Bird Migration Hotspots: Where to Bird Watch This Spring

The harbingers of spring announce the coming of longer days, better weather, and lots of outside fun! Spring flowers are lovely, but they are not alone when it comes to making a comeback in the spring. Birds migrate north for mating season in the spring. This is great for bird watchers because the flocks travel in more of a blitz during a shorter time frame than in the fall, making them denser. The males will have their brightest plumage to attract mates.

As we let you in on the best locations to see our feathered friends on the move, make sure you know where to look when you get there. Birds tend to congregate before or after water crossings, in stands of trees or water in places that are otherwise open, and anywhere they can find plentiful food and fresh water.

Central Park, NYC

It might come as a surprise to some, but more than 30 kinds of perching birds make a pit stop at one of the world’s most famous parks during their spring migration. The park is an open secret among birdwatchers who can regularly see up to 40 bird species that live there year round. Red-bellied woodpeckers, hawks, falcons, blue jays, and grackles are all common sights in Central Park.

Eastern Texas Coast

Texas’ Gulf of Mexico coast is often the sight of what is commonly called bird fallout. This phenomenon happens when a whole flock settles to rest all at once. In Texas, some of the birds have been in the air for 18 hours coming from Latin America. This means that seeing an entire flock resting on the Texas coast is very likely in the spring. More than 500 species have been seen along the coast including both songbirds and shorebirds.

Moore’s Bridge Park

Moore’s Bridge Park in Whiteburg, Georgia provides an ample area for migrating birds to find everything they need along their journey. This is a great area to rest with ample perching in addition to a solid supply of food and water. The best places to see birds in the park are along the Chattahoochee River banks and on the hiking trails that run through the park. Woodpeckers, barred owls, yellow billed cuckoos, and chipping sparrows can all be found here.

Great Lakes Region

The Great Lakes region, covering over 94,000 square miles and 32,000 islands, features wetlands and forests that serve as vital stopovers for migratory birds. Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, near Toledo, Ohio, is a prime spot for birdwatching, especially for warblers like the myrtle, yellow, and Cape May. Mid-to-late May is the best time to visit, aligning with the Biggest Week in American Birding, which is organized by Black Swamp Bird Observatory.