birding wildlife tours

Custom and Set-Departure Bird & Wildlife Tours Around the World

To Tropical Birding Tours

Our story began back in 2001 when three friends abandoned promising careers in science so that they could go birding and call it ‘work'. Diligent and caring staff, great products and loyal clients have helped us grow, and we now offer various nature-based travel experiences to over 60 global destinations, running more than 150 tours a year. Our main goal will always be to show you the natural world we love, from flocks of tanagers in the Andes to Clouded Leopards in Borneo, and we want to share it with you. Hope to see you in the field soon…

Recent News:

Recent trip reports:.

Costa Rica Photo Tour - Feb 2024

Colombia: The Introtour - March 2024

Northern Colombia Custom Tour - Feb 2024

Costa Rica Birding with a Camera  - March 2024

Caribbean (Puerto Rico, Hispaniola & Jamaica)  - March 2024

888-875-9453

[email protected]

Ask Kevin a Question About This Tour

• Tour Name * If not already completed, please enter the tour name above.
• Your Name * First Last
• Questions *
• Yes, please add me to your email list!

Birding Tours

Birding tour leaders, kevin loughlin, adrian binns, glenn crawford, chris brown, greg miller, scott weidensaul, edison buenaño, gabriel lugo, catherine hamilton, john kricher, esteban daniels, alex lamoreaux, dale rosselet, luke tiller, tom stephenson, martin benadie, rafael rueda hernández, news & updates.

Stay up-to-date with new tours, special offers and exciting news. We'll also share some hints and tips for travel, photography and birding. We will NEVER share nor sell your information!

• Name * First Last
• Photography
• Wildlife Viewing
• Nature Journaling
• Name This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Birding Tours Across the Globe

Since 1993, Wildside Nature Tours has been leading birding tours to wonderful destinations. Our scheduled tours all have a “minimum” number of participants listed, however, for additional cost we can offer these trips for fewer participants. Note also that any of our tours may be customized for private tours for any size group.

Alaska: St. Paul Island, Nome, Kenai Fjords, & Utqiaġvik

Birds & wildlife, alaska: utqiaġvik ross’s gull migration, amazon 2025: peruvian riverboat photography & birding adventure, / birds & photo, antarctica: birding & photography cruise, photography, argentina: birding patagonia to tierra del fuego, argentina: patagonia’s pumas, birds and landscapes, arizona 2024-08: sky island specialties, arizona: black hawk migration, belize & tikal 13-day: tropical birding bonanza, belize 9-day: intro to tropical birding, botswana and victoria falls 2024-11: wildlife safari, botswana: best of birding & wildlife safari, brazil 2025-08: pantanal wildlife safari, california: central coast specialties & seabirds, california: ultimate socal birding adventure, cape may to hawk mountain, colombia: santa marta birding getaway, costa rica 9-day: quetzals and hummingbirds, cuba 2024: cultural immersion & endemic birding, cuba 2025: cultural immersion & endemic birding, dominican republic: hispaniola endemic birding, dry tortugas 2025: seabirds & spring migration, dry tortugas: seabirds & spring migration, ecuador: birding the andes west to east, ecuador: southern endemics, florida: sunshine specialties, galapagos 2024-06: wildlife & photography adventures, galapagos 2024-07: kevin’s 50th galapagos wildlife & photography adventure, galapagos 2024-08: wildlife & photography adventures, galapagos 2024-09: wildlife & photography adventures, galapagos 2025-06: wildlife & photography adventures, galapagos 2025-07: wildlife & photography adventure, galapagos 2025-08: wildlife & photography adventures, galapagos 2025-09: wildlife & photography adventures, georgian black sea migration spectacle, india: tigers and taj, jamaica: endemic birding, kenya 2025-08: 20-day birding & wildlife safari, kenya: 8-day coastal extension, maine: mountains & coast, massachusetts: new england winter specialties, mexico: veracruz “river of raptors”, minnesota: winter boreal specialties, morocco 2025-04: birding the edge of the sahara, nagaland: amur falcon migration spectacle, namibia 2025-01: desert and etosha, new jersey: harlequin duck, long-tailed duck & purple sandpiper, new mexico: rosy-finches, snow geese & sandhill crane spectacle, ohio & michigan: magee marsh & kirtland’s warbler, oregon: crater lake & klamath basin, panama: birding the islands, highlands & pipeline road, peru: birding machu picchu, peru: birding manu & machu picchu, photograph quintessential maine: puffins, seascapes, landscapes, lighthouses, and more, puerto rico: birding the island of enchantment, rwanda & kenya: gorillas & wildlife safari, scotland 2025-06: highlands & inner hebrides, scotland: highlands & orkney, south africa: kruger national park, south florida & dry tortugas in spring, spain: doñana, extremadura & pyrenees, sri lanka: endemic birding & wildlife safari, tanzania 2025-02: wildlife safari, texas: black-capped vireo & golden-cheeked warbler, texas: rio grande valley in fall, texas: rio grande valley in spring, uganda 2025-07: 20-day ultimate uganda, uganda: 7-day primate & shoebill, utah, nevada & idaho: snowcock, cassia crossbill & flammulated owl, washington: olympic peninsula, zimbabwe & zambia: a green season photography adventure.

(+504) 9563-9689

HOME – Natural Selections Tours

Birding, wildlife & photo tours worldwide, small groups, experienced guides, unique experiences.

Natural Selections Tours was born out of a deep passion for birding, nature, and exploration. Our team has traversed every corner of the globe, immersing ourselves in the awe-inspiring array of birds and extraordinary wildlife.  We firmly believe in the importance of small groups when it comes to providing exceptional and gratifying travel experiences. Our unique birding, wildlife and photography tours prioritize maintaining a guide-to-client ratio that guarantees an intimate and personalized journey for every traveler.

Discover the magic of our meticulously curated tours, designed to captivate nature enthusiasts, bird lovers, and photography enthusiasts alike. Prepare yourself for an unforgettable adventure as we unlock the marvels of our world, one captivating moment at a time.

Birding Tours

Natural Selections combines decades of experience with our passion for birding, reverence for nature, and desire to share, to deliver the most diverse and well organized bird watching tours possible.

Our team of tour leaders and birding guides are among the most highly trained and experienced in their region. We offer set dates as well as custom-designed itineraries throughout North America, Central America, and South America, and a growing number of destinations in Africa and Asia. If you desire something you don’t see listed here, feel free to inquire!

Explore Birding Tours

Nature & wildlife tours.

Natural Selections mission of advancing conservation means that we delight in sharing all of nature’s glorious biodiversity with our friends.

Our wildlife and nature tours bring clients and guests to some of the most pristine places on Earth, and reveal to them many of our planet’s most beautiful inhabitants. Whether you dream of seeing Jaguars in Brazil, Pumas in Patagonia, endemic reptiles in Sri Lanka, tropical birds in Guatemala, or all of the above and more, our commitment is to give you the most life-changing experience possible while learning more about our natural world.

