For bird enthusiasts, the United States offers a treasure trove of national parks
teeming with diverse avian species. From coastal havens to mountain retreats, these
parks provide unparalleled opportunities to observe birds in their natural habitats.
Let’s embark on a cross-country journey to explore the top 20 national parks that will
make any birdwatcher’s heart soar.
Everglades National Park, Florida
A wetland wonderland, the Everglades boasts over 360 bird species. From the iconic
roseate spoonbill to the elusive mangrove cuckoo, this park is a birder’s paradise.
Don’t miss the chance to spot the endangered wood stork or the vibrant purple
gallinule.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Perched on the rugged Atlantic coast, Acadia offers a mix of coastal and forest birds.
The park’s diverse habitats attract everything from peregrine falcons to Atlantic
puffins.
Head to Cadillac Mountain for a chance to see migrating hawks in the fall.
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Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
While famous for its geothermal features, Yellowstone is also home to over 300 bird
species. Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive great gray owl or the charismatic
trumpeter swan.
The Hayden Valley is perfect for spotting sandhill cranes and bald eagles.
Big Bend National Park, Texas
This desert oasis in West Texas is a crucial stopover for migrating birds. With over
450 species recorded, including the rare Colima warbler, Big Bend is a must-visit for
serious birders.
The Chisos Basin is especially productive during spring migration.
Olympic National Park, Washington
From coastal tidepools to alpine meadows, Olympic’s diverse ecosystems support a
wide array of bird life. Look for tufted puffins along the coast, or seek out the elusive
northern spotted owl in the old-growth forests.
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Glacier National Park, Montana
Home to over 260 bird species, Glacier offers spectacular mountain scenery
alongside great birding. Keep an eye out for the striking harlequin duck in fast-
moving streams, or scan the skies for golden eagles soaring above the peaks.
Denali National Park, Alaska
While challenging to access, Denali rewards birders with unique Arctic species. The
park is home to the elusive gyrfalcon and the charismatic willow ptarmigan. Don’t
forget your binoculars—and your bear spray!
Saguaro National Park, Arizona
This desert park is a haven for southwestern bird species. Listen for the distinctive
call of the cactus wren, or watch for the colorful vermilion flycatcher. The park’s two
districts offer different birding experiences, so try to visit both.
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North
Carolina
With over 240 bird species, including 85 breeding neotropical migrants, the Smokies
are a birder’s dream. The Cades Cove area is particularly good for spotting wild
turkeys and pileated woodpeckers.
Channel Islands National Park, California
This archipelago off the California coast is home to several endemic subspecies,
including the island scrub jay found nowhere else on Earth. Pelagic birding trips
around the islands can yield sightings of rare seabirds.
Everglades National Park, Florida
Yes, it’s so good it’s worth mentioning twice! The sheer diversity of bird life here is
staggering. From wading birds like the great blue heron to raptors like the swallow-
tailed kite, the Everglades offers year-round birding opportunities.
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Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
While not known primarily for birding, Crater Lake’s unique ecosystem supports
several interesting species. Look for Clark’s nutcrackers near the rim, or spot
American dippers bobbing in streams at lower elevations.
Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
This remote park, accessible only by boat or seaplane, is a crucial stopover for
migratory birds. During spring migration, the park’s Fort Jefferson can be covered
with colorful warblers.
It’s also one of the few places in the U.S. to reliably see magnificent frigatebirds.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii
For a truly unique birding experience, this park offers a chance to see many of Hawaii’s endemic species. Look for the ʻapapane with its bright red feathers, or the elusive ʻiʻiwi with its curved bill.
Just remember: many of these species are critically endangered, so tread lightly.
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Point Reyes National Seashore, California
With over 490 recorded species, Point Reyes is a birding hotspot. Its varied habitats
support everything from shorebirds to raptors.
Don’t miss the chance to see Tule ElkTule Elk while searching for long-billed curlews or snowy plovers.
Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska
This coastal park offers opportunities to see both land and seabirds. Take a boat tour
to spot tufted puffins, or hike into the backcountry for a chance to see the rare
Kittlitz’s murrelet.
The park’s Exit Glacier area is good for spotting American dippers.
Congaree National Park, South Carolina
This floodplain forest is home to a diverse array of bird species. Listen for the haunting call of the barred owl, or watch for prothonotary warblers flitting through the cypress trees.
The elevated boardwalk offers excellent viewing opportunities.
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Isle Royale National Park, Michigan
This remote island in Lake Superior is a haven for boreal bird species. Look for
common loons on inland lakes or spot spruce grouse along forest trails.
The park’s isolation means fewer visitors and more pristine habitat for birds.
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
While known for its stunning rock formations, Bryce Canyon is also home to several
interesting bird species. Look for Clark’s nutcrackers near the rim, or spot prairie
falcons soaring over the canyon.
The park’s high elevation makes it a good place to see montane species.
Padre Island National Seashore, Texas
This barrier island is a crucial stopover for migratory birds. During spring and fall
migrations, the park can be teeming with warblers, shorebirds, and raptors.
It’s also one of the few places in the U.S. where you can see aplomado falcons.
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Explore the Avian Wonders of America’s National Parks
These 20 national parks offer some of the best birdwatching opportunities in the
United States. From the swamps of Florida to the mountains of Alaska, each park
provides a unique window into the diverse world of birds.
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just starting, these parks offer something for everyone.
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