Soaring in Popularity: 8 Premium Birding Destinations

With eyes to the skies birding enthusiasts are in ecstasy upon spotting sought-after species.

The increase in birding as an outdoor recreation option and as a catalyst for ecotourism, along with easy access to bird clubs, is not lost on the astute tour planner.

The most recent National Survey on Recreation and the Environment (NSRE) showed birding with one of the most significant rates of growth among outdoor recreational activities. Thirty-three percent, or more than 70 million people 16 and above, are participating. The South has shown the largest growth in birding.

Fifty-six percent of the birders are female, and 37 percent are between the ages of 40 and 59. Birders are also reporting that walking and travel to seashores and mountains are regular activities. The demographics are right.

The American Birding Association lists bird clubs in 37 staes and five Canadian Provinces. Most hold regular meetings and have events held each year, birders are known to travel.

Here are eight top southern birding destinations that welcome groups. Bring your binoculars and cameras.

1. Gulf Islands National Seashore

Ocean Springs, Mississippi

The Gulf Islands cover Florida and Mississippi with the latter’s only access in the Davis Bayou Area. A great place to begin is the William M. Colmer Visitor Center, which has informative exhibits and a film. A two-mile trail takes visitors through a coastal forest and two bayous. Expect to see spring migrants and wading birds. Ocean Springs fun is just a click away at oceanspringsfun.com.

2. Grand Isle State Park

Grand Isle, Louisiana

One birding expert believes Grand Isle may have more birds per capita than any other destination. The lagoons and Gulf shore are attractive to numerous species, including shorebirds, gulls, ducks, wading birds and song birds, in the spring and fall. Louisiana’s only inhabited barrier island is convenient to nearby New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Lafayette. For accommodations, dining and things to do, visit the Jefferson Parrish website at visitjeffersonparish.com.

3. Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Outer Bank North Carolina

Along with summer visitors from inland, coastal beach nesting birds make the seashore their home. Terns and black skimmers tend to nest in groups, or colonies. American oyster-catchers and the threatened piping plover are solitary nesters. Open ocean trips in May are recommended to see a half-dozen species, including shearwaters, black-capped petrels, and Wilson’s and Leach’s storm-petrels. The Outer Bank Toruism Authority is the place to begin planning at outerbanks.com.

4. Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge

Dardanelle, Arkansas

This might just be the place to be for a winter tour. Snow geese and bald eagles are easy to spot. Spring and summer bring the scissor-tailed flycatchers and lark sparrows. The refuge’s environment and location near the transitional zone for eastern and western species make it a rewarding destination. The woodlands are particularly attractive to orioles, warblers, buntings and vireos duting migration. The refuge’s website is fws.gov/southeast/pubs/holla-bend_birdlist.pdf.

5. Chesapeake Bay Bride-Tunnel

Cape Charles, Virginia

This prime area at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay is home to numerous species of birds and waterfowl. You’ll be viewing from one of the Bay Bridge-Tunnel’s manmade islands. Only small group of 15 or less are permitted and will be accompanied by security. Identification will be checked. An application for a birdwatching permit is online at cbbt.com/activities/birding. The Virginia Beach CVB (visitvirginiabeach.com/grouptour) and Norfolk CVB (visitnorfolktoday.com) are ready to share all there is to see and do in the area.

6. Wildcat Glades Audubon Center

Joplin, Missouri

The canter is a prime example of the impact birding has on our ecosystem. Here you’ll find chert glades a globally unique habit and Shoal Creek, which are both a critical place for migratory birds. To date 163 species have been recorded with 48 being confirmed nesters. Recommended trails are available online at wildcatglades.audubon.org. (visitjoplinmo.com)

7. Fort Myers Beach/Little Estero Lagoon

Fort Myers Beach, Florida

There are more than a dozen top birding spots in Florida, from Everglades National Park to St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. Few are more easily accessible than the lagoon/beach area of Fort Myers Beach, both a popular vacation spot and excellent habitat for many species. Summer brings the magnificent frigatebird, while wood storks and osprey are found year-round. Peregrine falcons hunt from the fall through spring. (fortmyers-sanibel.com)

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