Birding the Eastern Seaboard

Some North American bird species are already familiar sights in the UK, with small numbers appearing fairly regularly during migration, especially in autumn. Beyond these familiar visitors, however, lies a vast and thrilling array of species that never make it across the Atlantic...

North America hosts spectacular spring and autumn migrations involving millions of birds, particularly along its coastlines, and its immense variety of habitats ensures outstanding birding opportunities across many states throughout the year. The east coast stands out as a prime destination, offering superb spring migration, excellent overwintering birds and a dramatic autumn raptor movement. While migration peaks can never be predicted with certainty, we plan our travels to coincide with the most productive periods, maximising the chances of witnessing these remarkable natural events.

In the southernmost states, the first wave of spring migrants arrives between late March and early May. Texas, positioned along the Gulf of Mexico, is one of the first landfalls for northbound birds. Many arrive exhausted after their trans-Gulf crossing, gathering along the coast to feed and rest before continuing inland or following the eastern seaboard north. These coastal areas are rich feeding grounds for both migratory and overwintering species, including the iconic Whooping Crane, and we may even encounter a few late-moving individuals lingering in the area. A boat trip through Aransas National Wildlife Refuge is a true highlight, offering the chance to see Roseate Spoonbill, Mottled Duck, pelicans, terns and a variety of waders. Inland, the subtropical Rio Grande Valley echoes the landscapes of north-eastern Mexico, while the hill country’s juniper and broadleaf woodlands hold Texas’s only breeding endemic, the Golden-cheeked Warbler, alongside breeding Black-capped Vireo. Texas is also a hotspot for butterflies, with more species recorded here than anywhere else in the United States.

New York may be best known for its towering skyscrapers and fast-paced city life, but hidden within the urban sprawl are green oases that come alive during spring migration. Carefully scanning the tree canopies in Central Park can reveal dazzling North American warblers, such as Prothonotary, Blackburnian and Chestnut-sided, all glowing in their breeding plumage. At the height of migration, Prospect Park in Brooklyn can produce over 100 species in a single day, including Baltimore Oriole, Rose-breasted Grosbeak and five species of vireo. Nearby, Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge offers superb birding for waterbirds and waders, along with passerines and butterflies on warm, sunny days.

Further south along the east coast lies Cape May, strategically positioned on the northern edge of Delaware Bay and famed as a vital stopover for migrants in both spring and autumn. Spring brings an explosion of colour, with Magnolia, Cape May and Black-throated Blue Warblers displaying their finest breeding plumage. In autumn, these same species return in more subdued tones, depending on their moult strategy. Spring wader migration, featuring Semi-palmated Sandpiper, Red Knot and Short-billed Dowitcher, often coincides with the horseshoe crab breeding season, creating a dramatic feeding spectacle along the beaches. Autumn is dominated by raptor migration, and on peak days hundreds of birds can be seen streaming south across Delaware Bay, including Sharp-shinned, Cooper’s and Broad-winged Hawks, along with Northern Harrier. Passerines such as Scarlet Tanager, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, vireos, orioles and numerous warblers may also be encountered, while wader flocks can include Willet, Least and Spotted Sandpipers, Sanderling, Dunlin and Grey Plover.

Florida provides a warm refuge for many overwintering species, its tropical climate allowing birds such as warblers and the elegant Scissor-tailed Flycatcher to survive the cooler months without migrating as far as Central or South America. It also offers the chance to see Caribbean species including Short-tailed Hawk and White-crowned Pigeon. At Merritt Island, a drive-through nature trail passes habitats where Bald Eagle, Northern Harrier and the endemic Florida Scrub Jay can be found, all set against the surreal backdrop of spacecraft launch pads. There is also the possibility of spotting manatee from the viewing platform. The Boynton Beach area encompasses lakes, prairies, pine woods and wetlands, supporting regional specialities such as Snail Kite, Limpkin and Wild Turkey, with the potential for Red-cockaded Woodpecker, alongside warblers and waterbirds. The Everglades, rightly famous for its vast swamp habitats, offers opportunities to look for Alligator and the rarer American Crocodile, as well as a rich array of waterbirds including herons, egrets and gallinules.

Please refer to the webpages for detailed itineraries and tour reports, or call the office on 01962 733051 to chat with one of our friendly experts to discuss which tour might suit you best! As with all our American tours, there is the option to extend your stay and explore these outstanding regions in greater depth. Please contact the Naturetrek office if you would like further information.