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CartTop Fall Birding Hotspots Across the South
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just someone who enjoys being outdoors, fall birding hotspots in the South are hard to beat.
Fall brings prime birding to the southern U.S., as thousands of migratory birds pass through. As cooler temperatures and northern winds drive birds south, it sets the stage for some of the best birding of the year. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just someone who enjoys being outdoors, fall birding hotspots in the South are hard to beat.
The Gulf Coast
Spanning from Texas to Florida, the Gulf Coast serves as a crucial stopover for millions of birds, which makes it one of the most exciting places for birders to visit during migration season.
Duck Migration: The Gulf Coast is famous for its influx of ducks during fall. Pintails, teal, and wigeon flood into the coastal wetlands and marshes, creating a must-see spectacle for birders. Areas like Texas’ Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge and Louisiana’s Sabine National Wildlife Refuge are teeming during this time of year.
Warblers and Songbirds: The fall migration also brings an array of warblers, vireos, and other songbirds. High Island in Texas is a legendary spot for fall birding, where bird watchers can witness fallouts – an event where huge groups of tired birds land to rest and refuel.
Wetland Walkway – Sabine National Wildlife Refuge . The 1.5 mile Wetland Walkway transects freshwater marsh habitat, and provides a surprisingly convenient way to see lots of wildlife up close and personal. An amazing total of 253 bird species have been recorded from this small site.
The Mississippi River Delta
Thanks to its vast wetlands and forested areas, the Mississippi River Delta is a vital flyway for migrating raptors, waterbirds, and shorebirds on their journey south.
Bald Eagles: Fall is the start of eagle season in the Delta, and you can spot these majestic birds perched along riverbanks and soaring above. The lower Mississippi River hosts one of the largest populations of wintering Bald Eagles in the South.
Sandhill Cranes: The marshes and wetlands of the Delta are also home to the iconic Sandhill Cranes during the fall. You’ll spot large numbers of these birds (and hear their distinctive bugling calls) as they gather to feed.
Shorebird Migration: The Mississippi Delta is a prime feeding ground for shorebirds – including sanderlings, plovers, and yellowlegs – that flock to its mudflats during migration. The Delta National Forest and the Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge are excellent places to observe these birds in their natural habitat.
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Florida’s Everglades
The Everglades are world-renowned for their incredible biodiversity, and fall is no exception. The Everglades are home to an abundance of resident species, but they also host flocks of migratory waders, raptors, and waterfowl during the fall.
Wading Birds: Fall in the Everglades is the perfect time to witness large groups of wading birds such as egrets, herons, ibises, and spoonbills. Anhinga Trail in the Everglades National Park is a well-known spot for observing these species up close as they forage and roost.
Swallow-Tailed Kites: Though they usually leave by late summer, fall birders might still spot a few during the tail end of their migration. Swallow-tailed kites are known for their sharp aerial skills, often seen gliding over marshes as they snatch insects mid-flight.
Ducks and Waterfowl: As in many southern wetlands, the Everglades also see an influx of ducks during the fall. Blue-winged teal and mottled ducks are commonly found in the shallow waters, making the Everglades one of the top birding hotspots for waterfowl lovers.
Southern Appalachians
Though they may not seem like an obvious birding hotspot, the Appalachian ridges act as natural corridors for migrating hawks, warblers, and more.
Hawk Migration: This is one of the most exciting fall events in the southern Appalachians. Areas like Hawk Mountain, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee’s Chilhowee Mountain feature opportunities to observe species like sharp-shinned hawks, Cooper’s hawks, and broad-winged hawks. These raptors ride thermal currents along the ridges and put on a dramatic display for birders.
Fall Warblers: In the forests of the southern Appalachians, fall warblers migrate south, creating another major birding draw. Places like North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Parkway and Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains are perfect for spotting species such as the black-throated blue warbler, American redstart, and Tennessee warbler.
Texas’ Rio Grande Valley
The Rio Grande Valley is one of the most famous birding hotspots in the country, and for good reason. Located along the border of the U.S. and Mexico, the valley is a melting pot of tropical, desert, and coastal species.
The Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival is an annual event held in Harlingen, Texas, that celebrates the rich bird life of the Rio Grande Valley. Field Trips, Seminars, Workshops and a Trade Show make for an outstanding weekend.
Tropical Species: The Rio Grande Valley is home to several species you won’t find anywhere else in the United States. Birders flock to hotspots like Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge and Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park in search of green jays, Altamira orioles, and great kiskadees.
Raptor Migration: The Valley is a prime spot for observing raptors during fall migration. In addition to tropical species, the Santa Ana refuge is also a great place for hawk-watchers to witness thousands of migrating birds of prey, including Swainson’s hawks and peregrine falcons.
Get Out and Explore Fall’s Best Birding Spots
From the Gulf Coast and Mississippi River Delta to the southern Appalachians and Texas’ Rio Grande Valley, the South is packed with fall birding hotspots. Whether you’re looking for migratory ducks, soaring eagles, or a glimpse of tropical species, there’s something for every birder this time of year. So, don’t miss out – grab your binoculars and hit the field to catch some of the best birding action of the season!