Birdwatchers share their favorite birdwatching locations in the US

Becoming a birdwatcher is simple – just step outside.

From New York City's bustling streets to California's rugged coast, birds are all around – and observing these beautiful creatures is completely free.

As per the US Fish & Wildlife Service, around 45 million Americans identify as birdwatchers, and during the pandemic, interest in birding surged. In 2020, the number of downloads for bird-identification apps like Merlin Bird ID and the National Audubon Society's Mobile Bird Guide doubled, and sales of birding gear increased by nearly 50%. Even now, birdwatching remains incredibly popular.

“Birdwatching alters your perspective, enriching your understanding and fostering connections: between sounds and seasons, across distant lands, and between our identities and a wild world that both uplifts and includes us,” writes NYC birdwatcher Christian Cooper in his 2023 memoir Better Living Through Birding (a New York Times Bestseller). “For me, it has opened a window to the extraordinary.”

However, not all birdwatching spots are created equal – we consulted with American bird experts to discover which US destinations stand out for bird enthusiasts. Here are their top picks.

1. Harlingen, Texas

At the southernmost point of Texas, Harlingen shines as a premier birdwatching destination, especially during the Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival in the fall migration season.

A successful day of birdwatching on the East Coast might yield 50 to 60 species, but in Harlingen, you could see nearly 100 species in just a few hours. Enthusiasts will revel in the diverse array of breeding birds migrating south from Canada, and they'll be particularly thrilled by the vibrant species from Central America and Mexico that occasionally visit the region.

With a variety of endemic birds found nowhere else in the US, Texas offers countless reasons to be excited about birding year-round. Highlights include the stunning green jay, showcasing brilliant emerald, saffron, and navy feathers, and the chachalaca, which, despite its elegant shape reminiscent of a small velociraptor, emits a sound akin to a struggling trumpet player.

2. New York City, New York

Molly Adams, founder of the Feminist Bird Club, was taken aback when she opened the eBird app and discovered that Brooklyn's Prospect Park is among the most ecologically diverse birdwatching hotspots in New York City. While pigeons dominate the streets, they face tough competition from the city's 1700 parks.

The urban green spaces in New York City offer essential havens for over 200 species of migratory birds during their journeys in spring and fall. 'These pocket parks are integral to the Atlantic Flyway, allowing you to spot nearly 100 species in a single day during migration,' she explains.

Adams, who champions inclusive birdwatching opportunities for BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and women, appreciates the lengthy birding season in autumn. Yet, she asserts that nothing rivals the joy of winter birding followed by the arrival of spring. 'Colorful birds abound,' she notes, whether it's a scarlet tanager in Central Park or a ruby-throated hummingbird darting through Jamaica Bay. New York City, the most populous city in America, boasts an impressive variety of biodiversity. 'It truly fuels my passion for birding,' Adams reflects.

3. Toledo, Ohio

While Toledo may not be on everyone's travel radar, the surrounding area is unmatched for birders attending the Biggest Week in American Birding Festival. Each May, the southern shores of Lake Erie transform into the unofficial warbler capital of the world, with more than 300 species migrating from South America to Canada.

Fatigued warblers often stop in Toledo to recharge before their journey across Lake Erie into Canada, with the Magee Marsh Wildlife Area being a favored resting spot. Visitors can stroll along a boardwalk to witness this avian paradise, and despite the spring migration crowds, you're still likely to spot a multitude of bird species.

4. Point Reyes National Seashore, California

Located thirty miles north of San Francisco, the San Andreas fault divides the California coast, giving rise to Point Reyes National Seashore. This stunning area features rolling hills to the east, crashing ocean waves on pristine beaches to the west, and is home to nearly 500 bird species inhabiting its 70,000 acres of protected land year-round.

With its rich mix of forests, estuaries, and grasslands, this region is a haven for birds migrating along the Pacific Flyway. Notably, the endangered snowy plover, a small cream-white bird, scurries along the shore. According to the National Audubon Society, birders also enjoy the nearby Bolinas Lagoon, “where the tidal estuary attracts waterfowl, wading birds, and, when conditions are right, large flocks of shorebirds.”

5. Everglades National Park, Florida

While alligators are the stars of the Everglades, North America's wading birds play a vital role in the wetlands ecosystem of Florida.

Kayakers and canoeists can glide along the Gulf Coast to observe egrets, ibises, and roseate spoonbills foraging in the shallows. The biking and hiking paths at Shark Valley, just an hour's drive from Miami, provide a welcome escape from South Florida's suburban life for those seeking birdwatching adventures. Winter is particularly favorable for birding, offering “the greatest diversity of birds and optimal conditions,” says Brian Rapoza, Field Trip Coordinator for the Tropical Audubon Society. “A seasonal highlight is the return of swallow-tailed kites from their winter habitats in Central and South America, typically around the second or third week of February.”

6. Tucson, Arizona

From Saguaro National Park to the nearby Chiricahua Mountains, Tucson and its surroundings boast a wealth of species unique to the US. “It's a favored destination for birders maintaining national lists of birds seen across North America,” says Will Russell, owner of the local bird tour company Wings.

Spring is the peak season for birdwatching, but the July monsoon season introduces a variety of international visitors. “Hummingbirds that nest in Mexico move north, resulting in sometimes 12 or 13 different species instead of the usual six or seven,” Russell notes.

Tucson's bird scene is remarkable for more than just the birds themselves. “Tucson attracts many bird enthusiasts who choose to retire here,” shares Jennie MacFarland, Bird Conservation Biologist for the Tucson Audubon Society. “It boasts a vibrant birding community.” Local birdwatchers can frequently be seen at the Sweetwater Wetlands, hiking Mount Lemmon, or observing the bird feeders in Madera Canyon.

7. Cape May, New Jersey

If Alfred Hitchcock's 1963 thriller The Birds makes you uneasy, you might want to avoid Cape May during October's migration season. The Audubon festival's motto, “So Many Birds,” is truly an understatement.

During the spring and fall migrations, birds traveling along the Atlantic Coast converge in Cape May, a peninsula located at New Jersey's southern tip. This creates a vibrant spectacle of avian activity. Whether you're observing warblers at the Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge or raptors at Higbee Beach, just glance up and you'll likely spot 15-20 birds navigating their way to the next stop on their journey.

One of the most stunning sights amid this avian frenzy is the peregrine falcon. While many birds struggle against strong winds, peregrine falcons effortlessly slice through the air, appearing graceful and confident – a tranquil presence amid the turmoil.

This sense of calm is precisely what makes birdwatching so enticing.