The best birding spots in the US national parks

Bird lovers around the world know that the US is a place with a decent number of national parks with fantastic birding spots. All of you that enjoy traveling with your binoculars to observe the different bird species can now relax because here’s a list of the best birding spots that you can visit depending on where you live and what kind of birds you prefer to see.

A bird watching road trip across the country is also a good idea for those of you who have more time and money to spend.

Acadia National Park

Puffin gang – Author: Steve Garvie – CC BY-SA 2.0
Puffin gang – Author: Steve Garvie – CC BY-SA 2.0

Acadia National Park’s Atlantic cold waters are where plankton blooms. The plankton provides food for the fish, and the seabirds love to eat fish. If you want to see some Atlantic puffins, you need to visit Acadia National Park and observe these amazingly cute birds during their mating season.

Big Cypress National Preserve

Bird at Oasis Visitor Center of Big Cypress National Preserve – Author: Pietro – CC BY-SA 3.0
Bird at Oasis Visitor Center of Big Cypress National Preserve – Author: Pietro – CC BY-SA 3.0

Big Cypress National Preserve has one of the most heavily populated highways for birds in the world. There is a canal that courses along the scenic drive where a stunning bird population lives. There is no place on this planet where you can see more Great Egrets, Snowy Egrets, Belted Kingfishers, and Anhinga from your car. Driving through this national preserve is a real treat for all bird lovers who are really keen on bird photography. Pull over by the road from time to time and enjoy seeing the birds in their natural habitat.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

A wood warbler – Author: Steve Garvie – CC BY-SA 2.0
A wood warbler – Author: Steve Garvie – CC BY-SA 2.0

Warblers are cute, tiny birds that you can see in the area of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. There are more than 23 warbler species that you can observe during their migration period. Another park on the Lake Superior shore that offers excellent birding opportunities is the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. If you are in the region and you have enough time, visit both parks.

Olympic National Park

Red-breasted Nuthatch – Author: Walter Siegmund (talk) – CC BY-SA 3.0, CC BY-SA 2.5, CC BY-SA 2.0, CC BY-SA 1.0
Red-breasted Nuthatch – Author: Walter Siegmund (talk) – CC BY-SA 3.0, CC BY-SA 2.5, CC BY-SA 2.0, CC BY-SA 1.0

Olympic National Park goes beyond the expectations of all its visitors and none more than the birders. Here you can find a temperate rainforest, treeless mountaintops, and a coastline, and with good planning, you can visit all the different sections in one single day. The bird varieties in Olympic reach insane levels, and if bird watching is your hobby, this is one of the best national parks you can visit. The most interesting birds you can see here are the Sooty Grouse in the mountains, the Red-naped Sapsucker, and the endangered Marbled Murrelet that spends all day fishing in the sea.

Everglades National Park

A great blue heron at Anhinga Trail – Author: Zoohouse – CC BY-SA 3.0
A great blue heron at Anhinga Trail – Author: Zoohouse – CC BY-SA 3.0

When people think of the Everglades, they think of birds. Of course, alligators too, but the birds are the stars of this amazingly beautiful park. The birding champion among the national parks in the US, Everglades has more than 500 different bird species who live there throughout the year. The Anhinga Trail is one of the most famous bird trails in the world where all you need to do is to show up, and the birds will come to you.

The Everglades is the best birding spot in the States because you don’t need to be lucky to see the feathered inhabitants, as they are just everywhere. If you are a passionate birder, then get down to the Everglades. And if you’re not, well, you’ll become one for sure when you see all those bright-colored birds.

Birdwatching is a perfect way to spend some time on a sunny day in one of the country’s parks, preserves, and lakeshores. Even if you only have one day to go for a walk, plan it and organize it well, get your binoculars, comfortable shoes, some sunscreen, water, and snacks. It’s easy to enjoy yourself if you know what you want. Good luck with your next birding adventure!

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stef-zisovska

stef-zisovska is one of the authors writing for Outdoor Revival