Best Birding Hotspots in North America

10 Bird Watching Destinations Near Sun Outdoors Resorts

There's no question if it's a bird or a plane for serious bird watching enthusiasts. Birding is a popular pastime and a great activity to try during your next vacation. To get started, visit one of these birding hotspots, conveniently located near Sun RV Resorts across North America.

1. Cape May, New Jersey

It may be densely populated, but Cape May, New Jersey happens to be one of the best birding spots on the Atlantic Coast. From May through June, you'll spot shorebirds, waterfowl, and plenty of songbirds. But be sure to visit during September and October for the raptor migration, when you're likely to see multiple hawks in a single viewing.

2. Marble Falls, Texas

Located in the heart of Texas Hill Country, Marble Falls is perfect for viewing sparrows in late winter. Each year, Sparrowfest is held in early February to see the small birds in Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge. Register early, as spots fill up quickly!

3. Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, Maryland

The Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge spans 27,000 acres along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay in coastal Maryland. Here, you'll discover herons and marsh birds, while ducks and geese pass through seasonally. A significant bald eagle population also calls Blackwater home.

4. J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Florida

Florida is home to numerous birding hotspots, but J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge takes the cake. This Sanibel Island destination features wading birds like the Wood Stork, White Ibis, and Mangrove Cuckoo.

Visit between December and April to see the greatest variety of species. Plus, a perk of this location is that you can view many birds from your car along Wildlife Drive!

5. Saguaro National Park, Arizona

The amount of great birding spots in Arizona is too great to list, but head southeast of Tucson and you're sure to find a few. An excellent spot to start is at Saguaro National Park. Between December and April, you'll see Gray Hawks, Mexican Jays, and more than a dozen hummingbird species.

6. Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, Pennsylvania

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is a bird watching hotspot unlike any other. From your perch on the rocky North Lookout, you'll watch as thousands of hawks, eagles, and other raptors soar past.

The annual southbound migration takes place between September and October. Though it may be busy, you'll be able to see birds of prey gliding by, just yards away from you. Additionally, you can visit during late spring to spot nesting songbirds.

7. Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, Virginia

Explore the Atlantic Coast at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. From fall through spring, you'll find migrating shorebirds, songbirds, and raptors. Plus, there are multiple species of gulls and localized populations of Snow Geese.

8. Point Pelee National Park, Ontario

Situated on a peninsula in Lake Erie, Ontario's Point Pelee National Park features a wide array of songbirds. During the month of May, you'll find Baltimore Orioles, Nashville Warblers, and Kinglets. Throughout the fall, you'll be able to spot hawks migrating through the region.

9. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Florida

Just one hour south of Daytona Beach is Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Scads of bird species call this spot home, but keep an eye out for pelicans, herons, and Roseate Spoonbills. You'll have your best chances for viewing between fall and spring.

10. Niagara Falls, New York

It may be touristy, but Niagara Falls also has more gulls than almost anywhere else in the world. Between October and December, you'll see Bonaparte's Gulls, Iceland Gulls, Great Black-backed Gulls, and more. Plus, you may spot other rare birds like Pacific Loons.

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