Explore Nature & Wildlife Tours

Photography Tours

Our wildlife and nature tours bring clients and guests to some of the most pristine places on Earth, and reveal to them many of our planet’s most beautiful inhabitants. Whether you dream of seeing Jaguars in Brazil, Pumas in Patagonia, endemic reptiles in Sri Lanka, orchids in Guatemala, or all of the above and more, our commitment is to give you the most life-changing experience possible while learning more about our natural world.

Explore Photography Tours

Upcoming tours.

Browse our complete list of upcoming birding, nature, wildlife and photography tours. In small, intimate groups, we delve into the heart of nature, providing personalized encounters with the breathtaking diversity that surrounds us. Our tours are more than just enriching experiences for participants; they also contribute to local conservation efforts. Your participation directly supports initiatives aimed at preserving the natural habitats and wildlife that make these trips so unforgettable.

Birding Tour - Sept. 29 - Oct. 16, 2024

Brown Bears and Salmon Photography Workshop - Aug. 29 to Sept. 03, 2025

Birding Tour - March 16 - 23, 2024

Catherine Hamilton and Debby Kaspari Birding & Sketching Peru

Birding & Sketching Tour - Oct.12-23, 2024

Pantanal Jaguar, Wildlife & Photography Tour - October 8 to 19, 2024

Patagonia Puma Nature & Photography Tour - September 17 to 23, 2023

Western Andes Birding Photography Tour - October 31 to November 11, 2023

Birding Tour - July 24 to August 2, 2024

Nature Photography Tour - September 19 to 28, 2023

Birding Tour - March 2 – 13, 2024

Birding Tour - December 1 to 10, 2023

Nature Photography Tour - October 28 - November 8, 2023

Birding Tour - Feb. 10-21, 2024

Birding Tour - Main Tour- Nov. 3 to Nov. 12, 2023. Tikal Extension- Nov. 12 to Nov. 16, 2023

Birding Tour - Feb 9-21 and Sept 5-17, 2024

Best Hotspots Birding Tour - Year-round group and private tours available

Rainforest, Caribbean Coast & Panacam Birding Tour - Year-round group and private tours available

Copan & the Interior Birding Tour- Year-round group and private tours available

North Coast Birding Tour - Year-round group and private tours available

La Mosquitia Birding Tour - January 23 to 31, 2024

Birding Tour - June 4-13, 2024

Kaziranga Rhino Photography Tour - March 5 - 11, 2024

Tiger Photography Tour - February 21 - March 5, 2024

Birding & Wildlife Tour February 21 to March 4, 2024

Herping Expedition - September 14 to 27, 2024

Wildlife, Birding & Photo Safari - Dec. 7 to 22, 2023

Borneo Nature & Wildlife Tour - March 15 - 28, 2024

Borneo Birding Tour - TBD

Snorkeling with Whale Sharks Isla Mujeres - TBD

Herping and Wildlife Tour

Nature & Wildlife Tour - Machu Picchu: Oct. 12 to 15, Main Tour: Oct. 15 to 26, 2023

Birding Tour - July 16 to 27, 2024

Northern Birding Tour - October 17 to 26, 2023

Wildlife & Photography Safari - June 15 to 30, 2024

Wildlife, Birding & Photo Safari - Oct.27 to Nov.4, 2024

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

Birding Tour - June 23 - July 2, 2024

Nature & Wildlife Safari - Nov. 27 to Dec. 6, 2023

Arizona birding Tour - July 31 to August 8, 2023

Texas Rio Grande Birding Tour - Nov. 11-17, 2024

Arizona Monsoon Birding Tour - Aug. 5-12, 2024

Arizona Sky Islands Birding Tour - May. 5-12, 2024

New Mexico Birding Tour - January 12 to 19, 2024

Natural Selections Tours thanks Zeiss Optics in partnering with us to advance birding, ecotourism, and conservation. Zeiss Optics is a world leader in quality optics products and service, and we are proud to work together making our world a better place by seeing beyond, together!

• NEWS - COVID-19
• The Nature of our Business
• Featured Leader
• Testimonials
• Special Offers
• Breaking News/Twitter
• VENT Webinars
• Leader Messages & Memories
• Traveler Experiences
• Field Reports
• News Briefs
• Conservation
• Choosing a Tour
• Guaranteed Departures
• Register For A Tour
• Preparation & Insurance
• Payment, Cancellations & Refunds
• Responsibility
• New Customer Referral Program
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Request Information
• Contact & Directions

Worldwide Birding & Nature Tours

Welcome to VENT

Get the latest news and sightings from our tour leaders with Twitter Feed! GO TO TWITTER

Every year VENT offers an exciting array of new tours and new destinations!

Our Tour Leaders share remarkable experiences in birding and nature.

FEATURED TOURS

COLLECTABLE MOMENTS.

Request your catalog & brochure today!

STAY INFORMED!

Stay up-to-date with Victor Emanuel Nature Tours!  Join our mailing list to receive all the latest news from our dedicated travel experts and world class guides, special travel offers, promotions and upcoming departures.

Stay up-to-date with Victor Emanuel Nature Tours

• Latest News
• Order Tour Catalogs
• Preparation & Insurance
• Payment, Cancellations & Refunds
• Victor Emanuel Nature Tours
• 2525 Wallingwood Drive
• Austin, TX 78746
• Toll Free: 800.328.8368
• Phone: 512.328.5221
• FAX: 512.328.2919
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use

Follow us on

© 2024 Victor Emanuel Nature Tours. All rights reserved.

Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala, C.A.

Call Us Now

+1 (305) 395 3935

Send Us Message

[email protected]

Birding Expeditions & Tours

Neotropical birding & nature holidays.

Birding Expeditions specialize in finding intimate contact with birds through a customized approach to birding travel.

‘Action-packed’ tours are available year-round, with choices of small groups, custom itineraries, and multi-destination opportunities.

Travel with us on one of our tours. You’ll see some of the world’s most extraordinary varieties of wildlife, be it birds, plants, or mammals, as you explore our tropical rainforests, stunning mountain ranges, and exotic beaches.

We are an operator located in Guatemala and Belize. We organize Birding Expeditions in Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, El Salvador, and Mexico.

Our tours will take you deep into the rainforests of Guatemala and Belize, to the slopes of an active volcano or the waters of southern Mexico in search of exciting birds.

You choose the destination and sites you wish to visit. We care for the rest so you can enjoy your vacation observing some of Nature’s most beautiful creatures.

Our tour guides are local professionals specializing in wildlife. They are eager to share their passion for birdwatching and the wonders of their home countries’ natural heritage with you.

Their native, in-depth knowledge of the region and its flora and fauna, combined with their professional field and scientific training, will provide you with an enriching experience with fantastic sights of endemic bird species.

Local specialists carefully designed our tour packages, perfect for the casual vacationer and the avid birdwatcher.

Whether traveling with your family, in a small group, or alone, our tours are customizable to suit your every need and wish.

