Go on a Bird Watching Trip

You should consider taking a bird watching trip if watching birds in you backyard has gotten you hooked on birding.

Grey Owl I am sure that you've enjoyed the 20 or so species of wild birds visiting your bird feeders, but you may be surprised to discover that there could be 100 or more different species only a short drive away.

So how do you decide where to go on your bird watching trip?

Here are a few factors to consider when planning your birding trip.

How far do you want to travel?

You will need to decide how much time you want to spend birding and how much time you want to spend driving. Remember that in most cases the first few hours of day light are the best times for bird watching. So if you plan on driving a few hours, you will have to get up pretty early.

When planning a bird watching trip to birding "hot spot" that is a few hours away, you may want to consider an over night stay.

If you are planning a day trip, you can find many great bird watching locations right around you. Consider a local park or body of water. These little known locations are convenient and often over looked.

What kinds of birds are you looking for?

Keep in mind that birds prefer certain habitats. As an example, you will not find shore birds in a pine forest. So if you are looking for a specific type of bird, you will need to do some research.

Your field guide is a great place to start. Look at the range map to determine if the bird that you are looking for is in your area. Then read the description, it should describe the bird's preferred habitat.

Many birding destinations will provide checklists that include birds found in that location. The links below provide information for birding locations by state.

If you are new to birding...

The best thing to do is just get out there and see what you find.

Start with local destinations and don't venture too far until you feel comfortable with your birding skills. Get familiar with your birding binoculars, field guide and identification techniques. Start a list of birding equipment that you need when out in the field. Then start planning a trip to a popular birding hot spot.

Your local Audubon Society or bird clubs are great sources of information for a bird watching trip. They may even offer guided field trips with an experienced birder. The links below provide information on local Audubon locations and bird clubs by state.

The important thing is to have fun! Try new places... eventually you will find your favorite spot.

Birding in Your State

Birding in Alabama	Birding in Montana
Birding in Alaska	Birding in Nebraska
Birding in Arizona	Birding in Nevada
Birding in Arkansas	Birding in New Hampshire
Birding in California	Birding in New Jersey
Birding in Colorado	Birding in New Mexico
Birding in Connecticut	Birding in New York
Birding in Delaware	Birding in North Carolina
Birding in Florida	Birding in North Dakota
Birding in Georgia	Birding in Ohio
Birding in Hawaii	Birding in Oklahoma
Birding in Idaho	Birding in Oregon
Birding in Illinois	Birding in Pennsylvania
Birding in Indiana	Birding in Rhode Island
Birding in Iowa	Birding in South Carolina
Birding in Kansas	Birding in South Dakota
Birding in Kentucky	Birding in Tennessee
Birding in Louisiana	Birding in Texas
Birding in Maine	Birding in Utah
Birding in Maryland	Birding in Vermont
Birding in Massachusetts	Birding in Virginia
Birding in Michigan	Birding in Washington
Birding in Minnesota	Birding in West Virginia
Birding in Mississippi	Birding in Wisconsin
Birding in Missouri	Birding in Wyoming

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