can learn more.

Mount McLoughlin Loop

Mount McLoughlin Loop: Where the Cascades meet the Siskiyou Mountains, Mount McLoughlin rises almost 10,000 above the Klamath Basin. This ecologically diverse section of the trail contains some phenomenal birding, especially in the riparian areas where you’ll see an array of hummingbirds, nuthatches, warblers and flycatchers. You’ll also find red-necked grebe, yellow rail, pileated woodpecker, least bittern, mountain quail, hermit warbler and red-breasted sapsucker.

Click here to learn more about Mount McLoughlin.

About the State of Oregon

With the towering peaks of the Cascade Mountains, a long, rocky coastline, cascading rivers, primeval forests and sprawling grasslands, Oregon is a birdwatcher’s paradise. A diverse array of birdlife resides there, with estimates of anywhere from 500 to 600 species known to live within the state’s borders.

Additional Info on Birds

Special thanks to Joel Geier from OregonBirdingTrails.com who provides us with this additional information:

Steller’s Jay (note spelling) is a good choice at least for the western half of the state, since this is a common species that many visitors look for. In the eastern part of the state its range is mainly restricted to mountain ranges with coniferous forests, and it’s absent from large areas of desert and canyonlands.

Lazuli Bunting is another western specialty bird that many visitors from the eastern states are keen to see. However, it’s rare along the Oregon Coast, and not that easy to find in the Cascades (listed as common for the trail, but this mainly refers to riparian habitats in lower elevations in the foothills of the Cascades). It can be abundant in riparian habitat in some of the river bottoms in the eastern part of the state, but often not easy to see in those habitats. There are sites along the Willamette Valley Birding Trail where this species is far easier to see, for example Bald Hill Park in Corvallis, or William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge.

Common Poorwill is rare west of the Cascades crest, and not that easy to find in the eastern part of the state. The most reliable location that I know of, among sites that are featured on Oregon Birding Trails, is Hot Springs Campground on Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge (Basin & Range Birding Trail).

Hooded Merganser can be found pretty regularly in the Willamette Valley, except while females are on nests when they tend to be secretive. This time of the year (March) they are very easy to see at Willamette Valley Birding Trail sites such as William L. Finley NWR, Ankeny NWR, Baskett Slough NWR, and E.E. Wilson Wildlife Area.

Common Mergansers are fairly easy to see along rivers throughout western Oregon.

Snowy Egret is rare in most of the state, but can be found around Coos Bay on the SW Oregon coast, and (during nesting season) at a few sites in the Basin & Range region.

Rock Sandpiper is a rare but annual visitor to a few favored sites on the Oregon coast, and seems like a good choice for this category.

American Dipper is moderately common along streams in the Cascades, Coast Range, and a few places in the Basin & Range and Blue Mountains regions.

Snow Buntings are indeed rare across most of Oregon, except the NE corner of the state which regularly gets flocks in winter. It’s hard to imagine that someone would travel to Oregon to look for one, since the odds are much better in the Upper Midwest. Possibly a more interesting regional bird to highlight might be Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch (nests in Cascades), or Black Rosy-Finch (nests on Steens Mtn in the Basin & Range region).

Least Bittern (mentioned in the Mt. McLoughlin loop writeup) has only been reported a handful of times in the past 20 years. It could well count as the rarest bird that might possibly nest in the state.

One of the most popular tourist hotspots in the entire United States is Hawaii, for its tropical scenery, crystal clear oceans, gorgeous weather, and spectacular surfing. But it’s another kind of paradise altogether for birders–one full of some of the most beautiful winged creatures in the world.

Highlights:

• Most Common Birds — Cattle Egrets, Brazilian Red-cap Cardinal, Red-Vented Bulbul (commonly considered a pest, these days)
• Rare Birds — Akepa, Akiapola’au, ‘elepaio
• Environment of Hawaii — Tropical, island, beaches, rain forests, mountains, volcanic, fresh- and salt-water sources
• Best Time for Birdwatching Travel — A warm, tropical climate allows for beautiful year-round birding

Top 5 Hawaii Birding Trails

If you plan on making your way to the Aloha State for some seriously gorgeous birding, be sure to add these five hot spots to your itinerary.

Ke Ala Hele Makalae

This breathtakingly beautiful trail follows along the coast of Kauai for seven stunning miles. Beginning at Lydgate State Park and ending at Ahihi Point, the trail features several great stopping points at beaches and recreational areas. Ke Ala Hele Makalae is perfect for the whole family, even those who don’t take birding as seriously as you do. There are plenty of things to do along the path, plenty of sights to see, and plenty of natural beauty to behold.