So contact us today if you’re looking for a birdwatching tour to satisfy your yearning for adventure and life in the wild. One of our wildlife specialists will be happy to help you with your questions, travel plans, and bookings.

See you in the wild!

Resplendent Quetzal

National Bird of Guatemala

Tour Calendar

Birdwatching expeditions.

Guatemala Mountains & Rainforest

This trip is a mixture of the best birdwatching destinations in Guatemala, including locations to appreciate endemic bird species within the mountains and rainforest of Guatemala

Guatemala Highlands & Tikal

This birdwatching trip, will take you through the main destinations in the highlands. Then we will take a short flight to the lowlands of Guatemala to enjoy the natural world of Tikal.

Endemics of Guatemala Highlands

This trip will take you through different ecosystems and destinations within the highlands of Guatemala, including locations to appreciate endemic bird species.

Birdwatching Belize

Visit La Milpa with 390 Species of birds, 75 % endemic of Belize and the Yucatan Peninsula, Crooked Tree, Caye Caulker, and Hidden Valley Inn & Reserve.

Eastern and Yucatan Endemics

This is an expedition designed to discover the endemics of Yucatan and other specialties, visiting nature reserves, archaeological sites and the island of Cozumel.

Honduras & Guatemala

This is a 15 days adventure to discover the best destinations inside Guatemala and Honduras, unique and essential bird areas that inhabit a wide variety of endemic tropical birds.

Best Seller

Birdwatching, nature & culture.

Our culture and nature tours are a perfect blend of special additives that allow you to live a cultural experience while discovering wildlife and the fantastic birds of Guatemala, and the Mayan World.

Neotropical Birding Tours & Wildlife Adventures

Nature & bird photography.

Our photographic expeditions are a way of experiencing nature and wildlife whose main objective is to capture species mainly in their natural habitat.

Wildlife and Nature Tours

Local specialists lead our Wildlife and Nature Tours in Guatemala and beyond with historical and cultural knowledge of the country.

Shore Excursions

Birding Expeditions has selected fantastic destinations to meet the expectations of Cruise Travelers, considering the time and distances to enjoy birding activities fully.

Easy Birding

Easy Birding Travel and Tours are dedicated to observing birds and wildlife and learning about the natural history of the destinations within the Mayan world.

WhatsApp Birding Expeditions

If you have any questions, a person from our local travel advisors will always be happy to assist you.

Travel with Rockjumper and embrace our planet’s biodiversity

Rockjumper offers quality, expertly guided birding adventures to explore the world’s prime birding areas. Browse our scheduled departures below, and contact our tailor-made tours department today to custom design your dream birding vacation.

About Rockjumper Birding Adventures

We create journeys worth taking for the traveler, rockjumper birding tours.

Rockjumper Birding Tours proudly offers quality birding adventures, expertly guided by our passionate and experienced professional tour leaders. Our 300 scheduled tours annually explore the world’s prime birding areas, and our Tailor-made department can custom design your dream birding vacation.

Leader to Guest Ratio on Land Based Tours

Our leader to guest ratio is among the best in the industry. Some cruises are different, but typically our tours have about eight participants, providing RJ guests a personalized tour experience. 1 Leader : up to 8 guests, 2 Leaders : 8 – 12 guests

Weekly Wingspecials and Updates

Uncover Extraordinary Birds with Rockjumper's Exclusive Tours!

Top Tours - Africa Edition

Fabulous offerings to Malawi, Tanzania and more. Browse Tours

Latest Webinar

Southern Peru is well known as one of the most bird rich places on earth! Watch Now

Popular Destinations

Africa & Madagascar

South America

Australasia

Antarctica & the sub-Antarctic Islands

Central America

North America

OUR AFFILIATIONS

African Bird Club

Gold corporate sponsors

Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited

American Birding Association

Young birder camp sponsors

BirdLife South Africa

Corporate sponsor;Middelpunt Wetland Fund;Southern Bald Ibis monitoring programme

Global Rescue

Partner; Medical and security memberships

Mauritian Wildlife Foundation

Bronze-level Species Champion for the Olive White-eye

Neotropical Bird Club

Corporate supporter

Oriental Bird Club

Ornithological Society of the Middle East

SATIB Insurance Brokers

We are insured by

Tucson Audubon Society

Birds Benefit Business Alliance

Bonded member

Optics partner

Secure digital connection

Rockjumper’s Map

Browse Rockjumper tours by map. Use this interactive map to zoom in/out on your destination.

$ 842848   Donated since 2018

Since its formation, Rockjumper Birding Tours has been supporting the conservation of the birds that bring us many delightful hours of sheer bird watching pleasure.

What Customer Say About Us

I want to express my amazement at the skills and knowledge of your guides… I cannot imagine how they become so proficient in the birds of several different countries!

AM, Uganda 2023

I really can’t think of a way this tour could have been improved. The itinerary was wonderful, the accommodations lovely, and the birds fantastic.

KB, Kenya & Tanzania 2023

This was my first international birding tour experience, and so while I have no basis for comparison, I was completely satisfied by this tour. The guides were excellent.

CC, Panama 2023

Another amazing trip with Rockjumper. The quality of not only the Rockjumper guides but the local guides as well was first class. Travelling with Rockjumper means you basically don’t have to worry about anything other than getting the birds in the binoculars, the guides take care of the rest which results in a really relaxing and enjoyable bird watching trip.

BW, Sri Lanka 2023

In the Rockjumper tradition, [our guide] went above and beyond the call of duty to make sure the serious birders in our group found our birds. This included several later night expeditions into the forest for owls and other nocturnal critters. [He] managed to handle everyone with great patience and skill.

RO, Ecuador 2023

This was my first Rockjumper trip. I definitely will be a repeat customer. The booking process was easy and painless. The transport and hotel logistics during the trip were flawless. [Our guides] worked diligently to make sure we saw as many birds as possible.

TM, India 2023

Featured tour leaders.

Our professional and passionate tour leaders are at your service

Rockjumper Birding

James Wade Lee

Carlos Bocos

Quinton Paul Josop

Get special offers from rockjumper birding.

Sign up now and get the best deals straight in your inbox!

• Comments This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Modal title

Enquire about booking a tour.

• Tell us about your dream tour
• How many people do you expect to be on the tour? (optional)
• What are the date ranges you are looking at for this tour? (optional)
• How many days would you like the tour for? (optional)
• What is your price range for the tour? (optional)
• Email This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Enquire about booking a tour 5

Your passport.

Add Attachment

Arrival Tour Information

Departure tour information.

