I am new to bIrding andwould like some help with something I'm planning in the future. I graduate from grad school may 16 and we'll be able to go on a vacation on approximately May 20. I was wondering what area in the lower 48 states would be a good destination for birding at that time. Thanks for all the help
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help with vacation! (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter markseth
- Start date
ovenbird43
Well-known member
Well, pretty much everywhere is great in mid-May. We can narrow it down if you provide a bit more information- for instance, where have you been before? Are there any particularly species you'd love to see, or do you want to go somewhere with a lot of new species for you? You mention "we"- will you be traveling with other birders, or with friends/family that might want to include some hiking, sightseeing, etc.?
South Texas is certainly a good option - the coast near Houston offers a ton of great birding spots (Galveston, High Island, Bolivar, Anahauc, etc.) with particular focus on migrating shore and songbirds and nesting waders.
Even further south, near the Rio Grande Valley area, you will be afforded with a plethora of gorgeous and unusual birds that you won't see anywhere else in the U.S.
Portions of Southern Arizona, such as near the Chihuahuan Mountains, will offer similar looks at odd and unique birds.
All the best,
Justin
Even further south, near the Rio Grande Valley area, you will be afforded with a plethora of gorgeous and unusual birds that you won't see anywhere else in the U.S.
Portions of Southern Arizona, such as near the Chihuahuan Mountains, will offer similar looks at odd and unique birds.
All the best,
Justin
Mayo Corncrake
Well-known member
Looking to go to the Central Texas Coast. I have to see Whooping Crane, but would like to see some of the Autumn migration. What would be the best time to go?
Been before? Nowhere...save for California Sacramento Valley...very new to birding (3 months!)
Particular species? Hard to say...I currently enjoy most any bird at this time but I will say I seem to be particularly drawn to warblers and small birds like that...
ovenbird43
Well-known member
Certainly can't go wrong with SE Arizona or south Texas... both are fabulous places, especially for a diversity of songbirds. That time of year, both areas will have a number of specialties as well as migrants heading further north.
End of May: what about going a little further north? (and come back south for another vacation when it is definitely too cold up there). I was thinking the central flyway with some of the crane/shorebird staging spots in Missouri and Nebraska -- I never been there but read about 10th of thousands of cranes and other wetland migrants.
Niels
Niels
Barr Tender
World: 730 ABA: 603 Latest Lifer: Saw-whet Owl
Such a great time of year! Cape May, NYJ, combined with Central Park, NYC is awesome for migration. Florida, if you can stand the heat. Rio Grande Valley in TX. Oregon Coast. Magee Marsh, Ohio, and/or Michigan.
Barr Tender
World: 730 ABA: 603 Latest Lifer: Saw-whet Owl
Buy the ABA guide ahead of time for your area of choice. Combined with a good bird guide, it'll help plan your trip.
