Birding Migration Hotspots in the USA!

The words bird spring migration are enough to bring a gleam to any birder’s eye. Spring birding is legendary. Birds are flaunting their very best and brightest feather colors as they prepare for mating season. Their journeys take them across hundreds and even thousands of miles, giving birders a chance to see a wider variety of birds. Though migratory birds can (and do) show up anywhere, some spots are better than others. Things that make an outstanding bird spring migration hotspot include:

• Resting places before or after water crossings. Areas on the edges of large lakes, gulfs, bays, or oceans draw migrants as they rest in anticipation of their crossing, or recover from their extended efforts. Some examples include Magee Marsh and Point Pelee on the shores of Lake Erie.
• Stands of trees or water in otherwise open spaces. When birds journey across places like the Great Plains, trees or bodies of water become an immediate draw. The same goes for parks in urban places like Central Park in New York.
• Food and fresh water. When you’re crossing a desert or a large body of salt water, there’s little food and fresh drinking water to be had. That makes places like the Dry Tortugas a real attraction for migrating birds.

Our friends at Bird&Bloom gathered a list of some of the best bird spring migration hotspots across the United States. Once you’re there, chat with other birders and find out where the action is. Finally, remember to be considerate to other birders, natural areas, and the birds.

Bird Migration Hotspots - Birds&Blooms