Spring is the season of new life—and for bird watchers, it’s the most exciting time of the year. Grab your binoculars and head to these incredible US birding destinations where migration comes alive.
Bird watching might be considered a quiet hobby, but for many, it’s an exciting adventure. There’s something magical about spotting rare species in their natural habitat—especially when it’s paired with stunning landscapes.
Spring is one of the best times to go birding since so many species are migrating, giving you the chance to witness this incredible natural event up close. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just getting started, these top spots across the US are some of the best places to see feathered friends in action this spring.
Where to Go for Spring Bird Watching in the US
Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico
When the wetlands here begin to dry up and spring colors start to bloom, Bosque Del Apache comes alive. The Sandhill cranes, snow geese, and ducks that fill the refuge in winter move out, making way for waves of migrating birds that stop for food and rest.
Birds to look for: Sandpipers, Dunlins, Curlews, Redheads, Avocets, Plovers, Black-necked Stilts, Cormorants, Cinnamon Teals, Pied-billed Grebes, Red-tailed Hawks, flycatchers, vireos, warblers, and Northern Shovelers. (You might even spot a few painted turtles!)
Cape May, New Jersey
Cape May is one of the top birding destinations on the East Coast, and May (fittingly) is the perfect time to visit. Sitting at the point where the Atlantic seaboard meets the Delaware Bay, its marshes, woodlands, and beaches create the perfect stopover for migrating birds.
Birds to look for: Dozens of warbler species, waterthrushes, American redstarts, Yellowthroats, grosbeaks, orioles, Indigo buntings, scarlet tanagers, wrens, sparrows, kingbirds, clapper rails, Mississippi kites, and flycatchers.
Magee Marsh, Ohio
If a place has a 10-day birding festival every May, you know it’s something special! Magee Marsh, perched on Lake Erie, is famous for its warblers. In fact, more species of warblers pass through here than anywhere else in the world—over 30 during migration. Late April and May are the best times to visit, but be ready for big crowds of fellow bird lovers.
Birds to look for: Warblers galore, plus swans, thrushes, orioles, vireos, herons, egrets, sparrows, and woodcocks.
Central Park, New York
It might surprise you, but Central Park is one of the best urban birding spots in the country. This 843-acre oasis is filled with woodlands, gardens, and ponds that provide perfect resting places for migrating birds. The Ramble is the most popular area, with its dense trees often buzzing with warblers in the spring.
Birds to look for: Warblers, sparrows, robins, juncos, starlings, jays, and even falcons.
High Island, Texas
Rising about 32 feet above the surrounding area, High Island is a prime stopover for birds migrating across the Gulf of Mexico. The lush vegetation and plentiful food make it a haven for both songbirds and raptors, with more than 350 species recorded here.
Birds to look for: Warblers, flycatchers, grosbeaks, and hawks.
Point Reyes National Seashore, California
Point Reyes is a coastal gem boasting over 70,000 acres of protected land. Its mix of wetlands, grasslands, and woodlands provides incredible habitat for over 450 recorded bird species. No matter where you wander, there’s something to see here in spring.
Birds to look for: Warblers, sparrows, thrushes, wrens, hummingbirds, woodpeckers, owls, and more.
Best birding spots in Point Reyes:
- Giacomini Wetlands: Waterfowl, shorebirds, egrets, and ospreys
- Abbotts Lagoon: Raptors and ducks
- Bolinas Lagoon: Kingfishers and pelicans
- Bear Valley: Warblers, wrens, thrushes, hummingbirds
- Limantour: Wading birds and raptors
- Five Brooks Pond: Woodpeckers, swallows, and warblers
Dry Tortugas, Florida
Far off the coast of the Florida Keys, the Dry Tortugas are a secluded paradise for birders. These islands are an essential stop for migrating birds from the Caribbean and South America, and they’re also a key breeding ground for some rare species.
Birds to look for: Brown and black noddies, sooty terns, frigatebirds, and masked boobies.
(Pro tip: while you’re there, don’t miss snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters—you’ll see marine life that’s just as exciting as the birding!)
Big Bend National Park, Texas
Big Bend is massive—one of the largest birding areas in the US—and it’s home to a wide variety of habitats and birds. From desert to mountains to riverbanks, there are plenty of spots to explore.
Birding hotspots in Big Bend: Blue Creek, Rio Grande, Sam Nail Ranch, Dugout Wells, Cottonwood Campground, and the Chisos Mountains.
Everglades National Park, Florida
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Everglades is one of the world’s most unique birding destinations. Its mangroves, wetlands, and grasslands are home to more than 350 species, including tropical wading birds and impressive birds of prey.
Birds to look for: Herons, egrets, ibises, wood storks, ospreys, and more. (Keep an eye out for manatees, crocodiles, and sea turtles too!)
Spring Bird Watching Adventures
Spring is a season of renewal, and for bird watchers, it’s the most rewarding time of year. Millions of birds migrate across the US, offering something new to see at every destination. Whether you love coastal wetlands, mountain ranges, or city parks, there’s a birding spot waiting to inspire you this season.
