From coastal wetlands to rugged mountains, these states offer prime birding opportunities year-round.
Birdwatching isn’t just a hobby—it’s an adventure that brings people closer to nature, offering glimpses of rare and migratory species in their natural habitats. The U.S. is home to diverse ecosystems, from dense forests to coastal marshes, making it a paradise for birders. Some states stand out more than others, offering prime locations where birdwatchers can spot everything from bald eagles to vibrant warblers.
Whether you prefer observing shorebirds along the coast or scanning treetops in mountain forests, these states deliver incredible opportunities to witness avian wonders.
1. A staggering number of bird species call Texas home.
From the Gulf Coast to the desert landscapes of Big Bend, Texas boasts some of the most diverse birding opportunities in the country. Over 600 species have been recorded here, making it a dream destination for birdwatchers of all levels.
The Rio Grande Valley is famous for sightings of the striking green jay and Altamira oriole, two species rarely seen elsewhere in the U.S. On the coast, Bolivar Flats and Aransas National Wildlife Refuge attract flocks of whooping cranes, while the marshlands teem with roseate spoonbills and other wading birds. No matter the season, Texas offers a rich and ever-changing birding experience.
2. Few places in the U.S. rival Alaska’s remote birding opportunities.
For those seeking rare Arctic species, Alaska is one of the most rewarding destinations in North America. The extreme seasonal shifts bring an influx of migratory birds in summer, transforming its tundras, wetlands, and coastlines into bustling breeding grounds. These dramatic seasonal changes create unique birding opportunities that shift throughout the year.
The Pribilof Islands in the Bering Sea are world-renowned for their puffin colonies, while Denali National Park offers golden eagle sightings against a backdrop of towering peaks. Along the Kenai Peninsula, coastal wetlands host enormous gatherings of shorebirds, making it an exceptional place to observe migration in full swing.
3. Florida’s wetlands attract birders year-round.
With its mix of coastal estuaries, freshwater marshes, and tropical forests, Florida serves as a critical stop along the Atlantic Flyway. Sandhill cranes and anhingas are year-round residents, while migratory species such as painted buntings arrive seasonally.
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge offers prime opportunities to observe roseate spoonbills feeding in the shallows, while the Everglades provide essential habitat for the endangered snail kite. Whether scanning the skies or wading through cypress swamps, birding in Florida is endlessly rewarding.
4. Hummingbird diversity in Arizona is unmatched.
Southeastern Arizona is one of the best places in North America to observe hummingbirds. Over a dozen species—including the broad-billed and violet-crowned hummingbirds—flock to feeding stations in Madera Canyon and Ramsey Canyon Preserve.
In addition to hummingbirds, the region is home to the elusive elegant trogon, a striking bird that attracts birders from around the world. The Grand Canyon also provides a breathtaking setting for spotting California condors, whose slow, soaring flight can be seen against the canyon walls.
5. A coastline rich with seabirds makes California a must-visit.
Towering cliffs, vast wetlands, and rolling hills make California one of the most ecologically diverse states for birding. Along the Pacific coast, brown pelicans skim the waves while murres and gulls nest on rocky outcroppings.
Point Reyes National Seashore is a premier destination for birdwatchers, particularly during migration. Inland, the Salton Sea is one of the most important stopover sites in the western U.S., attracting tens of thousands of waterfowl and waders each season.
6. Michigan’s location makes it a migration hotspot.
Situated along two major flyways, Michigan plays a key role in bird migration. Its diverse mix of shorelines, wetlands, and forests offers refuge to countless species throughout the year.
Whitefish Point Bird Observatory, positioned along Lake Superior, provides ideal conditions for observing raptors, loons, and boreal songbirds. Deeper into the state, trumpeter swans thrive in Michigan’s inland lakes, while sandhill cranes gather in impressive numbers during the fall migration.
7. Offshore islands in Maine hold some of the best seabird colonies.
Maine’s rugged coastline is a haven for seabirds. Islands such as Eastern Egg Rock and Machias Seal Island serve as nesting grounds for puffins and razorbills, drawing birdwatchers eager to see them in their natural habitat.
Acadia National Park provides an entirely different birding experience, where warblers fill the forests and peregrine falcons nest along rocky cliffs. Birding trails throughout the state allow enthusiasts to explore tidal marshes, boreal woodlands, and rocky shorelines, ensuring diverse sightings throughout the year.
8. Louisiana’s bayous and swamps are filled with life.
The wetlands of Louisiana host an astonishing variety of bird species, from wading birds to raptors. Great egrets and black-bellied whistling ducks thrive in the cypress swamps, while the Gulf Coast serves as an important migration stopover.
Cameron Parish is one of the top birding destinations in the U.S., where warblers, flycatchers, and shorebirds descend in massive numbers each spring and fall. The Atchafalaya Basin supports nesting herons, ibises, and birds of prey, offering year-round birding opportunities in a landscape unlike any other.
9. Boreal forests and wetlands make Minnesota a haven for rare species.
Minnesota’s combination of dense woodlands and vast lakes supports a diverse array of bird species, including those rarely seen elsewhere in the U.S. Sax-Zim Bog, a top winter birding destination, attracts great gray owls and boreal chickadees.
During the warmer months, lakes and wetlands fill with trumpeter swans and common loons. The Mississippi River flyway brings waves of songbirds and waterfowl through the state, while forests shelter pileated woodpeckers and northern goshawks, making every season a rewarding time to explore.
10. From coastal shores to alpine peaks, Washington is full of surprises.
Dramatic landscapes make Washington an exciting state for birdwatching. The San Juan Islands offer ideal conditions for spotting bald eagles and black oystercatchers, while the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge attracts thousands of migratory waterfowl.
Up in the Cascades, Mount Rainier National Park provides high-altitude birding, with species like the varied thrush, gray jay, and northern pygmy owl thriving in the old-growth forests. With such a range of environments, Washington delivers an ever-changing array of birdwatching opportunities.
11. Raptors fill the skies over Pennsylvania’s mountain ridges.
Every fall, Pennsylvania becomes one of the best states in the country for hawk migration. Hawk Mountain Sanctuary draws birders hoping to watch thousands of hawks, eagles, and falcons soaring south.
Forests and wetlands across the state offer even more variety. Wooded trails reveal glimpses of barred owls and scarlet tanagers, while wetland reserves like John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge provide excellent chances to observe wading birds and waterfowl in their natural habitat.
12. Coastal and mountain birding make North Carolina a top choice.
The Outer Banks provide a crucial refuge for shorebirds, while Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge attracts waterfowl in impressive numbers. In the mountains, the Blue Ridge Parkway introduces birders to high-altitude species such as warblers, vireos, and peregrine falcons.
Beyond these well-known sites, North Carolina’s river systems and inland wetlands support migratory birds throughout the year. The Great Dismal Swamp, a sprawling wildlife refuge, shelters prothonotary warblers and wood ducks. Birding festivals across the state highlight migration seasons, giving visitors guided tours and expert insights into the region’s rich avian diversity.