The South is an excellent place for spotting rare birds as well as common species. With so many types of birds migrating through this area each spring and fall, birdwatching in the southern US can be quite spectacular. Although many varieties of birds can be found throughout the southern states and along the shores, there are three places that stand out above the rest when it comes to finding the best place for birding.
1. Darling National Wildlife Refuge – Florida
Florida’s Darling National Wildlife Refuge is not only a great spot for birdwatching in the southern US, it’s considered the top birding spot in North America. Their Wildlife Drive takes guests on a loop where sightings of Egrets, Herons, and Roseate Spoonbills are common. The best time of year to come is from December through March. Just off of the drive is Indigo Trail where Night Herons can be seen. What really makes this a favorite area for birding is the refuge’s eBird system. It tracks recent sightings from visitors and the volunteers.
2. Jekyll Island – Georgia
On Jekyll Island in Georgia one can find numerous species of birds. At the southern tip of the island is South End Beach where Shorebirds, waterfowl, wading birds, and gull-like birds are found. Waterfowl are best viewed in the winter while all the others are there year round. Shorebirds are most common from mid-summer until spring during high tide. Offshore, visitors will discover loons, scoters, buffleheads, and mergansers. Jekyll Island is ideal for spotting rare types such as the American oystercatchers, Black skimmers, jaegers, southern polar skua, glaucous gulls, and piping plover.
3. John James Audubon State Park – Kentucky
A list of the top birdwatching in the southern US wouldn’t be complete without Kentucky’s John James Audubon State Park. Audubon spent his younger years here. Guests will find seven miles of birdwatching trails that wind through the woodlands and go around the two manmade lakes. The spring and fall migrations bring many species through the park each year. North of the park, visitors can watch Great Blue Heron and Bald Eagles with their young along Stratman Road.
Related article: Top 3 Birdwatching Destinations in the US or 8 Southern Locales for Autumn Birdwatching
Featured Image from Forest Simon/Unsplash
