This year, over 60 million Americans will strap on their binoculars and grab their field book to do a bit of bird watching. An activity many consider a sport, bird watching, or birding as it is commonly known, is now the single largest hobby on the North American continent. Whether your passion for birds takes you into the backyard or out into the field, a complete field guide is a must-have on any outing.
Two of the most comprehensive and visually compelling field guides available today are the Smithsonian Handbooks “Birds of North America: Western Region,” and “Birds of North America: Eastern Region.” These handy new guides, written by Dr. Fred J. Alsop III, an accomplished ornithologist and professor of biological sciences, are the first and only guides to devote an entire page to each species and include their complete life history – including song, plumage, nesting, breeding, flight pattern, habitat and similar birds. Each page contains a large, full-color photograph of the species, making identification, even for the most novice of bird watchers, easy.
Before taking off for your journey into bird-land, there are a couple other essentials every bird watcher needs to ensure a successful and fulfilling outing. First, a good pair of binoculars is a fundamental instrument for spotting our feathered friends. Be sure that everyone in your party has their own set so no one misses out on a sighting. Then, bring a notebook to jot down your observations – this will help you keep track of all the species you've seen, and provide you with a valuable learning tool for future trips.
While one can bird watch from virtually anywhere, there are certain areas of the country that see much more activity and host a wider variety of the species than others. No matter where you live in the United States, there are many opportunities to take short or long journeys to some of the most popular bird watching areas in the country. For an inside look into the top 100 bird watching spots in North America, a new book entitled “Where the Birds Are” from DK Publishing and the National Wildlife Federation, is the perfect reference to use while planning your trip. The book features valuable information on locations in every U.S. state and all across Canada.
Armed with your binoculars, field guides and patience, take advantage of just a few of the locations detailed in “Where the Birds Are”:
Nevada
While some may think that most attractions in Nevada are automatically equipped with flashing lights and neon signs, Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refugee is 100 percent natural and packed with some of the country's most beautiful bird species. The refuge is located in the marshy area of the mostly arid Nevada Great Basin. The marshes and wetlands provide habitat for many bird species, but one of the favorites among visitors remains the trumpeter swan. During the first two hours after dark, the ringing calls of trumpeter swans can be heard echoing off the mountains. The trumpet-like tones are more intense during a full moon because the increased light makes the swans more active.
South Dakota
Not only is South Dakota and Badlands National Park home to some of the most colorful rock formations in the United States, but the wide variety of terrain is inhabited by over 200 species of birds, making this area a bird watching haven. One of the biggest attractions for bird watchers in the park are grassland sparrows. “Where the Birds Are” describes these birds as more likely to be heard than seen, as they make their home in the tall grasslands of the prairies.
Mississippi
In the lower Mississippi Valley of the state that bears the same name, the St. Catherine Creek National Wildlife Refuge was established specifically to provide suitable habitat for the abundant waterfowl in the area. The refuge has also become one of the best regions to see, and equally important, to hear the over 50 species of songbirds that dwell in the area. The Smithsonian guide book highlights the Natchez Birding Festival every August, which is a one-day celebration that opens up a bird-rich portion of the park that is usually closed to the public.
North Carolina
Bird watching occurs year-round on the tiny Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge off the Atlantic coast of North Carolina. As the seasons change, so does the bird life found at the refuge. In the winter, the island sees thousands of migrant ducks and geese make their home on the refuge. These ducks and geese, as well as warblers, also use the island as a stopover on their migration routes. But in the summertime, a number of species including herons, egrets and gulls use the island as a nesting ground. A visit to the island on the right weekend can offer a glimpse of over 200 species of birds.
Maine
The best bird watching months for the state of Maine are from May to September, making Acadia National Park the perfect summertime retreat for the activity. Species of cormorants are ever-present in the summertime and might be seen on one of the daily walks led by park staff from late August through September. Daily hawk watches are also conducted from the top of Cadillac Mountain, the Atlantic coast's highest mountain peak.
To purchase “Where the Birds Are” ($30), and Smithsonian Handbooks “Birds of North America: Eastern Region” ($24.95), and “Birds of North America: Western Region” ($24.95), call toll free 1-877-DIAL-DKP (342-5357).
Courtesy of ARA Content, www.ARAcontent.com
For more information, contact Allyn Rippin at DK Publishing, Inc. (212) 213-4800, ext. 286, or e-mail: [email protected]