Ke Al Hele Makalae is made from asphalt and concrete making it a great multi-use trail, for hikers, joggers, and bicyclists. This means that you need to be careful of traffic along the path as you stop to spot, collect, and catalogue those tropical beauties you see gliding along the island breeze. It’s a fairly popular spot, too, so if you don’t do well with a potential crowd, you might want to prepare yourself or think of visiting another trail for your birding pleasure.

Pearl Harbor Bike Path

For birders who are also cultural antiquity buffs, the Pearl Harbor Bike is a can’t-miss birding trail in Honolulu. Near the site of the infamous World War II attack, this path is steeped in both the wonder of the natural world and American history.

The path itself is 10 miles long, making it a great day-hike, full of grand vistas of the coast and a look at the modern industrialization of the island. Of course, the real stars of the trail are the birds, however. You can see coastal flyers up close and personal and perhaps even catch a bird of prey or two wheeling through the bright blue sky. Another family friendly trail, the Pearl Harbor Bike Path is a great tour for kids on bikes or couples hiking hand in hand.

The trail begins just past the parking lot of the Arizona Memorial (a must-see spot for those history fans) and ends at the Waipi’o Point Access Road. There are some heavy traffic points along the trail, but also plenty of places for some quiet observing. The wooden bridges are especially nice stopping points for some scenic Honolulu birding.

James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge

Established in 1976 to provide additional protection for Hawaii’s endangered waterbirds, the James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge in Kahuku is on the island of Oahu. From October to April, you can view the bristle-thighed curlew (photographed above).

It is also home to four of Hawaii’s endangered waterbirds:

1. ae’o (Hawaiian Stilt)
2. ‘alae ke’oke’o (Hawaiian coot)
3. ‘alae ‘ula (Hawaiian moorhen)
4. Koloa maoli (Hawaiian duck)

Ka’ena Point Trail

The Laysan Albatross — A Seasonal Seabird that spends winter months breeding in Hawaii and the migrates away for seven years.

The destination is just as important as the journey on this beautiful Hawaiian pathway. The Ka’ena Point Trail itself is a wonder to behold, but where it ends–at the Ka’ena Point Natural Area Reserve–is also an amazing hotspot for Aloha State birders.

The Ka’ena Point Trail follows the right-of-way of the former Oahu Railway and Land Company. This old outfit used to be used to transport sugar cane along Oahu’s west coast. Now, it offers a great afternoon for nature lovers and bird watchers. The path is ballast and dirt, so it’s a little less occupied than those popular Honolulu biking trails mentioned above–which is great for those who prefer a bit more solitude on their birding travels. The downside to a less firm surface is that the pathway has been known to wash out or get damaged by the ocean surf, so be sure to check with the Hawaii State Park department before you make the trek if you think there’s a chance it’ll be unnavigable.

If the coast is clear–so to speak– prepare yourself for observing some of Oahu’s most beautiful sea birds, both on the trail and at the reserve area at trail’s end. And if you find yourself trekking along the Ka’ena Point Trail during the winter months, be sure to look out into the water from time to time, as it’s very possible you could spot a whale or two.

Also — Ka’ena Point is one of the most remote places on Oahu. Be aware that car break-ins are an issue. Finally, there is no water or shade on this trail and it is often quite muddy. Be prepared.

Thanks to Annette from Annette’s Adventures for this additional piece of insider intel.

Malaekahana Bike and Pedestrian Path

As the name suggests, the Malaekahana Bike and Pedestrian Path can become a bit dangerous if you don’t watch where you’re going–you could have your observation of cardinals and terns interrupted by a Schwinn along your backside. But unlike the other Honolulu bike path hot spots, this trail is set in a more rural area, so the chances of getting claustrophobic are narrowed considerably.

The Malaekahana trail is just over a mile long and stretches between Laie and Kahuku. The area is lush and verdant, nestled between the ocean and the Ko’olau Mountains, meaning you’ll have plenty of opportunity to catch both sea birds and inland flyers along the short trek.

The trail itself is paved and 8-feet wide, making for fairly easy access, even when there are other people sharing the path with you. And while it does run parallel to the road, there’s plenty of grassy space between you and the moving cars. It’s a safe, easy, and beautiful way to spend a Western Oahu afternoon.

About the State of Hawaii

Hawaii is the most recent addition to the U.S., not becoming a state until 1959, but it has long been a destination for tropical travelers looking to find some rest and relaxation on the beach. The state is made up entirely of islands in the Pacific Ocean: Ni’ihau, Kaua’i, O’ahu, Moloka’i, Lana’i, Kaho’olawe, Mau’I, and “the big island” Hawai’i. But even though it seems like an island environment might be pretty uniform, the terrain of Hawaii is spectacularly varied and diverse.

The islands of Hawaii were shaped through the formative power of volcanic activity. Current activity continues to shape the archipelago even to this day. While this means that Hawaii can be potentially dangerous in a geological sense, it also makes it one of the most beautiful and exciting locations for travelers, explorers, and birders in the Pacific.

