Bird Watching - Stories

A Flurry of Feathers on Scenic Byway 12

Updated Dec 21, 2011

While marveling at the region's scenic wonders, keep an eye out for the winged wildlife that make their home among the colorful sandstone spires and castles of Scenic Byway 12 in southern Utah.

Bald Eagles and More on Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway

Updated Feb 10, 2012 in Get Outdoors! And Go Birdwatching

The Klamath Basin, located in southern Oregon and northern California, boasts some of the most diverse and healthy bird populations in the nation.

Birding Adventures along the Coulee Corridor

Published on Aug 9, 2007

Ancient Ice Age floods left behind remarkable majesty and beauty in the form of coulees in Washington State. Coulee Corridor Scenic Byway showcases this beauty and much more. Enjoy the sights and sounds of an exceptional birding trip in the heart of Washington State.

Birding Along Glenn Highway

Published on Aug 9, 2007

Drive Glenn Highway for some exceptional bird watching in Alaska, the land of adventure. The byway is filled with places for you to pull out your binoculars and scope out the birds.

Birding Along Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway

Published on Oct 18, 2007

As if taking a cue from its namesake, the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway is tall on the species that inhabit and traverse its many lakes and rivers.

Birding along the Great River Road

Published on Aug 10, 2007

The Great River Road showcases the mighty Mississippi River and highlights the historic importance of the river in the development of the United States. While appreciating the Mississippi River, be sure to not miss out on the impressive array of North American bird life along the expansive river.

Birding Discoveries on the Strait of Juan de Fuca

Published on Sep 26, 2007

Plan a bird watching trip along the Strait of Juan de Fuca Highway. The byway hugs the coast of the Pacific Northwest and provides several prime birding spots because the same sparkling, cold waters that attract you to the byway also attract the area’s many species of birds. Whether you visit the saltwater or freshwater shorelines, the byway offers plenty of bird sightings.

Birding Expeditions along the Payette River

Published on Aug 13, 2007

As you travel along the Payette River Scenic Byway you will be mesmerized by its mountain views and the rolling rapids of the Payette River. The byway offers excellent wildlife and bird viewing. Follow the river through the Boise and Payette National Forests and catch a glance of the areas' birds. Hembrey Creek Wetlands provides a habitat for many types of migratory birds and waterfowl.

Birding in Amish Country

Published on Aug 29, 2007

Central Ohio may be better known as Amish country, but the pristine region is also home to some great bird-watching areas. While visiting Amish country, make sure to check out some of the bird sanctuaries located along the Amish Country Byway.

Birding in the West

Published on Sep 22, 2003

Bird watching has become one of the fastest-growing outdoor activities in America. Many of America's Byways will take you through lush forests, swampy wetlands, tall prairie grass, and coastal shores that are home to some of the hundreds of species of birds that can be found in the United States. There are even many byway locations that are considered among the top "hotspots" for birding in the US.

Birding on Acadia All American Road

Updated Jan 31, 2012

Let Acadia All American Road lure you in with its varied landscape and plentiful wildlife. During springtime, birding on the byway is exceptional, so plan a trip and spend some time in the sun as you keep a look out for birds.

Birding on Crowley's Ridge Parkway

Published on Sep 20, 2007

If you enjoy bird watching, come to Arkansas and visit Crowley’s Ridge Parkway, a veritable birding paradise. Passing through a national forest and four marshy wildlife refuges, this byway teems with wildlife and bubbles over with chances to see migratory waterfowl and rare birds like the American Bald Eagle and Ivory-billed Woodpecker.

Birding on Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway

Published on Aug 2, 2007

Drive the Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway for an unparalleled birding opportunity. Explore by foot in the Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge, or take a canoe or kayak out in the waters for up-close views.

