Best Birding Destinations in North America

North America has staggering birding diversity. From arctic tundra to subtropical wetlands, the continent supports over 900 regularly occurring species. Some locations consistently produce extraordinary birding experiences because of their geography, habitat diversity, or position along migration routes.

Southeast Arizona

The sky islands of southeast Arizona are unlike anywhere else on the continent.

Mountain ranges rise from desert grassland, creating isolated pockets of pine and oak forest that harbor species found nowhere else in the United States. Elegant Trogon nests in the sycamore canyons. Hummingbird feeders in places like Madera Canyon attract a dozen species simultaneously. Best time: April through September. Expect 150 to 200 species on a week-long trip.

South Texas Rio Grande Valley

The Rio Grande Valley at the southern tip of Texas is the northernmost extent of many Mexican and Central American species.

Green Jay, Great Kiskadee, Altamira Oriole, and Plain Chachalaca are year-round residents found nowhere else in the US. The Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge and Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park are world-class. Winter is the best time to visit. A week can produce 200 species.

Point Pelee, Ontario

Point Pelee is a peninsula that juts into Lake Erie, creating a natural funnel for migrating songbirds.

In May, waves of warblers, vireos, and thrushes pile into the tip after crossing the lake. On peak days, the trees drip with colorful birds at eye level. The Festival of Birds in early to mid-May draws birders from around the world. On a good day, 25 to 30 warbler species is achievable.

Cape May, New Jersey

Cape May funnels southbound migrants into a concentrated area from August through November.

Hawks, shorebirds, songbirds, and seabirds all pass through in enormous numbers. The hawk watch platform at Cape May Point State Park is legendary. On peak days in October, thousands of Sharp-shinned Hawks and Cooper's Hawks stream past.

Bosque del Apache, New Mexico

Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge hosts tens of thousands of Sandhill Cranes and Snow Geese from November through February. The dawn fly-out, when thousands of cranes lift off as the sun rises, is breathtaking. The Festival of the Cranes in November is a popular event.

Everglades National Park, Florida

Winter birding in the Everglades is exceptional. Wading birds concentrate around shrinking water pools as the dry season progresses. Roseate Spoonbill, Wood Stork, and multiple egret species feed in the open. The Anhinga Trail is one of the most productive short birding walks in the country. You can see 30 species without walking more than a mile. December through April is the best time.

Monterey Bay, California

Monterey Bay is one of the premier pelagic birding locations in the world. Deep submarine canyons create upwelling that supports incredible marine biodiversity. Boat trips produce Black-footed Albatross, multiple shearwater species, and storm-petrels. Late summer through fall is best for pelagic trips.

Churchill, Manitoba

Churchill sits on Hudson Bay and provides access to arctic and subarctic species that are difficult to see elsewhere. Snowy Owl, Ross's Gull, Smith's Longspur, and tundra-nesting shorebirds are accessible here. June is best for birding. Access is by air or rail only.

Planning Your Trip

Most destinations have active birding communities and local guides available. Hiring a guide for your first visit is worth every dollar. Check eBird hotspot data before you go. North America's birding diversity is remarkable, and these destinations represent the best the continent has to offer.