I always love interviewing fellow birders. Steven Grogger, of The Joy of Birds, is one of the best! His passion and enthusiasm shines through here and is an inspiration to all of us in the birding community.

Hope you enjoy!

1)     When did you first become interested in bird watching and what has kept you interested?

I first became interested in bird watching while deployed to Iraq. I would see hundreds of birds roost in trees just outside my Field Operating Base. Then I started to notice nesting swallows in an underground bunker and pigeons nesting in destroyed tanks and was amazed that birds can endure and thrive in such a violent environment.  When I returned from deployment my wife wanted a Pied Cockatiel. I started to understand the nuances of his behavior, and birds became individuals with personalities. Learning about the thousands of species of birds in the world and their unique adaptations, as well as observing the behavior of common birds, maintains my interest. My wife and I plan our trips/adventures around opportunities to view, photograph, and video record birds with the hope ofsharing an appreciation of how wonderful birds are; this is why we started our blog http://thejoyofbirds.com/

2)     Where are you located and what species do you spend most of your time observing?

I’m located in Peyton, Colorado on the plains near Colorado Springs. From day-to-day I do not focus on a particular species, but try to find local rarities or birds I have not been able to photograph. During the spring, my wife and I try to find the migrating birds and this year will be viewing Gunnison Sage Grouse and looking for American Dipper chicks and Sandhill Crane colts.

3)     Are you active in a local or online birding community?

I post to and frequently checkthe Colorado Field Ornithologist rare bird alert site. During spring/summer we volunteer at a local animal rehabilitation center where we assist the staff in taking care of injured/orphaned birds. We also volunteer with the Colorado Parks and Wildlife to transport animals(mainly birds) and monitor bluebirds during their nesting season.

4)     What is your favorite bird or your favorite birding moment? It doesn’t necessarily have to be anything rare, just something meaningful.

My favorite birding moment happened on one of our first bird adventures and hooked us on bird watching. After camping overnight at Rocky Mountain National Park, we headed off on an early morning tundra hike. Based on our reading, we assumed we would spend hours looking for the elusive White-tailed Ptarmigan. As it happened, five minutes into the hike we spotted two photographers, who pointed out a Ptarmigan. To our amazement, the Ptarmigan slowly approached us. A few minutes later, the Ptarmigan spotted a potential rival at the top of the hill and flew off after it.  The photographers started on the long hike up the hill, but we were satisfied with the encounter and returned to the car. As we put our equipment back in the car,  we heard the Ptarmigan call and to our pure delight and astonishment the Ptarmigan landed on the guard wall a few feet in front of us! It clucked several times while walking towards us before wandering down the hill. We felt we had made a connection with the bird and it was a thrilling experience.

5)     Do you have a competitive birding interest ie a year list or life list?

Although finding a new bird is exciting, I do not have a competitive birding interest. One day I may count and write a complete list of the birds I have seen and photographed, but I enjoy watching the behaviors of birds, even if I’ve seen them hundreds of times.

6)     What is your favorite place you’ve been bird watching? This includes a birding vacation or even your own backyard.

One of my favorite places to bird watch is the Saint Augustine Alligator Farm in Florida. Wild birds nest in trees above the alligators for protection from predators. It is remarkable to see the nesting behavior of egrets, herons, Wood Storks, and Roseate Spoonbills and watch as their chicks grow up.

7)     What is the farthest you have traveled to see a particular bird?

The longest trip we have taken to see a particular bird was about 400 miles to see the mass migration of Sandhill Cranes along the Platte River near Kearney, Nebraska. It was awe-inspiring to see 50,000 to 70,000 Sandhill Cranes fly in during sunset and roost along a small stretch of river. (You can learn more about birdwatching in Nebraska here).

And because this is AllBestBinoculars.com, we have to ask….

8)     What was your first pair of binoculars?

 A Jason 8 x 21 model 117.

9)     What is the best pair of binocs you’ve ever owned?

The best pair of binocs my wife lets me “borrow” is a Nikon Monarch 10.5 x 45, but I mainly bird watch with a 400 or 600mm photography lens.

10)     The worst?

 The Jason model 117, even though they can fit nicely in a pocket.

With a fabulous system of well-organized trails, Nebraska is one of the nicest and easiest hotspot destinations for bird lovers from around the country.

Highlights:

• Common Birds — Common Pheasant, Sharp-tailed Grouse, Greater Prairie-Chicken, Northern Bobwhite, Canada Goose, Great Horned Owl, Eastern, Screech Owl
• Rare Birds — White-winged Dove, Black Rail, King Rail, Iceland Gull, Laughing Gull, Gyrfalcon, Red-throated Loon, Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, White-eyed Vireo, Clark’s Nutcracker
• Environment of Nebraska — Plains, rivers, gently rolling hills
• Best Time for Birdwatching Travel — There’s plenty of year-round birding available, but if you’ve come for the cranes (which you probably have!) aim for a mid-March travel time

Top 5 Nebraska Birding Trails

The Cornhusker State is well-organized in terms of birding trails, with plenty of information available about each one. If you’d like to get a move on, though, add these top 5 birding trails in Nebraska to your itinerary and fly!

Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge

Located in north-central Nebraska, along the beautiful Niobrara River, this National Wildlife Refuge is a 19,000-acre safe haven for a variety of Great Plains flora and fauna. Three complex plant systems converge on the Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, creating an incredibly diverse ecosystem that attracts a wide variety of wildlife, including avifauna.

Fort Niobrara, a former frontier fort for the military, was established as a refuge especially for the feeding and breeding of birds in the early 20th century, when President Theodore Roosevelt and a variety of national organizations began to get serious about preserving and conserving our nation’s wildernesses and signed several executive orders doing so.

If you make the scenic trek to Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, you can expect to see a vast array of plants, animals, and certainly birds, including the Sharp-tailed Grouse, Prairie Chicken, Grasshopper Sparrow, and 230 other species.

Central Sandhills Trail

The Central Sandhills Trail allows you to journey through the state’s largest natural eco-system–a 19,000-acre grassland region that takes up almost a quarter of the entire state. The Nebraska Sandhills is the biggest grassland eco-system in the whole country, and the trail that runs through it is one of the best in the region for spying on resting, nesting, breeding, and feeding birds.

There are several wonderful stopping points for birding along this massive trail that spans nine counties. Among them are: Crescent Lake, Fort Niobrara (see above for more information), the Nebraska National Forest, and the Valentine National Wildlife Refuge.

Some of the amazingly diverse species of bird you’re bound to see along the way include: American Bittern, Black-crowned Night Heron, American Avocet, Wilson’s Phalarope, White-breasted Nuthatch, Yellow-Breasted Chat, Eastern Screech Owl, Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, and so much more.

Missouri Valley Trail

The Missouri Valley is a great causeway for migratory birds of all kinds, and this trail takes you right among them. The eastern half of the valley was created from the carving nature of great glaciers slowly trudging across the country. Tall grass prairies and deciduous forests eventually grew from the glacial wreckage creating plains that are as diverse in their topography as they are in their inhabitants, both resident and temporary.

The Missouri Valley Trail gives you the opportunity to take advantage of a great many birding hotspots as you trek with it across the countryside. Some of the must-see locations you’ll come across–or walk through–that you should add to your itinerary include: the Fortenelle Forest Preserve, Desoto National Wildlife Refuge, and Waubonsie State Park.

Among the various birds you’ll get to observe along the Missouri Valley Trail are: American Woodcock, Barred Owl, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Yellow-throated Vireo, Northern Cardinal, Brown-headed Cowbird, and the stunning Snow Goose.

Elkhorn Valley Trail

From the Platte River near Omaha to the Sandhills, the gorgeous Elkhorn Valley Trail follows the route of its namesake. Across scenic terrain of grasslands, rolling hills, and prairies, this hot birding spot takes you on a tour of everything beautiful in the Cornhusker State.

Along this lengthy trail, you’ll be passing through or near some of the best Nebraskan bird watching highlights, including: Bobcat Wildlife Management Area, Whitetail Wildlife Management Area, Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area, Two Rivers State Recreation Area, and Redbird Wildlife Management Area–just to name a few!

Platte Valley Trail

If you find yourself in Nebraska during the springtime, be sure to check out the Platte Valley Trail, which is considered one of the absolute best birding sites in the region during that time of year. During much of the month of March, there is a staggering number of Sandhill Cranes that fly into the Platte Valley: approximately 500,000. But that is nothing compared to the sheer awesomeness of the amount of water fowl who visit: over 7,000,000!

One of the main drawbacks to catching this mass migration is the inconsistency of the weather during the early spring in Nebraska. There may be days of blue skies and warm sun, followed immediately by snow flurries and blistering cold. Be sure to check the weather forecasts as far in advance as possible if you want to see the millions of fowl descend on the valley.

About the State of Nebraska

On March 1, 1867, Nebraska was admitted to the U.S., becoming the 37th state. Its capital, Lincoln, used to be called Lancaster, but was changed in the late 1800′s to honor the assassinated president. Nebraska experienced three major population growth spurts in the 19th century: the California Gold Rush of 1848, the Homestead Act of the 1860′s, and the agriculture and cattle boom of the 1870′s and 1880′s which saw a great number of people making their way to Nebraska to own farms, work on farms, or manufacture equipment to be used on farms.

Almost all of Nebraska’s topography is described as prairie lands. There are two major regions: the Dissected Till Plains and the Great Plains, each of which offers plenty of opportunity for great hiking, nature viewing, and birding.

