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Spring Migration is Starting -- Get Out and See the Sight
Today, take a break from focusing on your small outdoor area.
Take a field trip and thrill at the mass migrations in your area.
Famous migrations include cranes, waterfowl, shorebirds, and hawks. You can find something spectacular near you.
How to Get Started
- Find a place to watch a mass migration
- Determine when to go
- Be prepared
- Go
Where to Watch
No matter where you live, your region has places to watch the spring migration.
Look for regional wildlife areas, conservation areas, refuges, parks, state and federal forests, and reserves that have birding opportunities.
Some resources to help:
Online Birding Forums
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BirdForum
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GardenWeb's Bird Watching forum
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Surfbirds
Local Birding Groups
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Club Finder
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Birdwatching Meetup Groups
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Google for a local group , e.g., "Illinois birding group"
Birding Organizations
Online Maps
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National Wildlife Viewing Map
- Use a Google map of your location to visually identify green recreational areas nearby
When to Go?
Spring migration season runs from the end of February through the end of May, with different species migrating at different points.
Of course, a particular migrating species will appear in northern states before southern states.
You can pick a time and destination based on what species you want to see, or just check the conditions at a possible destination periodically throughout the season.
Be Prepared
You really don't need much to watch migrations. Binoculars are always helpful, as are field guides to consult when you're taking a break from the action.
If you're walking and not auto-touring, the usual walking-in-the-outdoors preparations apply, of course.
More Information
What birds you can see sometimes depend on what flyway covers your area.
Beyond this very abbreviated list, you can find more of the best mass migration spots in your area by doing research (see the resources above), or check out the following books.