Birding on the Lakes to Locks Passage

Published on Aug 1, 2007

Come and experience a world class destination for bird-watchers through the impressive collection of birdlife that is plentiful year round along Lakes to Locks Passage. Many different bird species can be found at sites along the byway which lies along the Atlantic Flyway for migratory birds. The byway contains important feeding, resting and breeding habitat for birds migrating between northern breeding grounds and southern wintering areas.

Birding on the Minnesota River Valley

Published on Oct 25, 2007

The Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway not only inherits the legacy of the last ice age that created an area rich with lakes and marshy areas perfect for a wide range of bird species, it's also directly in the path of the great Mississippi Flyway, a channel through which huge numbers of migratory birds travel. It is no understatement that this byway is excellent for birding.

Birding on the Ohio River

Published on Oct 1, 2007 in Goodyear’s Top 50 Scenic, Comfortable Drives

The Ohio River Scenic Byway has been a historic travel route and an important stop on the Underground Railroad along its three states of Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. The river also presents bird watchers with plenty of outstanding opportunities to get a first-hand vantage point of the region’s bird life.

Birding on the Western Heritage Historic Byway

Updated Feb 14, 2012

Most of the Western Heritage Historic Byway goes through the Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area, reason enough for any birding enthusiast to travel the byway’s course. North America's densest population of breeding raptors lives in the dramatically sculpted landscape that lies along the byway.

Birding on Trail of the Mountain Spirits Scenic Byway

Published on Sep 7, 2007

Drive the Trail of the Mountain Spirits through southwestern New Mexico. Let the desert landscape take you by surprise; from mountains and valleys to creeks and lakes, the colorful area is also home to the state’s first designated birding trail, the Southwest New Mexico State Birding Trail. The trail is one of the state's hottest birding spots.

Birding on Trail Ridge Road/Beaver Meadow Road

Published on Oct 3, 2007

Drive along Trail Ridge Road/Beaver Meadow Road to journey over 50 miles of gorgeous terrain. Pass through the mountains and forests of the Rocky Mountain National Park. As you travel, be sure to look to the skies to see for yourself why Rocky Mountain National Park has been chosen as a Global Important Bird Area. Designated in 2000, the park is home to around 280 different bird species. So bring your binoculars and be amazed at all the bird sightings a drive along the byway has to offer.

Birds, Birds, Birds on East Tennessee Crossing!

Published on Sep 30, 2010 in Get Outdoors! And Enjoy Nature

Four dynamic seasons of birding await you in the floodplain of Rankin Bottoms along East Tennessee Crossing.

Birds in the South and Across the Plains

Published on Dec 12, 2006

Mark off a variety of birds from your life list as you travel the America's Byways in the South. From common woodpeckers to the more endangered piping plover, there are many species for you to discover.

Birds of George Washington Memorial Parkway

Published on Aug 15, 2007

Along the George Washington Memorial Parkway, not only history can be found, but also a myriad of birds in spectacular plumage are there for you to see.

Coastal Oregon's World Class Birding

Updated Feb 8, 2012 in Get Outdoors! And Go Birdwatching

Pacific Coast Scenic Byway – Oregon, with rocky tidepools, beaches, dunes, estuaries, and old-growth forest, provides a haven for a multitude of birds both rare and common.

Cycle Alabama’s Coastal Connection on the Eastern Shore Trail

Published on Sep 7, 2011 in Get Fit! Get Active: Go Biking This Fall

Get exercise and fresh air by experiencing Alabama's Coastal Connection the car-free way – with a road or mountain bike ride along the Eastern Shore Trail.

Eagle Eyes on the Illinois River

Published on Aug 23, 2007

The Illinois River Road provides a glance into America's past while offering a pristine view of Illinois. The Illinois River is home to diverse wildlife, as well as an excellent venue for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing in the winter. Although the river is home to a wide array of North American birds, the region is famous for the number of Bald Eagles.

Encounters with Birds on the Pioneer Historic Byway

Published on Nov 2, 2007

History and culture shape the landscape of the Pioneer Historic Byway, but the byway also holds many natural qualities. If you are a birding enthusiast, a bird-watching trip on this historic byway promises to be an exciting adventure.