The Nebraska Birding Trails Workgroup was founded in 2003, and has been tirelessly working since then to create and catalogue the many fantastic birding trails available in the Cornhusker State today. They’ve worked side by side with state, county, and city governments as well as private businesses to enhance, preserve, and provide information on the best trails for birding in Nebraska. They are a resource that deserves every birder’s thanks!

Photo credits to NebraskaBirdingTrails.com

Special thanks to Scott Taylor of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission for his assistance on this article.

Birding in the naturally beautiful Garden State offers a variety of environments: from coastal lands to forested valleys, there’s something for everyone here.

Highlights:

• Common Birds — Wild Turkey, Canada Goose, Rock Dove, Mourning Dove, Common Moorhen, American Coot
• Rare Birds — Fulvous Whistling-Duck, Purple Gallinule, Boreal Chickadee, Common Redpoll, White-winged Crossbill, Red Crossbill, Lark Sparrow, Pink-footed Goose, Ross’s Goose, Osprey
• Environment of New Jersey — Forests, coastal lands, beaches, rivers, lakes, valleys
• Best Time for Birdwatching Travel — The migration seasons are certainly the best and busiest birding times (early spring and autumn), but there are plenty of year-round opportunities here

Top 5 New Jersey Birding Trails

If the idea of birding in the Garden State is appealing to you (you know it is!), then take this opportunity to peruse the top 5 bird watching trails/areas in New Jersey, listed below.

Flat Rock Brook Nature Center

This 150 acre natural woodland preserve is among the very last surviving sections of the historical Palisades Forest. The property used to be made up of two separate parks owned and operated by the city, but they were united in 1988 and are now managed by the Flat Rock Brook Nature Association.

Flat Rock Brook features three and a half miles of trails that wind in and around the center, taking the hikers and birders through woodlands and meadows and over streams and ponds.

If you are only able to explore Flat Rock Brook Nature Center for a short time, head straight for the Red Trail, a beautifully scenic pathway that ambles through the property and ends at the wonderfully serene Mac Fadden’s Pond. Among the many species of bird you’ll be able to see on this trail and others at Flat Rock Brook are: Great Horned Owl, Red-tailed Hawk, and Black-capped Chickadee.

Visit the official site of Flat Rock Brook Nature Center

Stow Creek Bald Eagle Nest

The Stow Creek Bald Eagle Nest viewing area is exactly what it sounds like, but it offers a whole lot more than you think. The viewing area was established to keep tabs on a pair of breeding Bald Eagles that had made a home in New Jersey at a time when their numbers were dangerously low. And the refuge has proved to be a highly successful one–the pair have reportedly raised over 30 eagles of their own!

The Bald Eagles are certainly the main attraction of this birding hotspot–there’s a ton of information posted on sign boards detailing the history of the eagles there, if you’d care to learn more–but they aren’t the only flyers worth looking out for. Other species frequent the Stow Creek Bald Eagle Nest (or at least the areas AROUND the nest…).

Some of the other species of bird you can see at Stow Creek include: Northern Harriers, Red-tailed Hawks, egrets, wrens, sparrows, and blackbirds aplenty!

Dix Wildlife Management Area

If you’re tired of feeling crowded and claustrophobic in excellent, but over-popular, birding hotspots, find your way to the Dix Wildlife Management Area, a bit of a hidden blossom in the beautiful Garden State. Dix WMA is composed of fields and woodlands over marshes, making it a diverse feeding, breeding, and resting spot for a great variety of bird species.

If you feel like setting your sites on a Bald Eagle or two, just take a hike along the old dike, otherwise you can fill up your catalogues and sketch books with a wide array of birds along the WMA’s various trails. Some of those birds include egrets, herons, Snow Geese, American Goldfinches, wading birds, and water fowl.

Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge

Protecting more than 47,000 acres of New Jersey’s coastal lands for the breeding and feeding of resident and migratory birds, the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge is an important part of America’s hopeful legacy of protecting the natural world.

Along the coastal wetlands of New Jersey, the Atlantic Brant and the American Black Duck made their home long ago. Unfortunately, these two species have been experiencing big losses in population due to a variety of factors. The Forsythe NWR is responsible for a great many different bird species who need a haven in this densely populated state, but its main purpose is the aid and preservation of the Atlantic Brants and American Black Ducks.

There are plenty of opportunities to catch sight of these amazing species and many more if you get the chance to visit the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge.

Visit the official site of Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge

New Jersey Pinelands National Reserve

Established in 1978 by the Congress as the United States’ very first National Reserve, the New Jersey Pinelands are another important piece of the preservation jigsaw, helping to create a lasting picture of natural beauty in our very populated, very industrialized country.

