Stories

View into Bryce Canyon near Sunset (UT)

A Flurry of Feathers on Scenic Byway 12
Scenic Byway 12 - (Utah)

Nestled between Capital Reef and Bryce Canyon National Parks, Scenic Byway 12 is located in one of the most beautiful places on earth. Take a trip along the byway and you will have many occasions to do some bird watching as well as encounter the colorful rocks and sandstone castles of southern...

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Wildflowers and Aspens (AZ)

All American Birding Experiences on Historic Route 66
Historic Route 66 - (Arizona, Illinois, New Mexico)

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...

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A Bald Eagle Along the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway

Bald Eagles and More on Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway
Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway - (California, Oregon)

The Klamath Basin, located in southern Oregon and northern California, boasts some of the most diverse and healthy bird populations in the nation.

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Sandhill Cranes and Canada Geese (WA)

Birding Adventures along the Coulee Corridor
Coulee Corridor Scenic Byway - (Washington)

Ancient Ice Age floods left behind remarkable majesty and beauty in the form of coulees in Washington State. Coulee Corridor Scenic Byway showcases this beauty and much more. Enjoy the sights and sounds of an exceptional birding trip in the heart of Washington State.

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The Glenn in the Talkeetnas (AK)

Birding along Glenn Highway
Glenn Highway - (Alaska)

Drive Glenn Highway for some exceptional bird watching in Alaska, the land of adventure. The byway is filled with places for you to pull out your binoculars and scope out the birds.

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A Couple at a Scenic Overlook (MN)

Birding Along Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway
Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway - (Minnesota)

As if taking a cue from its namesake, the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway is tall on the species that inhabit and traverse its many lakes and rivers.

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Sunset on the Mississippi River (WI)

Birding along the Great River Road
Great River Road - (Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Wisconsin)

The Great River Road showcases the mighty Mississippi River and highlights the historic importance of the river in the development of the United States. While appreciating the Mississippi River, be sure to not miss out on the impressive array of North American bird life along the expansive river.

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A Bald Eagle Takes Flight over the Strait of Juan de Fuca (WA)

Birding Discoveries on the Strait of Juan de Fuca
Strait of Juan de Fuca Highway - SR 112 - (Washington)

Plan a bird watching trip along the Strait of Juan de Fuca Highway. The byway hugs the coast of the North Pacific and provides several prime birding spots because the same sparkling ocean waters that attract you to the byway also attract the areas' many species of birds. Whether you visit the...

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Payette River's Allure (ID)

Birding Expeditions along the Payette River
Payette River Scenic Byway - (Idaho)

As you travel along the Payette River Scenic Byway you will be mesmerized by its mountain views and the rolling rapids of the Payette River. The byway offers excellent wildlife and bird viewing. Follow the river through the Boise and Payette National Forests and catch a glance of the areas'...

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Birding in Amish Country
Amish Country Byway - (Ohio)

Central Ohio may be better known as Amish country, but the pristine region is also home to some great bird-watching areas. While visiting Amish country, make sure to check out some of the bird sanctuaries located along the Amish Country Byway.

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Sandhill Cranes and Canada Geese (WA)

Birding in the West

Bird watching has become one of the fastest-growing outdoor activities in America. Many of America's Byways will take you through lush forests, swampy wetlands, tall prairie grass, and coastal shores that are home to some of the hundreds of species of birds that can be found in the United...

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The Shore Path (ME)

Birding on Acadia Byway
Acadia Byway - (Maine)

Let Acadia Byway lure you in with its varied landscape and plentiful wildlife. During springtime, birding on the byway is exceptional, so plan a trip and spend some time in the sun as you keep a look out for birds.

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White River National Wildlife Refuge (AR)

Birding on Crowley's Ridge Parkway
Crowley's Ridge Parkway - (Arkansas, Missouri)

If you enjoy bird watching, come to Arkansas and visit Crowley’s Ridge Parkway, a veritable birding paradise. Passing through a national forest and four marshy wildlife refuges, this byway teems with wildlife and bubbles over with chances to see migratory waterfowl and rare birds like the...

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Mooselookmeguntic Lake from the Height of Land Overlook (ME)

Birding on Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway
Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway - (Maine)

Drive the Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway for an unparalleled birding opportunity. Explore by foot in the Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge, or take a canoe or kayak out in the waters for up-close views.

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A Strategic Waterway and Byway Destination (NY)

Birding on the Lakes to Locks Passage
Lakes to Locks Passage - (New York)

Come and experience a world class destination for bird-watchers through the impressive collection of birdlife that is plentiful year round along Lakes to Locks Passage. Many different bird species can be found at sites along the Byway which lies along the Atlantic Flyway for migratory birds. The...

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Woodland, Wetland, and Riverine Environments Meet (MN)

Birding on the Minnesota River Valley
Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway - (Minnesota)

The Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway not only inherits the legacy of the last ice age that created an area rich with lakes and marshy areas perfect for a wide range of bird species, it's also directly in the path of the great Mississippi Flyway, a channel through which huge numbers of...

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View of Ohio and Mississippi Rivers (IL)

Birding on the Ohio River
Ohio River Scenic Byway - (Illinois, Indiana, Ohio)

The Ohio River Scenic Byway has been a historic travel route and an important stop on the Underground Railroad along its three states of Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. The river also presents bird watchers with plenty of outstanding opportunities to get a first-hand vantage point of the region’s...