Enjoy All American Birding Experiences on Historic Route 66

Published on Nov 8, 2010

Whether you are an avid bird watcher or are just beginning, you will be pleased to find ample opportunity to look to the skies and enjoy the sights and sounds of the birds on Historic Route 66.

Extraordinary Birding Adventures on the Santa Fe Trail

Updated Feb 3, 2012

If you are looking for an extraordinary birding adventure, travel the Santa Fe Trail. The byway, rich in history, provides you with ample opportunities to immerse yourself in the history as well as the natural wonders of the West. Bring your binoculars to the Santa Fe Trail, a great place to explore the region's wildlife.

Feathery Phenomena Along the International Selkirk Loop

Published on Aug 9, 2007

Feathery phenomena await you along the International Selkirk Loop, a byway filled with birding adventures. Join other birders or embark on your own adventure on one of North America's only international byways. Birding opportunities flourish along every turn surrounding the Selkirk Mountains in northeast Washington and Idaho in the U.S. and southeast British Columbia in Canada.

Flock to Pyramid Lake

Updated Feb 9, 2012

Pyramid Lake, on the Paiute Indian Reservation, just north of Reno, Nevada, is an unexpected deep blue jewel surrounded by desert mountains. Even more surprisingly, it hosts one of the largest nesting colonies of American White Pelicans in North America.

Flooded Skies Along Pend Oreille

Published on Aug 22, 2007

When searching for an exciting drive, look no further than Idaho's Pend Oreille Scenic Byway. See first-hand Lake Pend Oreille, which was left in the aftermath of ancient Ice Age floods. As you travel the byway, the skies will be flooded with all kinds of birds. All you need to do is bring your binoculars and scope to enjoy the birding the area has to offer.

Go Birding on the Wetlands and Wildlife Scenic Byway

Published on Jul 24, 2007 in Getaways: Byways on a Budget and Goodyear’s Top 50 Scenic, Comfortable Drives

Drive the Wetlands and Wildlife Scenic Byway through central Kansas for a birding experience that will please both novice and expert birders. Cover exciting ground at Cheyenne Bottoms and Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, two of the world's most important birding areas.

Great Birding on the Great Rivers

Published on Sep 24, 2007

The Illinois, Missouri, and Mississippi Rivers come together to create unique wildlife viewing opportunities, and the Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Route presents an opportunity to get an up-close view of an impressive array of animals and birds. Although numerous varieties of animals make their homes here, the area is particularly famous for bird watching

Hunters, Swimmers, and Songsters along Michigan's River Road

Published on Aug 13, 2007

The River Road Scenic Byway follows the Au Sable River through the Huron National Forest. Join other birders and keep your eyes peeled to see the American Bald Eagle in flight over the woodlands.

Indian River Lagoon and Endangered Birds

Published on Aug 24, 2007

The Indian River Lagoon National Scenic Byway has refuges for endangered birds all along its length.

Limitless Birding in Chesapeake Country

Published on Jun 4, 2004

Fond of fowl? Bonkers for birds? A trip to Chesapeake Country is sure to leave any bird-lover in awe. The region is full of Wildlife Management Areas, parks and preserves, and other excellent ways to experience a Byway that is for the birds.

Migratory and Aquatic Birding on the Woodward Avenue

Published on Aug 23, 2007

Woodward Avenue runs through the middle of the dense urban area of Detroit. Normally this wouldn’t be the best place to find birds, but just south of the byway, along the Detroit River lies the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge. This area sits along a huge migratory corridor to Canada.

Migratory Birds Year-Round on the Copper Country Trail

Updated Feb 6, 2012

Birding is a year-round activity on the Copper Country Trail. Thousands of hawks swoop through the area on their spring and fall migrations.

Mt. Rainier's Dazzling Birds

Published on Oct 11, 2007

Chinook Scenic Byway offers dazzling views of Mt. Rainier, but for a more intimate experience, stop by Mt. Rainier National Park and scope out the park’s many species of birds.