USA Birding Tours

Our United States birding tours essentially cover all corners of this vast country and allow you to enjoy a range of spectacular birds and wildlife. From sea to shining sea, the United States of America offers an incredible diversity of habitats and bird species, the dream of any bird watcher. From the Eastern Seaboard across the rolling Appalachian Mountains across the wide-open plains of the Midwest into the towering Rockies and across the arid desert-like western areas – the continent of North America offers a very wide range of habitats to explore, most of which we visit on our USA birding tours. The USA is set up with a fantastic system of national parks, national wildlife refuges, state parks, national forests, and even local parks that birds and birders take advantage of. This great diversity offers amazing birding in all seasons, so there is never a bad time to visit. Read on for a quick trip through the United States and what our USA birding tours have to offer.

Our United States of America birding tours start in winter as we visit the snow-covered boreal forest and mighty Lake Superior in Minnesota. Here we search for many birds of prey and other boreal specialties that make the quiet forest their winter home, like Great Grey Owl ,  Snowy Owl ,  Northern Hawk-Owl ,  Evening Grosbeak , and more. Just don’t forget your coat! From the snow of the north we make our way to South Texas in March to catch a great combination of resident specialties, early stages of migration, and wintering species like the endangered  Whooping Crane . April and May welcome a spectacular influx of migratory birds starting their journeys from the Neotropics to their northern breeding grounds. Florida is the first stop on their tiring expedition, and some species do not make it much further, like  Grey Kingbird  and  Black-whiskered Vireo . The pristine beaches, swamps, and marshes of the Everglades and a trip down the Florida Keys and to Dry Tortugas National Park provide an impressive array of seabirds, waders, and migrants. Of course, the colorful and bright wood warblers are unforgettable, so we head to the shores of Lake Erie in Ohio. This birding excursion offers the amazing opportunity to score all 37 species of eastern warblers, such as  Blackburnian ,  Bay-breasted ,  Cerulean ,  Kirtland’s , and  Golden-winged Warblers . It is no wonder that the largest bird festival in the world is hosted here annually as migratory birds flood the Midwest in May.

Read More About USA

The summer months focus on the northern US with species finally arriving at their breeding territories. The coasts and marshes of Maine feature some fantastic breeders like  Atlantic Puffin  and  Saltmarsh Sparrow . Some 4000+ miles from Maine bring us to the vast and beautiful expanses of the tundra in Alaska. The majestic beauty and peacefulness here are second to none and play host to many amazing breeding specialties as well as incredible mammals.  Bristle-thighed Curlew ,  Bluethroat ,  Emperor Goose , and  Grizzly Bear  are just a few of the amazing targets and highlights. Moving into late summer and early fall, Southeast Arizona begins its monsoon season, turning the once barren desert and scrubland landscape into a luscious green teeming with flowers. In the hummingbird capital of the US, with up to 15 species, the feeding stations and birding trails come to life with nesting activity.  Rivoli’s ,  Lucifer , and  Violet-crowned Hummingbird  are only a few of the long list of species on display in Arizona. Fall migration is now underway, and there is no better place than California. This massive state offers an incredible number of habitats with coastal marshes, redwood forests, expansive grasslands, mountains, and even an incredible display on pelagics. Catching resident specialties mixed in with western fall migrants makes for some truly epic bird watching.  Black-footed Albatross ,  White-headed Woodpecker ,  Mountain Bluebird , and  California Condor  are just a small taste of what this amazing state has on offer. The end of fall brings us back to winter, and we start the amazing journey across the United States all over again.

North America is one of the most scenically spectacular continents, and it is also teaming with wildlife in addition to birds: moose, elk, bears, mountain goats, and so much more. Join us in exploring this rich wilderness!

Looking for  day tours  in USA? Visit our  USA Day Tours page.

USA: Comprehensive Southeast Arizona – The Desert & Sky Islands August 2024/2025

USA: Northern Arizona, the Grand Canyon & Condors August 2024/2025

USA: Northern California – Mountains, Ocean & Desert September 2024/2025

USA Mammal & Birding: Wyoming – Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks September 2024/2025

USA: Oregon – Klamath Basin & the Coast October 2024/2025

USA: California – Southern California Specials December 2024/2025

USA: South Texas Winter — Whooping Cranes & the Rio Grande Valley December 2024/2025

USA: Owls & Winter Birding in the Boreal Forest of Minnesota January 2025

USA: Hawaii – ABA & Endemic Birding in the Pacific February 2025

USA: Texas Spring — Rio Grande, Hill Country & Whooping Cranes March 2025

Birding Tour Caribbean: Puerto Rico Escape – Endemics and Island Birding March 2025

USA: Colorado – Lekking Grouse & Rocky Mountains April 2025

USA: Florida Peninsula – Southern Specials & the Keys April 2025

USA: Ohio – Eastern Warblers & Spring Migration Spectacular May 2025

USA: Maine – From Mountain Forests to Sparkling Shores June 2025

USA: Alaska – Vast Beauty, Nome, Denali, Seward June 2025

USA: Alaska – Utqiagvik (Barrow), Top of the World June 2025

USA: Washington – Pacific Northwest July 2025

Download USA Itineraries

USA: Colorado – Lekking Grouse & Rocky Mountains April 2025

USA: Hawaii – ABA & Endemic Birding in the Pacific February 2025

USA: Owls & Winter Birding in the Boreal Forest of Minnesota January 2025

USA: Texas Spring — Rio Grande, Hill Country & Whooping Cranes March 2025

USA Gallery

Black-footed Albatross

Swallow-tailed Kite

Greater Roadrunner

Evening Grosbeak

Kirtland's Warbler

Great Grey Owl

Roseate Spoonbill

Cape May Warbler

Black-and-white Warbler

Long-billed Thrasher

Altamira Oriole

American Bison

Grizzly Bear

Harlequin Duck

Testimonials from our usa birding tours.

Maine is beautiful, whether you’re on the shore or inland, and this tour showed us the best of both. Experiencing the variety of habitats with a knowledgeable guide and great companions was just what we needed after a year of not travelling. Jacob was a great leader for our group, making sure we saw the birds we wanted, but also on the look-out for mammals or letting us slow down to enjoy the wildflowers.

Jacob is an excellent birder and has great people skills. Both are needed in a good guide. He knew his stuff and put up with all the joking but was serious when it came to the birds. Would definitely tour with him again.

Every aspect of this tour was great. First of all, you must have cornered the market on great young tour guides, because Jacob was wonderful. Obviously an excellent birder, he was patient with us over 70 crowd members (we teased him about nobody over 70 ever again), enthusiastic and had a great sense of humor. He is very easy to be around, making all feel comfortable. Of course, the pelagic trip was, for us, the high point. We would suggest that you make the trip to Vinalhaven a regular part of the tour, and add Captain John Drury a must. He was a real character, and took special pains to make sure we saw all that we could see...even the Red-billed Tropicbird. And the trip up Mt. Washington was so very interesting, with all the vegetation changes as the altitude changed. AND we got the Bicknell's Thrush! Maine, from the mountains to the sparkling waters perfectly describes this tour, as it encompassed a wide variety of habitat and birds. Definitely a must if you want to see some hard-to-get species.

