Each fall, millions of birds make their way from their breeding areas in the north to their wintering grounds farther south. Migration can be quite a spectacle to see and I encourage anyone interested in birding to visit one of these birding hotspots this fall.
Rob Ripma Each fall, warblers, like this Black-throated Green, stop by birding hotspots in the US to fuel up for their journeys.
1. Cape May, NJ
Cape May is one of the most famous birding hotspots in the United States. It can be a great place to go birding at any time of year but the fall is really spectacular. From hawks to warblers to waterfowl, Cape May has it all!
2. Hawk Ridge, MN
Although this might seem like an odd recommendation, the number of migrants that passes by this ridge is nothing short of incredible. Take a look at this list on eBird from September 1, 2015!
3. Point Pelee, Ontario, Canada
Although Point Pelee is known as a spring birding hotspot, it’s also a wonderful place to be in the fall. Not nearly as many birders visit this location in the fall but there are just as many birds as during the spring.
4. Bosque del Apache NWR, MN
Bosque del Apache is well-known for the huge numbers of waterfowl and cranes that arrive in early November. Consider attending the Festival of the Cranes that is held each year!
Rob Ripma Gigantic flocks of Snow Geese are quite a sight to see.
5. Sky Islands, AZ
Birding in Southeast Arizona is always fun and rewarding but the Sky Islands make this due to the number of hummingbirds that can be seen here during the fall. If you spend enough time and visit enough hummingbird feeders, you could find up to 15 species!
Bonus for the Adventurous: Monterey Pelagics, CA
If you’re up for an adventure this fall, hop on one of the many pelagic trips that leave from Monterey. These trips take you out into the Pacific Ocean in search of seabirds that pass through this area by the thousands. Learn more here.
Sarasvati Blanc says
what might i see this Fall/winter here in Tacoma WA downwind nearest to Pt. Defiance, birds migrating or staying
Luann says
Are there any good places to watch migration from eastern Long Island New York ? Thank you !
Lynn says
I believe Bosque del Apache is in NM not MN.
Jean Keeton says
Are there any hot spots in western Louisiana? We have a few wintering birds that stay around our feeders.
Maxine Benson says
Please correct the location of Bosque Del Apache. It is New Mexico.
David Colton says
Now is autumn hummer migration time here in San Diego. We sometimes have 20 or more hummers at a time on and around our two 10-hole patio feeders (First Nature 3055 32-ounce Hummingbird Feeder, The hole “flowers” were painted yellow by me). Most days the past two weeks I’ve been refilling the two feeders with 1/2 gallon of nectar a day. Most common species here are Anna’s, Black Chin, and Costa’s with a few Rufus and Allen’s. Both are small but very colorful, active and feisty. Haven’t seen a Calliope yet this year but they do sometimes show up later in the winter/spring.
If you visit San Diego, look up “hummingbird viewing San Diego” on google for where to see them. The migration will end soon but will pick up in the other direction in the spring. We do have hummers all year.
M.A Scheidler says
Bosque del Apache is in New Mexico- not Minnesota!
Candace says
Bosque del Apache NWR is in NM (New Mexico), not MN (Minnesota) the way you have it above.
Kolob99 says
Bosque del Apache NWR is in NM (New Mexico), not MN
Check out eBird.org to learn about what birds are found in your area or places where other birders are seeing lots of birds
Kari Smith says
Best birding I have ever seen was Matagorda County Texas! A stopover before their journey over the Gulf of Mexico!