New York's Great Lakes Seaway Trail: A Year-round Birdwatchers’ Paradise

Updated Feb 9, 2012

Niagara Gorge on the Western Great Lakes Seaway Trail was New York’s second Important Bird Area (IBA), designated by the Audubon Society for its significance to at least 18 species of gulls as well as terns, ducks, geese, swans, hawks and falcons. Along Lake Ontario northwest of Rochester, NY, large concentrations of waterfowl congregate at Braddock Bay IBA in early spring. You will hear American Woodcocks at dawn and dusk. Common Snipes winnow overhead from March to June and owls are definite specialties here. Fifteen miles to the east of Rochester, see peregrine falcons nesting atop the Kodak Tower via Falconcam.

Puffins and Songbirds on Schoodic Scenic Byway

Updated Feb 2, 2012

Northeastern Maine's Schoodic Scenic Byway travels along the coast of Frenchman Bay, a nationally renowned birding locale. Spots like Acadia National Park and Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge provide protected spaces filled with sought-after birds among stunning locales. Watch for soaring birds of prey among cliffs and mountains or admire local favorites such as the Atlantic Puffins and endangered Roseate Terns.

See Eagles Soar Along the Chilkat River

Updated Feb 9, 2012 in Get Outdoors! And Enjoy Nature

Make sure you have your camera handy on the Haines Highway – Valley of the Eagles in Alaska– you may capture a shot of an eagle making a spectacular dive into the Chilkat River to catch a fish!

Seek the Louisiana Coast for Wintering Birds

Published on Aug 7, 2007 in Getaways: Escaping the Cold

Seeking refuge from the blustering northern winds, thousands of birds swoop down in magnificent flock formations that stretch as far as the eye can see.

See the Birds and Butterflies on the Creole Nature Trail

Published on Aug 27, 2010 in Get Outdoors! And Enjoy Nature

Bring your bird books and your binoculars to see birds and butterflies at the Peveto Woods Bird & Butterfly Sanctuary, located on the Creole Nature Trail west of Holly Beach.

Traverse the Back Country on Alabama’s Coastal Connection

Published on Oct 6, 2011

Spend an afternoon outdoors along the Hugh S. Branyon Back Country Trail system and see a variety of plant life and wildlife as you explore the back country on Alabama's Coastal Connection.

Up-close and Personal! Experience the Birds of the Connecticut River Byway

Published on Nov 8, 2010

Experience an up-close interaction with local bird populations and add a few species to your life list by traveling through Massachusetts and along the border between Vermont and New Hampshire. The Connecticut River Byway covers the vibrant habitat along the Connecticut River watershed where several protected areas attract an abundance of bird species to the region's varied ecosystems.

Watch Birds of Prey Soar over the Loess Hills Scenic Byway

Published on Dec 8, 2010 in Get Outdoors! For Fall Fun

Autumn days may be cooling off, but bird watching is heating up along the Loess Hills Scenic Byway. Bring your guidebooks and your gear, and aim your binoculars skyward to spot hawks, eagles, and other birds of prey at the Hitchcock Nature Center during the annual migration between September and December.

Winging It on El Camino Real

Published on Sep 7, 2007

Drive El Camino Real and cover a lot of birding ground in New Mexico. Tens of thousands of birds rely on the rich desert and nearby National Wildlife Refuges. So bring your binoculars and plan for a few days filled with birding.

Wing Watching along the Lake Erie Coastal Trail

Published on Oct 15, 2007

The Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Trail runs through wooded areas and wetlands. This area supports a wide range of birds. The wooded regions are home to two Bald Eagle nests and many species of songbirds. They also provide a resting place for migratory birds. Shorebirds, gulls, and Wood Ducks inhabit the wetlands, which are maintained by several dikes. Migrating waterfowl find the area a great stop-over place.