National Parks

Bird Watching in North America's National Parks

Arches National Park

Within the park you'll definitely see plenty of the big, black, beautiful raven. Look for them perched on top of a picturesque juniper branch or balancing...(more)

Banff National Park

Birdlife is abundant in the montane and wetland habitats of the lower Bow Valley, and more than 260 species of birds have been recorded in the park. Come...(more)

Big Bend National Park

Situated on north-south migratory pathways, Big Bend is home to approximately 450 species of birds—more than any other national park. In fact, the...(more)

Biscayne National Park

More than 170 species of birds have been identified around the park. Expect to see flocks of brown pelicans patrolling the bay—suddenly rising, then...(more)

Bryce Canyon National Park

More than 170 bird species have been identified in Bryce. Violet green swallows and white-throated swifts are common, as are Steller's jays, American coots...(more)

Canyonlands National Park

Without getting on the Colorado River, you can see a variety of wrens, including the rock wren, canyon wren, and Bewick's wren. Blue-gray gnatcatchers...(more)

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

From warty-headed turkey vultures to svelte golden eagles, about 330 species of birds have been identified in Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Ask for a...(more)

Death Valley National Park

Approximately 350 bird species have been identified in Death Valley. The best place to see the park's birds is along the Salt Creek Interpretive Trail...(more)

Everglades National Park

Some of the park's best birding is in the Flamingo area....(more)

Grand Teton National Park

With over 300 species of birds in the park, the Tetons make for excellent bird-watching country. Here you might spot both the calliope hummingbird (the...(more)

Great Sand Dunes National Park

The San Luis Valley is famous for its migratory birds, many of which make a stop in the park. Great Sand Dunes also has many permanent feathered residents...(more)

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

More than 300 species of birds have been spotted in the park, including the ladder-backed woodpecker, Scott's oriole, Say's phoebe, and white-throated...(more)

Jasper National Park

An astonishing 277 species of birds make their home in the Canadian Rockies. The golden eagle migration, which occurs in the spring and fall, is the biggest...(more)

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree, located on the inland portion of the Pacific Flyway, hosts about 250 species of birds, and the park is a popular seasonal location for birdwatching...(more)

Mesa Verde National Park

Turkey vultures soar between April and October, large flocks of ravens hang around all summer, and ducks and waterfowl fly through Mesa Verde from mid-September...(more)

Mount Rainier National Park

Be alert for kestrels, red-tailed hawks, and, occasionally, golden eagles on snags in the lowland forests. Also present at Rainier, but rarely seen, are...(more)

Rocky Mountain National Park

Spring and summer, early in the morning, are the best times for bird-watching in the park. Lumpy Ridge is a nesting ground for raptors such as golden eagles...(more)

Saguaro National Park

To check out the more than 200 species of birds living or migrating through the park, begin by focusing your binoculars on the limbs of the saguaros, where...(more)

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

More than 200 species of birds inhabit Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks. Not seen in most parts of the United States, the white-headed woodpecker...(more)

Wind Cave National Park

Wind Cave Canyon. Here's one of the best birding areas in the park. The limestone walls of the canyon are ideal nesting grounds for cliff swallows and...(more)

Yosemite National Park

Nearly 250 bird species have been spotted in the park, including the sage sparrow, pygmy owl, blue grouse, and mountain bluebird. Park rangers lead free...(more)

Zion National Park

More than 200 bird species call Zion Canyon home, and dozens more occasionally pass through the park. Some species, such as the white-throated swift and...(more)