The New Jersey Pinelands National Reserve extends across seven counties in the southern region of the state, and includes over two-thirds of a million permanent residents within its borders. But between the cities and hamlets and occupied houses and divisions, the Pinelands offer gorgeous views of eastern forests and incomparable opportunities to set your binocular sights on some of the state most fabulous flyers.

Visit the official site of New Jersey Pinelands National Reserve

About the State of New Jersey

New Jersey is a pretty small state, but it sure is packed with people! The Garden State is the single most densely populated state in the country, with plenty of big cities and “bedroom towns” (for those living in Jersey but working in New York City). But even with such a claustrophobic statistic plastered to its back, New Jersey still has a great many wilderness areas and quiet, peaceful, enchanting natural lands full of glorious flora and fauna.

According to historians, the region of New Jersey was inhabited for nearly 3,000 years by native tribes before it became the 3rd member of the United States in 1787. This long history of reverence for the land has been honored to this day with more than a dozen preservations, conservation areas, refuges, and forests protected by the National Parks Service.

But there’s still no denying that New Jersey is a bustling state, full of plenty of commerce, people, and traffic, traffic, traffic. But don’t let this be a tally mark on the “con” side of your list! Instead, think of it as an opportunity! New Jersey can be a great destination for families whose members are not unanimously in love with all things birding. The spouse or the kids can find plenty to do on the beach, in the city, or at the mall, while you and the others travel to the wilds of New Jersey for some truly excellent bird watching ops.

Special thanks to Dan Murray from BirdingInNewJersey.com for his assistance on this article.

New Mexico is known locally and nationally as the Land of Enchantment, a befitting name for a region so incredibly gorgeous and enthralling. With mountains, valleys, mesas, rivers, forests, desert lands, and magical white sands, New Mexico is a nature lover’s and bird watcher’s paradise.

Highlights:

• Common Birds — Scaled Quail, Gambel’s Quail, Montezuma Quail, Elf Owl, Inca Dove, Rock Dove, Mourning Dove, Common Pheasant, Dusky Grouse, White-tailed Ptarmigan, Wild Turkey, Canada Goose
• Rare Birds — Lawrence’s Goldfinch, Red-necked Grebe, Barrow’s Goldeneye, Common Redpoll, Philadelphia Vireo, Spotted Sandpiper, Common Goldeneye, Mottled Duck, Black Scoter, Lucifer Hummingbird, American Woodcock
• Environment of New Mexico — High desert, mountains, rivers, lakes, mesas, forests
• Best Time for Birdwatching Travel –The best birding is during the migration seasons, but New Mexico does offer an amazing amount of resident flyers for good year-round birding

Top 5 New Mexico Birding Trails

If you’d like to visit the Land of Enchantment and catch sight of the many fantastic flyers that rest or roost here, definitely take a gander at the top 5 bird watching trails in New Mexico that are listed below!

Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife Refuge

One of the most famous wildlife refuges in the whole United States, let alone New Mexico, is the Bosque Del Apache NWR, located in San Antonio, a small town south of Albuquerque (but not the one with the Alamo!).

Known as The Bosque, this NWR features better than 57,000 acres of avifauna havens along the Rio Grande. Wetlands, farmlands, and riparian forests help compose the Bosque Del Apache (translated as “Woods of the Apache”), but the real heart of the refuge is made up of about 13,000 acres of “moist bottomlands.”

Especially for Sandhill Cranes–of which well over 10,000 visit every single year–The Bosque is an important stop along the migratory lines during the winter. Other species The Bosque hosts include: Snow Geese, Ross’s Geese, Golden Eagles, Bald Eagles, Great Blue Herons, avocets, pelicans, and a great array of other water fowl varieties.

Visit the official site of Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife Refuge.

Gila National Forest

Traveling to western New Mexico, you’ll find yourself in the least of likely places, especially if your idea of the state’s geography and topography was dictated by spaghetti westerns. Here is the Gila National Forest, a mountainous region that rivals the greenery and beauty of lands in the Pacific Northwest.

There are several wilderness areas in Gila NF, and each of them has countless trails for hiking and birding adventures. The Aldo Leopold Wilderness consists of just over 200,000 acres on the east side of the forest, the Blue Range Wilderness hold nearly 30,000 acres, and the Gila Wilderness boasts well over half a million acres and stands as the world’s very first designated Wilderness.

There’s plenty of wildlife to peek at in the Gila National Forest. Some of the great many bird species on hand include: Spotted Owls, Flammulated Owls, Hepatic Tanagers, Painted Redstarts, and Common Black-Hawks, among many others.

Visit the official site of Gila National Forest.

Percha Dam State Park

Just a little over 20 miles south from Truth and Consequences, NM, Percha Dam State Park sits on a little lap of land–about 80 acres small. The park is situated on and around the Percha Dam, which works to raise the elevation level of the Rio Grande so that irrigation of southern chile farms can be possible.