If you want to see great views of Chickens and Grouse at their leks, then this is the tour for you. Early mornings are no problem when you experience up-close views of these magnificent birds. Don't forget the other birds found in Colorado, this tour goes out of its way to find them all – and it doesn't disappoint.

I thoroughly enjoyed my Minnesota birding tour with Jacob Roalef of Birding Ecotours in January of 2022. The tour was very easy to book, and the ongoing communication with the corporate office and with our guide, Jacob was exceptional. I always got a prompt response to email questions, which was important and reassuring. Jacob was extremely knowledgeable of the local area and the various birding hotspots in order to give us the best opportunity of locating the various species we had all come to see. I would highly recommend this tour!

Jacob was patient, funny, talked to all the participants, and made sure all members got on the birds. Jacob gave me good looks at and information on two life birds, Glaucous and Iceland Gulls. He was also an excellent driver, especially on the last day when we drove from Grand Marais in a snowstorm.

A great overview of Minnesota winter birding. Although the list of potential birds is somewhat limited because of the weather, the quality of what we did see more than made up for lack of quantity. Eleven of the 44 birds I saw were lifers, including Great Grey Owl, Boreal Chickadee, Pine Grosbeak, Sharp-tailed Grouse and more. Most spectacular was I saw my first Bohemian Waxwing and then about 1,000 more as part of a massive flock, feeding on berries throughout the town of Grand Marais. We were able to experience that over two straight days.

I would highly recommend this tour for anyone interested in seeing the beautiful endemic birds of Hawaii before they are gone, and enjoying the natural beauty of the islands. Mandy Talpas, the local guide, did an excellent job sharing her vast knowledge of the endemic birds, their habitat, and the diseases that are threatening them. Jacob Roalef, who also shared his vast knowledge of the birds, and Mandy were very attentive to everyone’s needs, which included 8 participants with varying degrees of birding experience. The beauty of the islands and endemic birds, as well as the camaraderie of the participants and guides made this tour one of the best for me! The accommodations and foodwere great too!

I would highly recommend this tour to anyone that is interested in seeing Hawaii’s native birds on these beautiful islands. One of my favorites was the endangered Akiapolaau, referred to as Aki by our guides, which we saw in a restricted area by permit on the island of Hawaii. The Hawaiian name means “hammerhead,” because the Aki uses the shorter, lower half of it’s mandible to drill into tree trunks like a woodpecker for sap or insects, while the extended, curved upper half operates like a hook to extract the food. During our day spent exploring the restricted area for Hawaii’s endemic birds, three non-endemic (two males and one female) Kalij Pheasants walked across the path right in front of me. I also loved the fantastic coastal views where we observed Red-tailed, White-tailed, and Red-billed Tropicbirds, Red-Footed and Brown Boobies, and Great Frigatebirds, as well as spouting and breaching Humpback whales. I also enjoyed the opportunity to see Laysan Albatross nesting and walking around an upscale neighborhood, and Bristle-thighed Curlews perched in the cemetery from the golf course.

Our guides, Jacob and Mandy, were a great team! This was my second tour with Jacob and I was very impressed with his knowledge of the endemic birds of Hawaii. He is very personable and his birding skills are excellent. Mandy is also very personable and an excellent birder. She shared her extensive knowledge of Hawaii, the endemic birds, their habitat and the dangers they are facing.

The Southeast Arizona tour is in the perfect area to see the maximum number of species and rarities. This tour has the perfect guide, Jacob Roalef, who works diligently to make sure that each participant sees all the birds he finds. This tour has the perfect number of participants to have fun, share knowledge and get to know each other. I would highly recommend this tour! Jacob was an outstanding guide and I can’t say enough good things about him!. First, he knew the birds and could identify them by ear and sight. He made sure that each of us saw the bird(s) he had heard, seen or scoped. He also provided information about field marks, habitat, behavior and other interesting facts about the birds. Additionally, he knew a lot about the environment and gave us good context for the area that our tour covered. He was very diligent in finding the rarities, and then persistent until we saw them. Jacob also was very perceptive about each individual on the tour and gave equal attention to each of us based on our skill level in birding and our personal quirks. He is fun and funny, patient and well-organized and a safe and good driver. I innocently asked if there had ever been a flat tire on ones of his tours and that jinxed us because we indeed had one at 7,800 feet after a rain. Jacob was cool, calm and collected and what could have been a disaster ended with hilarity and a Band-tailed Pigeon. He facilitated and contributed to the camaraderie and banter that our group shared. I hope to go on another tour that Jacob guides.

All Rights Reserved, Birding Ecotours

Join our newsletter for exclusive discounts and great birding information!

WHY TRAVEL WITH US?

SMALL GROUPS

We believe that small-groups are essential for a quality, enjoyable travel experience. Our tours have a guide-to-client ratio that reflects a more intimate travel experience. Unless otherwise noted, our land tour groups have a single leader with 4 to 8 people and two leaders with 9 to 12 people. In addition, our small-ship expedition cruises have no more than 198 passengers and have a high client-to-passenger ratio to give you the best experience possible.

EXPERT GUIDES

Our guides are expert birders and naturalists and go the extra mile to ensure an optimal experience during your trip. They know the wildlife, local birds, ecology, culture and history of your destination exceptionally well. They will guide you to all those hidden treasures to be found off the beaten path. But on top of that, they are all exceptional people. They are kind and patient, eager to make sure that everyone gets to see the target bird in the midst of the dense forest. They go out of their way to make sure that your experience is exceptional.

DESTINATIONS

We have travelled to all the continents seeing an incredible array of birds and other wildlife and have many great stories to tell.

We strive to offer amazing tours in spectacular locations. While birds are often the focus of our tours, we also spend time on other wildlife and try to incorporate opportunities to learn about natural history and culture when possible.

Explore our tours

WE GIVE BACK

We believe it is important to give back to help conserve the birds and other wildlife that we so enjoy. To this end, we donate to organizations working on conservation of birds or their habitat.

Whether it is supporting the conservation of endangered habitat, action on climate change, or work to remove invasive species, we are striving to help the conservation of birds worldwide.

Read more about conservation

PARTNERSHIPS

We believe collaboration with other organizations allows us to offer better, more innovative programming. We work with partners that share similar interests and values, and are happy to support our partners and their good work.

See our partners

OFFICE STAFF

We have an amazing team of office staff that is here to answer your questions. In addition to booking your tour, they can also assist you in purchasing the travel insurance that is right for you.

Our office staff that work year-round to look after all the logistical arrangements for our tours. They book all the accommodations, line up transportation and arrange local excursions so that our guides are free to do what they do best, look for wildlife and natural wonders and look after you.

Our customer support team is ready and waiting to assist you.

BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE

We have been in operation since 1996. We are a licensed BC travel agent (License #34413) and all deposits and payments are insured by the BC Travel Assurance Fund . We are proud to say that we are Canada’s oldest birding tour operator in the industry.

We have refined our booking process to make it easy and enjoyable to book a tour with us. On our Plan Your Trip page, we outlined our process in 10 steps, so you know what to expect before signing up, allowing you to book with confidence.

