What Really Makes For The Best Birding Spots

Bird-watching is one of those hobbies that is not only enjoyable but can be done from the comfort of your home. Plus, attracting more beautiful birds to your yard can often be done with a few simple changes, like by using the egg carton bird feeder hack, adding red to your yard to attract hummingbirds, or planting a beauty berry bush to draw more cardinals. However, if you want to take your love of birds outside of your own property and start actively birding — searching for rare and gorgeous native birds in your local area — it can be a bit hard to know where to look. So, to find out more information about what makes for the best birding spots, we spoke to Zach Hutchinson, the Head Flocker at Flocking Around. According to Hutchinson, the best bird-watching location is often personal. "An ideal birding location changes depending on who answers the question. For some folks, it's accessibility; for others, it may be distance to home or ease of access."

With that said, Hutchinson notes that the two major factors in a birding hotspot are "diversity and abundance." He adds, "Many bird-watchers and birders have a strong affinity for locations that allow them to see the greatest variety of bird species while also seeing large numbers of the present species. However, unique birding opportunities also present themselves as favorite birding spots. Seeing significant migration stopovers like the Sandhill Crane migration in Kearney, Nebraska, or watching thousands of herons and egrets nest in a heronry create the kinds of lasting memories that also earn special designations for an 'ideal birding spot.'" So, how can you find more of these incredible spots?

If you are looking for birding spots in your local area, or an area you are visiting temporarily, it pays to do your research. "Many states have printed guides to help direct out-of-state birders to the best local birding hotspots. However, these are quickly becoming outdated or are not being renewed," explains Hutchinson. Luckily, you have another option. As Hutchinson advises, "I suggest new birders download and learn to use the eBird and Audubon apps. Not only are these smartphone apps free, but they also provide the most up-to-date bird sightings on local hotspots!" He's not kidding about how updated these are, either. "Birders from around the globe submit bird sightings through eBird, which can help visitors and tourists know what species they might encounter upon their visits and prepare accordingly!" You can find out more about what specific apps Hutchinson recommends by checking out his seven favorite birding apps.

Hutchinson encourages getting a little adventurous when picking your birding locations. "Some of my favorite, under-visited hotspots are sewage lagoons! These refuse recyclers attract large numbers of water-oriented species of birds like waterfowl, wading birds, and shorebirds. But also, they can lure off-course rarities that see a lovely refueling station, not fully understanding what is lurking inside the water." In addition, he recommends not overlooking quiet and peaceful locations that you may not initially think of. "Cemeteries throughout North America frequently have mature trees that attract a variety of migrating warblers or wintering finches. Across the Midwest, cemeteries with mature spruce and pine will see the random appearances of boreal finches that stop in for a refuel while they wander across the states looking for prime wintering real estate." So, if you live near an old cemetery or sewage lagoon, it's definitely worth a try. Happy birding!