It also works to provide a first rate recreation spot for hikers, campers, boaters, fishers, and especially birders. The Percha Dam is two miles downstream from a much larger dam, which creates a sort of wide reservoir in and around which all of these activities are enjoyed. But the water fowl that visit Percha Dam State Park are tremendous, as are the resident flyers who call this area home, so birders in particular have a lovely time in store for them.

During the spring migration season, you’ll be treated with excellent views of tanagers, warblers, buntings, sparrows, and flycatchers, among so many more.

Visit the official site of Percha Dam State Park.

Elephant Butte Lake State Park

Another park surrounding another dam–and you thought New Mexico was all scorched earth and dust devils! Elephant Butte Lake State Park is about thirty miles or so north of Percha Dam, along the Rio Grande. But Elephant Butte Lake State Park is a big park and it surrounds a big reservoir–both of them are the biggest in the whole state.

The reservoir is about 40 miles long and features over 200 miles of coastline, making it a wonderful fishing and general beach-bumming location. But like Percha Dam, the real stars of the show here are the beautiful birds that visit.

Miles of trails around the park’s 40,000 acres allow birders to get a good look at a whole lot of avifauna, from warblers to hawks and water fowl to waders.

Paseo Del Bosque Trail

Located in the city of Albuquerque, the Paseo Del Bosque Trail is a popular trek on any sunny afternoon. For 16 miles this trail runs alongside the Rio Grande and for 16 miles the only glimpse of cars and traffic that you’ll get are from the very occasional overpasses that cruise above the path. This is a quiet, beautiful, and surprisingly peaceful trail in a very urban environment. Even when the path is crowded, it’s never really crowded–the people who use it all seem to understand how important it is to have a refuge from the city and tend to unanimously respect each other’s desire for tranquility.

Maybe one of the most beautiful urban trails in the whole of the southwest, the Paseo Del Bosque takes you past the Rio Grande Bio Park (a complex of zoo, aquarium, and botanical gardens), near a man-made lake, and through the high desert wilderness found just beyond the city’s peripheral vision. Catch sight of waders and water fowl in the river and song birds in the trees.

Visit the official site of Paseo Del Bosque Trail.

Gila River Bird Habitat Area

Special thanks to Jim and JAckie Blurton of CampSilverCity.com for contributing to this section.

Birders would really be interested to know about some of our special birding locations such as the Gila River Bird Habitat Area. This is a special management riparian area in the Gila National Forest that is protected migratory bird habitat. We also have Lake Roberts as well as fir and aspen forests. What makes birding great here is that the habitats range from riparian to high desert to forest, all within the Silver City area. A birder can find a wide variety of species within a short drive from Silver City.

About the State of New Mexico

You may be surprised to learn that New Mexico isn’t the dusty, hot, string of border-towns that Hollywood Westerns would have you believe it is. New Mexico’s geography and climate is classified as the high desert, which means that it doesn’t get too terribly hot in the summer and gets downright cold in the winter–snow and all. At over a mile in altitude Albuquerque is just as high in the sky as Denver. And New Mexico’s capital, Santa Fe, is another 1,500 feet higher than that!

With expansive blue skies, orange-red mesas, pink sun-lit mountains, and some surprisingly green forests, everywhere you turn in this corner of the high desert is another perfect photo op.

The state reveres the native peoples that inhabited this region long before it was admitted to the union, who in turn revered the land above all else. To honor the peoples, and thusly the gorgeous land they’ve worshipped for centuries, they decided to place a red Zia symbol on the state’s yellow flag, which is the symbol of a native tribe of New Mexico. Reverence is an important word in the Land of Enchantment, and how could it not be, with such a gorgeous landscape to wake up to every morning?

Delaware, nicknamed The First State, is one of the top birding destinations on the Atlantic coast, with a variety of wildlife refuges, state parks, and nature centers just waiting for your unforgettable visit.

Highlights:

• Most Common Birds — Canadian Goose, Great Horned Owl, Barred Owl, Mourning Dove
• Rare Birds — Fulvous Whistling-Duck, Greater White-fronted Goose, Eurasian Wigeon, King Eider, Harlequin Duck, Northern Bobwhite, Ring-Necked Pheasant, Wild Turkey
• Environment of Delaware — Lowlands, Rolling Hills, Coastal Plain, Rivers
• Best Time for Birdwatching Travel — A mild climate makes for excellent year-round birding across the state

Top 5 Delaware Birding Trails

The state of Delaware has plenty of fantastic birding hot spots–here’s a look at five of the best.

If you’re looking for additional, more detailed information on Delaware birding, I suggest you take a look at DelawareBirdingTrail.org.

