Birding is one of the fastest growing outdoor activities in America, and some of the best birding areas can be seen along the shores and mountains of the West along America's Byways.
A birder traveling the Washington Coast could see up to 365 species of birds. While traveling the Strait of Juan de Fuca Highway - SR 112, look closely on the forested slopes and glacier-sculpted peaks for Blue Grouse, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Yellow-rumped and Townsend's Warbler, Red Crossbill, Red-breasted Sapsucker, and if you're in the right place at the right time, the Northern Pygmy-owl.
The Coulee Corridor Birding Trail, located on the Coulee Corridor Scenic Byway, offers a chance to see over half of the 365 bird species that inhabit Washington during different times of the year. The Columbia River National Wildlife Refuge is a wintering area for a population of more than 100,000 ducks and Canada geese. For those who love cataloging the birds on the water, mallards, redheads and Cinnamon Teal nest on the refuge along with various song, marsh and shorebirds. Thousands of Sandhill Cranes can be seen along the Pacific Flyway at the Othello Sandhill Crane Festival in March as they follow the ancient route of the Columbia River.
The Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway is home to the Klamath Basin Birding Trail, renowned for its wide diversity and assortment of bird life. Among the trail's varied ecosystems is one of the largest concentrations of Bald Eagles in the lower 48 states. The Basin is also the perfect place to view pelicans, egrets, herons and grebes as well as over one million ducks and geese migrating through the area each year. Look overhead as shorebirds and waterfowl migrate north to Alaska and Canada while thousands stay to nest in the Klamath Marshes.
Take a trip along the International Selkirk Loop, which travels into Washington and Idaho and across the border into Canada. Fall Migration starts in mid September, so catch a glimpse of the birds flying south along the Pacific Flyway as you hike the trails at the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area. Learn about the species that stop off in the area at the Wildlife Centre or climb the 3-story bird tower to get a closer glimpse of the migration. The Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge and Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge in Idaho are also ideal spots to get a glimpse of the wide range of bird species that move through the area every year.
Whether you are a fan of the majestic Bald Eagle or prefer the simplicity of mallards nesting in the marshes, America's Byways offer a wide variety for every bird lover to discover.