• How to book

If you would like to read our reservation, cancellation and refund policies or are looking to learn more about what’s included in our tours and which discounts might be available to you, all those details are summarized on our Terms & Conditions page for you.

• Booking FAQs

EAGLE-EYE TOURS IS A SAFE TRAVELS OPERATOR

Eagle-Eye Tours has been awarded the Safe Travels stamp by the World Travel & Tourism Council and the Travel Nunavut Industry Association. This accreditation recognizes us as a global leader in our adopted health and hygiene protocols and confirms our commitment to the safety, health and security of our clients, staff and guides. Implemented health and hygiene protocols that are aligned with WTTC’s Global Safe Travels Protocols .

Learn more about WTTC

Read what our travellers say about our guided wildlife and birding tours .

Read our reviews

WHAT WE OFFER

Birding & Wildlife Tours

Our birding and wildlife tours are an intimate and wonderful way to learn about and experience remote parts of the world. We believe that small-groups are essential for a quality, enjoyable travel experience. Our guides are expert birders and naturalists and will go the extra mile to ensure an optimal experience during your trip. We hope you will join us for one of our extraordinary tours!

Birding and Wildlife Tours

Expedition Cruises

Our expedition cruises are an intimate and wonderful way to learn about and experience remote parts of the world. These small ships have the ability to land virtually anywhere using zodiacs, providing excellent opportunities for exploration. Staff onboard typically cover birds and other wildlife, geology, history, local culture, photography, archaeology, and more.

• Conservation
• In the media
• Birding blog
• Plan your trip
• Land Tour FAQs
• Insurance FAQ

WHERE WE GO

• Mexico & Central America
• South America
• Australia & New Zealand

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy

Mainland USA

Naturalist Journeys offers birding and wildlife tours through the United States. Our US birding and wildlife tours explore habitats across the country — from Washington's Olympic Peninsula to South Florida, from Arizona to New Jersey, and many states in between. Join a birding migration tour, a desert monsoon tour, or simply witness the wonder of our national parks on a Yellowstone wildlife tour or Olympic Peninsula wildlife tour. Independent US Travel If our small group US birding tours don't fit your schedule or your interests, Naturalist Journeys is happy to arrange an independent birding venture designed just for you.

Destinations in this Region

• New Hampshire
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Utah & Southwest Parks
• Wyoming & Montana
• The Great Lakes

Guided Group Tours

Group travel is rewarding and fun! With more eyes you see more species. Travel Planners of Naturalist Journeys and Caligo Ventures have been creating memorable journeys for 40+ years. We offer you small-group birding and nature tours, limited to just 8-10 persons led by expert guides. Learn and explore with like-minded people, enjoy local food and culture, and immerse yourself in birding and nature.

Like what we do?

Sign up for our weekly enews to stay up to date, get to know our favorite destinations each week. we promise no spam..

What people are saying about Sunrise Birding>

Recent Trip Reports: Vietnam 2024> Japan 2024 (pdf)> Lesser Antilles 2024> Jamaica 2024 (pdf)> Panama 2023> Spanish Pyrenees 2023 (pdf)> Borneo 2023> Lesvos, Greece 2023> Morocco 2023> Costa Rica Hummingbird/Quetzal 2023> Costa Rica Toucan/Tanager 2023> Minnesota 2023 (pdf)> Lesser Antilles 2023> Jamaica 2022> MORE REPORTS>

Sunrise Birding travelers in Galápagos Photo by Gina Nichol

PASSPORTS & VISAS ONLINE Click here for information & fast service!

Username or E-Mail

Loading …

Forget Password?

Do not have an account?

Already a member.

• Contoy Excursions
• Paradise Birding
• Birdwatching Guatemala
• Birdwatching Belize
• Ecoterra Costa Rica
• Surcos Tours
• Wildbird Tours
• Trogon Tours
• Andes EcoTours
• Colombia Birdwatch
• Manakin Nature Tours
• Jungle Experiences Amazon River Cruises
• Harpia Tours
• Penguin Travel
• Iceland by Guide
• Andalucia Nature Trips
• Birding Tarifa
• Asian Adventures
• Madagascar Tourism Expeditions
• Adventure Birding Tours
• Ashanti African Tours
• Sunseekers Tours
• Wildlife Tours Rwanda
• Silverback Expeditions
• Soul of Tanzania
• Central African Wilderness Safaris
• Malawian Style
• Johnnie Uganda Safaris
• Trek-Papua Tours
• Araucana Lodge
• Yacutinga Lodge
• Napo Wildlife Center
• Gir Birding Lodge
• Jungle Lore Birding Lodge
• Destinations
• African Bird Club

Birding & Nature Holidays Designed and Operated by Local Experts

Helping travelers to save money while hosting a tour with a reliable local birding & nature tour operators worldwide.

Why Book With Us?

Take off the intermediaries

The Real Local Experts

Local Price

Birding & wildlife tours - birding by locals.

Rio de Janeiro Birds & Attractions Tour

Bird Watching to Sian Ka’an

Birdwatching to la Ruta de los Cenotes

Yucatan Birding Expedition

WESTERN AND CENTRAL ANDEAN SPECIALTIES – ARAUCANA LODGE GRAND OPENING TOUR

Araucana Lodge Choco Endemics Bonanza Tour

Rincon de la Vieja National Park Birding

La Perla Adventure Cruise – 4 Days / 3 Nights

Zafiro Luxury Cruise – 4 Days / 3 Nights

Zafiro Luxury Cruise – 5 Days / 4 Nights

Caribbean Jewels

Ghana Unique 17 Days Birding & Wildlife Tour

Ghana Unique 10 Days Birding & Wildlife Tour

Costa Rican Sunrise Centennial Trees, Cooking Class and Breakfast

Popular destinations.

Discover a world of possibilities of birding, wildlife, nature destinations, and local experts

Papua New Guinea

Browse Tours By Activity

• Photography
• Culture & Birding
• Archaeology & Birding
• Day Birding Tours

Subscribe for updates & promotions

Birding Specials

Birding festivals & events.

• The Great Backyard Bird Count February 12 - 15, 2021
• Smith Point Hawk Watch August 15 - November 30, 2020
• The Biggest Week in America Birding 2021
• Rio Grande Valley Briding Festival November 11 - 15, 2020
• Pearl of Africa Birding Expo

Travel Articles

Sail the Peruvian Amazon with Jungle Experiences!

Travelling to the Peruvian Amazon, When is the best moment to go?

Private Cruise: Traveling to the Amazon with Jungle Experiences

Harpy Eagles in the Yasuní National Park

COVID updates and the situation now in Rwanda

UPDATE to the FREE birding App BIRDS of AFRICA is available to download

Explorá Osa Con Tus Propios Ojos

Greeting from Madagascar Tourism Expeditions

Birding Tour in The Heart Of The Amazon Rainforest

Proceed booking, already a member.

