Did you know that there are over 900 bird species in America?
Each year millions of Americans flock to National Parks to enjoy the beauty of birds and for their chance to spot iconic species such as bears, wolves, pronghorn and bison.
With so many National Parks which one should you choose?
Here is a list of the Top 10 National Parks you should visit for your next Birding Adventure…
1. Point Reyes National Seashore, California
Point Reyes is an unsung natural oasis full of majestic beauty. Here you will be able to view over 405 species of birds in habitats such as the beach, forest, grasslands and freshwater ponds. Amongst these you should keep an eye out for the ‘American Kestrel’.
2. Gateway National Recreation Area, New York
Have you ever heard of the “Central Park Effect”? Well this basically refers to when birds migrate to finder greener lands. With fantastic shore habitats and fantastic marsh, the Gateway National Recreation is home to over 375 species of birds. Keep an eye out for the ‘Least Tern’.
3. Big Bend National Park, Texas
Located on the Mexican Border the Big Bend National Park is home to over 360 species of birds that are uncommon in the north. Amongst these is the unique ‘Colima Warbler’.
4. Death Valley National Park, California
Located in a desert and dry landscape Death Valley National Park surprisingly has over 322 species of birds. You will find these flocked at the Furnace Creek section of the park where birds will often seek shade and water. Keep an eye out for the ‘Greater Road Runner’.
5. Cape Cod National Seashore, Massachusetts
Located close to the Atlantic, Cape Cod is a common refueling spot for many species of shorebird and oceanic birds. Here you will be able to spot over 339 species of birds, including the ‘Great Shearwater’.
6. Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland
When you think of Assateague you often think of ‘Wild Horses’, but did you know that there are over 333 species of birds you can find here? With so many dunes, ponds and forests concentrated in one area it is no wonder that it is home to many birds such as the ‘Black Skimmers’.
7. Gulf Islands National Seashore, Florida
Located on Coastal Islands, the Gulf Islands National Seashore, attracts over 325 species of birds that migrate from Yucatan Peninsula over the Gulf of Mexico. Amongst these is the ‘Painted Bunting’.
8. Golden Gate National Recreation Area, California
This urban spot protects many important habitats such as forests, beaches and lagoons. Here you will find over 310 species of birds including the majestic ‘White-Tailed Kite’.
9. Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Located in the Chihuahuan Desert of Southern New Mexico, the Carlsbad Caverns National Park features over 100 caves and is home to over 310 bird species. Keep an eye out for the ‘Vermillion Flycatcher’.
10. Padre Island National Seashore, Texas
The Padre Island National Seashore is one of a few hypersaline lagoons in the world. With year round warmth it is home to over 292 species of birds, including the flamboyant ‘Roseate Spoonbill’.
Best Tools For Bird Watching
Well, there you have it! The Top 10 National Parks For Bird Watching! All you need now is the right tools to help you enjoy your bird watching experiences and we recommend two tools:
At USA Binoculars we'd love to hear about your bird watching adventures! Shoot us an email at media@usa-binoculars.com to share any great birding photos or hotspots!