Ashland Nature Center

The headquarters of the wonderful Delaware Nature Society is the Ashland Nature Center, located two miles east of the unincorporated township of Hockessin in the northernmost region of the state.

The Ashland Nature Center features a series of four self-guided tour trails that meander around the 130-acre wilderness. There’s a variety of terrains to explore, including meadows, fresh water marshes, and forests. You’ll be sure to catalogue plenty of field and woodland avifauna.

The Ashland visitor’s center features an incredible feeding station for resident and migratory birds, so you’re guaranteed to see flyers in action, even if you’re not very good at spotting them solo with your binocs on the trail.

If you’re looking to take a casual hike in the wilderness, you probably won’t find a more all-around enjoyable site than the Ashland Nature Center–it’s both educational and entertaining.

Visit the official site of Ashland Nature Center.

Delaware Bay Spectacle

Granted, this isn’t really a trail, but it’s certainly a can’t-miss birding opportunity in Delaware. While the exact details differ from year to year, the basic idea is that a great multitude of Horseshoe Crabs are born along the Delaware Bay shore every spring. Doesn’t sound like it has much to do with bird watching, does it? Well, it might not, except for the huge number of Sanderlings, Red Knots, Ruddy Turnstones, sandpipers and more that get distracted along their migration routes by this veritable smorgasbord.

Delaware is perhaps the top shorebird viewing destination in the country, and this crab feeding frenzy is only one of the many reasons why. There are several places to get an excellent view of this awesome spectacle, but if you’re brand new to the area, try the DuPont Nature Center on Slaughter Beach.

Delaware Seashore State Park

Located along the Coastal Highway–Delaware’s Highway 1–you’ll find the Delaware Seashore State Park, an area famous for the abundance of water birds and land birds alike.

The beaches at the Delaware Seashore State Park are a huge draw for vacationers looking for a swim and a suntan, but they’re also prime locations for spotting loons, grebes, geese, and ducks aplenty. There are also the dune scrub lands on the other side of the beach access roads, where you can set your sights on over-land flyers visiting during migration or living as residents.

If you’re traveling during the months from late fall to early spring, you absolutely have to explore the North and South Jetties, which feature an abundance of sea ducks at that time, such as Long-tailed Ducks, Common Eider and Razorbill Ducks. You might even get the chance to collect the rare Harlequin Duck there if you’re looking hard enough.

Visit the official site of Delaware Seashore Park.

Abbott’s Mill Nature Center

The Abbott’s Mill Nature Center is managed by the Delaware Nature Society–the same folks who take care of the Ashland Nature Center and call it home. This center features myriad hiking trail, not to mention several canoeing opportunities on its 23 acres of ponds and streams.

During any season of the year, you can catch some glorious glimpses of woodland avifauna, either on the water or on the paths. Plenty of migratory birds join the local residents–which include Barred Owls and Pileated Woodpeckers–in this mill pond wonderland.

The Center itself is incredibly active, hosting plenty of field trips, overnight summer trips for kids, and a good deal of instructional and educational activities for all ages. Learn about the area while cataloguing some beautiful flyers at the Abbott’s Mill Nature Center.

Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge

You could easily spend a whole week, let alone a single day, at the vast Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge. With over 16,000 acres and five hiking trails–two of which are even handicap accessible–you’ll have plenty to look at here on the edge of the Delaware Bay.

Bombay Hook is Delaware’s most famous birding site for a very good reason–with a hugely diverse array of different terrains, you can be sure the number of birds here is gargantuan. Mudflats, marshes, forests, plains, and meadows offer birding opportunities galore.

One of the best places to observe avifauna at Bombay Hook is Raymond Pond, where you are guaranteed to spot a vast variety of waterfowl and shore birds. If there’s one place you need to visit for excellent bird watching in Delaware, make it Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge–it’s simply spectacular.

Visit the official site of Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge.

About the State of Delaware

Delaware was the first colony to ratify the Constitution of the U.S., officially making it the first state of the union–hence its nickname. Nestled along the Atlantic coast, with borders touching Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland, Delaware is the second smallest state in the country–only beaten by Rhode Island–but its rivers, beaches, plains, and rolling Appalachian hills make it a prime spot for birding enthusiasts.

Nearly the entire state is on a level plane of elevation, with its highest point being less than 500 feet above sea level. This means that you won’t find avifauna indigenous to mountainous areas, but there are still plenty of waterfowl and woodland flyers around to catalogue and collect.

Even though the state has four distinct seasons, the climate of Delaware is moderated nicely by the nearby Atlantic Ocean, making it a perfect year-round bird watching destination. Winter can certainly be cold and summer has been known to be hot, but extreme temperatures aren’t incredibly frequent and even when they are, they’re still far more bearable here than in other parts of the country. Delaware is often considered The First State, not just in terms of Constitution ratification, but also in coastal bird collecting.