Username or E-mail

Don't have an account? Create one.

Or continue as guest.

The Top 10 Best Places to Go Birdwatching in America

Plan your next vacation around these cool spots.

Country Living editors select each product featured. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Why Trust Us?

Think about it: what could be better than combining your two favorite obsessions: birding and travel ? Especially when some of the world's best birdwatching can be found within America's borders, in places as pretty as northern California and coastal Maine? Best of all, the following avian hangouts are so dense in winged wonders (hellllooo Platte River Valley!) you don't need to be an expert to spot some stunning species. And some destinations, like the legendary Rio Grande Valley, are home to birds you won't find anywhere else in the nation, giving even the most experienced twitchers a chance to expand their life list (the inventory of birds a birder has spotted in their lifetime).

Many of the following vacation hotspots, which are sprinkled throughout the U.S., are best to visit in spring or fall, when long-distance migrants are moving through on their way to or from Central or South America. Some provide special birding opportunities in summer, or even winter. But all are definitely for the birds!

Acadia National Park, Maine

Thanks to an incredibly diverse landscape, ranging from wild, water-swept coastline to verdant forest and barren, rocky mountaintop, more than 300 species of birds call the nearly 50,000 acres of Acadia National Park in Maine home. That includes the 20-plus species of warblers that nest in spring and summer on Mount Desert Island, though the park is a birder's paradise in all seasons.

Popular annual avian events include the Acadia Birding Festival in early summer and autumn's Cadillac Mountain Hawk Watch, a prime time to check out the thousands of raptors that descend on the area as they head south for the winter.

Looking to spot the iconic (if slightly silly-looking) puffin? Maine is the only state to boast breeding populations of the bird, which nest on offshore islands (not technically part of the park) come warm weather. Tour boats that visit the islands leave from Bar Harbor, the gateway to Acadia, and other towns along the coast.

Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico

Tucked away between the Chupadera and San Pascual mountains along the Rio Grand River, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge was created in 1939 to provide an overwintering habitat for migrating waterfowl. By November each year, the refuge's nearly 60,000 acres play host to sandhill cranes, ducks, and snow and Ross's geese numbering in the tens of thousands.

The birds' return to the refuge is celebrated annually in late fall with the Festival of the Cranes , while the springtime migration—known for visiting and nesting flycatchers, vireos, and a dozen species of warblers—gets its own special event in May. Spring is also a good time to catch sight of the legendary greater roadrunner (maybe even with a coyote in hot pursuit).

Although summer in the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge can get as sultry as you might expect, birders who head out in the morning and evening hours may be rewarded with sightings of black-chinned, broad-tailed, calliope and rufous hummingbirds.

Plan Your Trip

Cape May, New Jersey

Named by National Geographic as one of the best places in the world to birdwatch, Cape May is blessed with a location along the Atlantic Flyway (a sort of north-south super-skyway for migrating birds), westerly winds and a range of habitats pleasing to our fine feathered friends. Thanks to these and other factors, as many as a whopping 400 species of birds visit Cape May during fall migration.

Songbirds galore like vireos, tanagers, grosbeaks, warblers, buntings, and orioles flood the peninsula in September and October, along with raptors such as falcons, hawks and eagles. Ideal viewing spots include the Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area and Cape May Point State Park , but be sure to keep an eye for smaller flying critters. The area's famed monarch butterfly migration usually begins in late September and continues through mid-October.

Cape May Bird Observatory and New Jersey Audubon coordinate a wealth of fun events in Cape May throughout the year, from migration watches to fall and spring festivals and The World Series of Birding . Held every May, the fundraiser benefits bird conservation by challenging teams to count the most species in a 24-hour period.

Cave Creek Canyon, Arizona

Cave Creek Canyon , which sits pretty at 5,000 feet, on the eastern side of the Chiricahua Mountains, is home to the elusive elegant trogon. One of the country's most sought-after birds by hobbyists, this beautiful metallic-green and scarlet red fellow's range in the U.S. is mostly limited to southeastern Arizona. You'll find him summering here, in this stunning slice of Coronado National Forest, most likely near the south fork of Cave Creek.

Of course, as rare as the elegant trogon is, he's just one of as many as 370-some species birders may see in the canyon, including a dozen species of hummingbirds in the summertime.

Thanks in part to the area's astounding biological diversity, which ranges from desert to grassland and various types of woodlands and forests, species as varied as the Western screech owl, the sulphur-bellied flycatcher, the cactus wren, the hairy woodpecker, and the majestic golden eagle all thrive in Cave Creek Canyon.

Central Park, New York

It may seem counterintuitive to recommend a park nestled within a bustling city as a haven for birders. But Central Park , an 843-acre rectangle that dates to the mid-19th century, provides a critical pit stop for birds migrating along the Atlantic Flyway. Spring and fall are thus the peak birding seasons, with as many as 30 warbler species sometimes seen on a single day. In total, more than 280 bird species have been recorded in Central Park.

The best places for birding in the park include the 40-acre North Woods; The Ramble, featuring a leafy canopy and feeders to entice avian creatures; and The Pond. It's frequented by everything from great egrets to majestic red-tail hawks, which are year-round Big Apple residents. Peregrine falcons, another raptor favorite, also are permanent fixtures in Central Park (as are dedicated local birders, who are usually happy to point out birds to fellow enthusiasts).

Otherwise, in the wintertime keep an eye out for six species of owls, including the great-horned, barred, and northern saw-whet. Spring brings everything from cuckoos to flycatchers, kinglets and freshwater sandpipers. In fall, along with warblers, Central Park trees fill with sparrows, thrushes, and birds of prey.

Everglades National Park, Florida

The largest subtropical wilderness in the country, Everglades National Park sprawls across 1.5 million acres in southern Florida but can be easily accessed via entrances in Miami, Everglades City, and Homestead. The dry season, which lasts from December to April, is best for birding. Not only are there fewer mosquitos, but the warm winters attract the greatest variety of wading birds.

They include the wood stork—once endangered and still federally listed as threatened—the pink-plumed roseate spoonbill, the least bittern, the glossy ibis and an array of egrets and herons. Some of the other 360-some species seen in the park include the brilliant blue indigo bunting, the pleasingly acrobatic purple martin and the little yellow warbler.

There are a number of trails in Everglades National Park popular for birding, most accessible from the main entrance in Homestead, but the "River of Grass" can also be explored via everything from trams to airboats. Guided birdwatching tours are available from both park rangers and outside companies .

Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, Ohio

A refuge for 36 species of migrating warblers (including the endangered Kirtland's warbler) and more than 100 species of other songbirds, Magee Marsh Wildlife Area serves up some of the country's best birding come mid-May. In total, around 310 species of birds have been found here in spring, but the 2,200 acres of unspoiled wetlands along western Lake Erie draw plentiful species of birds in the fall, too. They include jaw-dropping numbers of waterfowl like Canada geese, mallards, green- and blue-winged teal and gadwall.

