The U.S. offers some of the most impressive displays in terms of bird migration. Discovering their routes can help you decide where and when to catch a glimpse of them. From the dazzling Ruby-throated Hummingbird to the humble American Goldfinch, here’s a guide to the ten most spectacular bird migrations in the country and where to spot them.
Hummingbird Migration
Hummingbirds, including Rufous and Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, migrate from their U.S. breeding grounds to wintering areas in Mexico and Central America. These tiny travelers spread their wings in late summer and continue migrating into early fall only returning north late winter or early spring. During the journey, these birds can travel non-stop for 500 to 600 miles across the Gulf of Mexico. Unlike other birds, hummingbirds migrate individually, not in a flock. This strategy allows them to stop at specific feeders and flowers for nourishment. They might even pop into your garden! The best places to see them are the Southeastern U.S. and the Rio Grande Valley in Texas.
Whooping Crane Migration
Whooping Cranes, once nesting on the edge of extinction, can now be seen making remarkable flights yet again. They swoop down from northern Canada, specifically Wood Buffalo National Park, to travel to their winter home at the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge in Texas. Traveling approximately 2,500 miles, they fly over the Great Plains, finding vital food and resting spots. Aside from the parks and Great Plains, you can also view them at Oklahoma’s Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge, a pit stop along their route. Their migration usually begins in late September and ends in early April.
Snow Goose Migration
Love to honk at people? Snow geese, including the Greater and Lesser Snow Geese, simply avoid the air traffic. They migrate from their breeding habitats in the Arctic all the way to their wintering grounds in the southern United States. They start southward in late September and October and return north from late March to early May. With a migration route covering over 2,000 miles, they want to choose the best routes, The Central Flyway and the Mississippi Flyway are common paths for their journey. You can spot major concentrations at the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area in Pennsylvania but if you want some prime viewing, head to Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico or Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge in Maryland.
American Sandhill Crane Migration
American Sandhill Cranes, not the metal kind, travel between 1,000 and 2,000 miles from their northern breeding grounds to wintering areas in the south. Their journey starts in late September and stretches into early October, but they return north late March to early April. Their most notable stops are in Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge and the Platte River in Nebraska. Watching them can be a mesmerizing experience, especially during their large flocks’ migration. They are famous for their courtship dances and distinctive calls.
American Robin Migration
American Robins breed across North America but move south to the southeastern U.S. for the winter. Some travel as far as Mexico! Robins start migrating in late summer to early fall and head back north in late winter to early spring. Their migration can vary widely depending on their specific breeding and wintering locations. Given their widespread presence, distinctive song, and bright red breast, they’re easy to spot. Their most notable migration spots include the Eastern U.S., the green areas of the Great Lakes Region, and the Southeastern U.S. So instead of 2 pm doom scrolling maybe try robin watching in gardens and parks in your area?
Peregrine Falcon Migration
Peregrine Falcons undertake one of the most impressive migrations. Known for their remarkable speed they can exceed 200 mph during hunting dives! They cross 1,000 to 3,000 miles between their breeding and wintering grounds at lightspeed. They fly down from the northern U.S. and Canada towards warmer regions such as the southern U.S., Mexico, and Central America. They depart in late summer to early fall and return between March and May. They’re often spotted in urban areas where they nest on tall buildings or bridges. If you’re looking for the best views I recommend checking out their hunting or nesting sites in the Chesapeake Bay Area in Maryland, San Francisco Bay Area in California, and the Everglades National Park in Florida.
Red-tailed Hawk Migration
Red-tailed Hawks travel from their breeding territories across North America and Canada to their wintering grounds in the southern U.S. and northern Mexico. Their journey spans several hundred miles, following established flyways. Migration typically starts in late September or October, with hawks returning north in March and April. They can be spotted in parks and natural areas during their migration. You can get some of the best views of this migration at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Pennsylvania, Grand Canyon National Park, in Arizona, and the San Francisco Bay Area in California. Pay close attention to ridges and open areas since they often use thermal updrafts—rising columns of warm air—to aid their flight. What an energy-efficient way of traveling!
Baltimore Oriole Migration
Baltimore Orioles book their flight late between April and early May and land in late August to early September. They fly from their breeding grounds in the eastern U.S. and southern Canada to Central America and Mexico. Orioles prefer routes that offer abundant food, making their migration relatively short and direct. No overlay flights for these birds! You can spot them at feeders with fruit or nectar in gardens and wooded areas in the Eastern and Southern US. Other great viewing spots are in the Mid-Atlantic States, especially areas like Maryland and Pennsylvania.
Blackpoll Warbler Migration
Blackpoll Warblers undertake one of the longest migrations for small birds. These little ones travel from their breeding grounds in the northern U.S. and Canada to wintering areas in northern South America. Their adventure begins in late August to early September, with a return home north between late April and early May. Their route is a non-stop, 500-mile journey across the Gulf of Mexico. And I thought my dad didn’t like stopping on trips! These warblers often travel in mixed-species flocks that can be observed in forested areas and birding festivals along their route. Some of the best viewing spots include Cape May in New Jersey, Monhegan Island in Maine, and Point Pelee National Park in Ontario.
American Goldfinch Migration
American Goldfinches move from their breeding grounds in North America to the southern U.S. and Mexico. A rare sight since their migration is more localized and can vary based on food availability and weather conditions. Typically these flocks start their journey southward in late summer only to return north in late winter to early spring. You can see them around The Great Lakes Region, Southern and Northern United States. New York and Pennsylvania, are especially known for their goldfinch populations. So keep your eye on the open fields and thistle seed bird feeders in those areas.
Conclusion
Bird migrations are a truly awe-inspiring sight. Many are too busy looking at the ground to appreciate the incredible journeys and adaptations of these feathered travelers. Whether it’s the solitary flight of the hummingbird or the massive flocks of snow geese, each migration offers a unique and breathtaking spectacle. So grab your binoculars, find a prime viewing spot, and enjoy the wonders of the American sky!
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