Historic Route 66 will afford you adventure and all-American freedom as you travel its historic asphalt. Although it is one of the best known cultural roads in American history, don't overlook its natural qualities when planning a trip along the byway. Whether you are an avid bird watcher or are just beginning, you will be pleased to find ample opportunity to look to the skies and enjoy the sights and sounds of the birds on Historic Route 66.
Along the California/Arizona border, be sure to stop at Havasu National Wildlife Refuge where you can see Southwestern Willow Flycatchers as well as Warblers, Western Tanagers, and Yuma Clapper Rails in the spring and summer months. If you are lucky you may also chance to see Peregrine Falcons, known to nest within the refuge’s borders. Visit during winter months to have the best chance of spying a Bald Eagle. Other birds such as Canada and Snow Geese and ducks can be seen in the winter as well. A glimpse of Gambel's Quail, Western and Clark's Grebes, Herons, Egrets, or Screwbean Mesquite will make a nice completion to your stop at Havasu National Wildlife Refuge.
Sunset Crater National Monument in Arizona promises to be another great place to stop and see birds. Some of the birds you may happen to see at the monument include Western Bluebird and Mountain Bluebird, and Steller's Jay. Only 18 miles away you can view Red-shafted Flicker, Western Kingbird, Black-throated Sparrow and the greater roadrunner at Wupatki National Monument.
Pause at Grand Canyon National Park without dropping over the edge and you will be overwhelmed with the diversity of birds that fly within the park. Watch Bald Eagles as they winter and feed on the trout that live in the Colorado River. Almost 100 pairs of Peregrine Falcons live along the cliffs of the inner canyon. They feed on bats, swifts, and other birds that fly in abundance there. Recently the California Condor was reintroduced in the Grand Canyon. Now it spreads its magnificent 12' wingspan as it flies over the canyon. Be sure to keep your eye out for this amazing bird. Also, watch for Goshawks and Spotted Owls in the coniferous forests of the park. Here, you have the opportunity of seeing any number of the Grand Canyon’s 355 species of birds living within the park.
Arizona's Walnut Canyon is jam-packed with birding and wildlife viewing opportunities. Catch a glimpse of the wild turkeys that make their home in the south side of the canyon. In addition, some of the rarest raptors in the southwestern United States make can be spotted in the canyon, so keep an eye out for Mexican Spotted Owl, Northern Goshawk, and Peregrine Falcon. Other birds of prey dominate the skies, such as Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, Golden Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, Prairie Falcon, and Great Grey Owl.
Make the Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico another stop on your trip. The refuge houses a variety of migratory birds, so watch out for Long-billed Curlews, Rough-legged Hawks and Sandhill Cranes. If ducks fascinate you, you will be pleased to find that 21 species of ducks live within the refuge along with Canada and Snow Geese.
If you're driving the Illinois stretch of Route 66, make sure to head to the north end of the byway to Wilmington, one of the gateways to Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. Here, you'll find yourself surrounded by birds. Dozens of species of warblers croon here, especially in the spring. For a long list of what to look for, visit this page on the U.S. Forest Service website.
No matter where you drive along Historic Route 66, keep an eye to the skies, otherwise you might miss an outstanding birding adventure. Whether you are in the Grand Canyon National Park, Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, or any other place along the byway, you will be amazed at the number of birding opportunities Historic Route 66 has to offer.