The well-maintained trails at Magee Marsh make birding here a bit less taxing than at some other avian-rich destinations. Most notably, the mile-long Magee Boardwalk offers twitchers a stellar view of neotropical migrants without having to work up a sweat. Meanwhile, birders should head to Hawkwatch Tower to see bald eagles, a wide array of hawk species, and osprey soar in the springtime.

The Biggest Week in American Birding , an annual 10-day extravaganza that takes place each May in northwest Ohio, will offer two daily guided walks at Magee Marsh, along with a wide range of other field trips, workshops, and special events.

Platte River Valley, Nebraska

Dubbed one of the planet's greatest migrations, the mind-boggling influx of one million sandhill cranes into the Platte River Valley should be on every birder's bucket list. Each year, beginning in mid-February, 80 percent of the world's population of the tall, leggy, crimson-capped wading birds descend on central Nebraska. They stay until early April, taking a well-earned breather before heading on to their breeding grounds in Alaska, Canada, and Siberia.

Among the world's oldest birds, the sandhill cranes spend their days in farm fields, chowing down on corn leftover from fall's harvest. They return to the safety of the Platte's shallow waters to roost at sunset, making dusk and dawn ideal times for crane watching. Blinds line the river; other perches include Fort Kearny Bridge in Kearney and Plautz Viewing Platform , south of Gibbon.

Or, visit Iain Nicolson Audubon Center at Rowe Sanctuary for guided sunrise and sunset crane tours. They also offer an overnight photography experience for dedicated shutterbugs who don't mind spending the night in a blind.

Point Reyes National Seashore, California

According to the folks at Point Reyes National Seashore , their piece of the Northern California coast "claims the prize for the greatest avian diversity of any national park." Nearly 490 species, or over half of all North American bird species, have been observed there. This staggering number is due to the park's more than 70,000 acres of diverse, unspoiled habitat; coastal location; advantageous latitude; and the 10-mile projection of the peninsula into the sea, which attracts "vagrants," birds that have made navigation errors during migration.

Its location on the Pacific Flyway (like the Atlantic Flyway, a major north-south skyway for migrating birds), means that fall and spring are plenty productive in Point Reyes, though the winter months offer great flocks of waterbirds thousands strong. Head to Limantour Estero or Bolinas Lagoon to catch grebes, cormorants, pelicans, kingfishers, ducks, and more, while Abbotts Lagoon is home to coots, black-shouldered kites, Caspian terns, a variety of raptors and nests of the threatened western snowy plover. (The threatened northern spotted owl also flourishes in the park.)

The park hosts several annual ornithological events throughout the year, like spring's Point Reyes Birding and Nature Festival , which boasts a wide variety of guided birding walks, and the Point Reyes Christmas Bird Count , with hundreds of volunteers tallying up the birds they observe throughout the day.

Rio Grande Valley, Texas

It's almost impossible to beat the Rio Grande Valley for birding. Some 500 species have been documented in this mostly subtropical area, which unspools across 4,200 square miles and four counties in the southernmost tip of the Lone State State. Nestled within the convergence of the Mississippi and Central flyways, this is the place to check birds off your list you won't find anywhere else in the country, including such showstoppers as the great kiskadee, the green jay and the buff-bellied hummingbird.

The World Birding Center is an invaluable resource for visitors, maintaining nine unique locations, each representing one of the valley's diverse landscapes. Depending on the facility, they offer goodies like tours and other special programming, exhibits, trails, boardwalks, observation towers, bird blinds, feeding stations, and even trams.

The birds vary by site, too, with everything from plain chachalacas and Altamira orioles sighted at Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley to endangered brown pelicans and piping plovers spotted at the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center. Want to flock together with some birds of a feather? The Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival runs for four days in November, offering a wealth of field trips, keynote speakers, workshops and more.

Jill Gleeson is a travel journalist and memoirist based in the Appalachian Mountains of western Pennsylvania who has written for websites and publications including Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day, Country Living, Washingtonian, Gothamist, Canadian Traveller, and EDGE Media Network. Jill is the travel editor for Enchanted Living. Learn more about her journey at gleesonreboots.com.

.css-1shyvki:before{background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:contain;background-size:contain;content:'';height:0.819rem;margin-bottom:0;margin-right:-0.9375rem;width:3.125rem;}.loaded .css-1shyvki:before{background-image:url('/_assets/design-tokens/countryliving/static/images/arrow.svg');}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-1shyvki:before{display:none;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-1shyvki:before{display:inline-block;}} Travel .css-unxkmx:before{background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:contain;background-size:contain;content:'';height:0.819rem;margin:0.7rem auto 0.9375rem;width:3.125rem;}.loaded .css-unxkmx:before{background-image:url('/_assets/design-tokens/countryliving/static/images/arrow.svg');}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-unxkmx:before{display:block;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-unxkmx:before{display:none;}}

Scenic Spots to Watch the Total Solar Eclipse

The 15 Best Beaches Near Orlando

A Weekend in Connecticut's Litchfield County

I Stayed at Maui's Fairmont Kea Lani

20+ Magically Free Things at Disney World

You Can Stay Inside a Stack of Pancakes for Free

30 Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in the U.S.

The 30 Most Charming Small Towns in Connecticut

8 Unique Vacation Destinations to Visit in 2024

Mardi Gras Facts We Betcha Don't Know

An Asheville Itinerary for Every Season

Things To Do | Grab your binoculars: Great Dismal Swamp hosts…

Share this:.

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on X (Opens in new window)

e-Pilot Evening Edition

• Restaurants, Food and Drink
• Home and Garden
• Lottery numbers and winners
• Games and Puzzles

Things To Do

Things to do | grab your binoculars: great dismal swamp hosts 13th annual birding festival.

The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge hosts its 13th annual Birding Festival on April 27, with guided bird and nature walks, bus tours, natural history presentations, live raptors, wildlife exhibits and plenty of family fun activities.

All activities are free, but registration is required for bus tours and guided walks at the various trailheads around the swamp.

All other activities will be at the refuge headquarters at 3100 Desert Road, Suffolk, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

For detailed program and registration information,  see www.fws.gov/event/great-dismal-swamp-birding-festival .

More in Things To Do

Daily Horoscope for April 20, 2024

Restaurants, Food and Drink | French bakery in Norfolk’s Neon District is moving to Ghent

Travel | 5 airport lines you can ditch (and how to skip them for free)

Review: Lily Gladstone and Riley Keough shine in Hulu’s dark true-crime drama ‘Under the Bridge’

Trending nationally.

• Jennifer Lopez ‘disappointed’ by ’embarrassing’ concert sales but vows to move on
• Disney, Universal report leg injuries, loss of consciousness on rides
• O.J. Simpson did not die surrounded by loved ones, says lawyer
• Aspen home sells for $108 million, making Colorado one of the few states with $100+ million houses
• DeSantis signs school chaplains bill opposed by pastors, Satanists, ACLU