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Golden Eagle at Swan Falls (ID)

Birding on the Western Heritage Historic Byway
Western Heritage Historic Byway - (Idaho)

Most of the Western Heritage Historic Byways' length traverses through the Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area, reason enough for any birding enthusiast to travel the byways' course. North America's densest population of breeding raptors lives in the dramatically sculpted...

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Blackbird Sunset (KS)

Birding on the Wetlands and Wildlife Scenic Byway
Wetlands and Wildlife Scenic Byway - (Kansas)

Drive the Wetlands and Wildlife Scenic Byway through central Kansas for a birding experience that will please both novice and expert birders. Cover exciting ground at Cheyenne Bottoms and Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, two of the world's most important birding areas.

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Black Hawk and Kingbird (NM)

Birding on Trail of the Mountain Spirits Scenic Byway
Trail of the Mountain Spirits Scenic Byway - (New Mexico)

Drive the Trail of the Mountain Spirits through southwestern New Mexico. Let the desert landscape take you by surprise; from mountains and valleys to creeks and lakes, the colorful area is also home to the state’s first designated birding trail, the Southwest New Mexico State Birding Trail. The...

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View of Trail Ridge Scenic Byway (CO)

Birding on Trail Ridge Road/Beaver Meadow Road
Trail Ridge Road/Beaver Meadow Road - (Colorado)

Drive along Trail Ridge Road/Beaver Meadow Road to journey over 50 miles of gorgeous terrain. Pass through the mountains and forests of the Rocky Mountain National Park. As you travel, be sure to look to the skies to see for yourself why Rocky Mountain National Park has been chosen as a Global...

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Snow Geese at Bosque del Apache Wildlife Refuge (NM)

Birds in the South and Across the Plains

Mark off a variety of birds from your life list as you travel the America's Byways in the South. From common woodpeckers to the more endangered piping plover, there are many species for you to discover.

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Woodpecker (VA)

Birds of George Washington Memorial Parkway
George Washington Memorial Parkway - (Virginia)

Along the George Washington Memorial Parkway, not only history can be found, but also a myriad of birds in spectacular plumage are there for you to see.

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Sunset on the Connecticut River (VT)

Birds of the Connecticut River Byway
Connecticut River Byway - (New Hampshire, Vermont)

Traveling the border between Vermont and New Hampshire, Connecticut River Scenic Byway covers the vibrant habitat along the Connecticut River Watershed. Several protected areas attract an abundance of bird species to the region's varied ecosystems. Visit the area's combination of public and...

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Vermillion Flycatcher against Blue Sky on the Creole Nature Trail (LA)

Birds of the Louisiana Coast
Creole Nature Trail - (Louisiana)

Seeking refuge from the blustering northern winds, thousands of birds swoop down in magnificent flock formations that stretch as far as the eye can see.

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Waves Breaking before Off Shore Islands (OR)

Coastal Oregon's World Class Birding
Pacific Coast Scenic Byway - Oregon - (Oregon)

Pacific Coast Scenic Byway – Oregon, with rocky tidepools, beaches, dunes, estuaries, and old-growth forest, provides a haven for a multitude of birds both rare and common.

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Eagle Eyes on the Illinois River
Illinois River Road - (Illinois)

The Illinois River Road provides a glance into America's past while offering a pristine view of Illinois. The Illinois River is home to diverse wildlife, as well as an excellent venue for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing in the winter. Although the river is home to a wide array of North...

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A crisp winter day at the Blackfoot River (ID)

Encounters with Birds on the Pioneer Historic Byway
Pioneer Historic Byway - (Idaho)

History and culture shape the landscape of the Pioneer Historic Byway. You will find that the byway also holds many natural qualities. If you are a birding enthusiast, a bird watching trip on this historic byway promises to be an exciting adventure. Dress for the weather and pack your...

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Lily Pad Landscape (MO)

Enjoy Birding Along Little Dixie Highway
Little Dixie Highway of the Great River Road - (Missouri)

Grab your raincoat, buy some sturdy walking shoes, pack up your car, and visit Missouri’s Little Dixie Highway of the Great River Road for some of the best birding in the country. Passing near a gigantic wildlife complex and hugging the Mississippi River, you’ll see a huge range of wildlife...

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Santa Fe National Forest (NM)

Extraordinary Birding Adventures on the Santa Fe Trail
Santa Fe Trail - (Colorado, New Mexico)

If you are looking for an extraordinary birding adventure, travel the Santa Fe Trail. The byway, rich in history, provides you with ample opportunities to immerse yourself in the history as well as the natural wonders of the West. Bring your binoculars to the Santa Fe Trail, a great place to...

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Little Pend Oreille Wildlife Refuge (WA)

Feathery Phenomena Along the International Selkirk Loop
International Selkirk Loop - (Idaho, Washington)

Feathery phenomena await you along the International Selkirk Loop, a byway filled with birding adventures. Join other birders or embark on your own adventure on one of North America's only international byways. Birding opportunities flourish along every turn surrounding the Selkirk Mountains...

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Pyramid Lake and Surrounding Vegetation (NV)

Flock to Pyramid Lake
Pyramid Lake Scenic Byway - (Nevada)

Pyramid Lake, on the Paiute Indian Reservation, just north of Reno, Nevada, is an unexpected deep blue jewel surrounded by desert mountains. Even more surprisingly, it hosts one of the largest nesting colonies of American White Pelicans in North America.

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Bald Eagle Begins a Fishing Trip (ID)

Flooded Skies Along Pend Oreille
Pend Oreille Scenic Byway - (Idaho)

When searching for an exciting drive, look no further than Idaho's Pend Oreille Scenic Byway. See first-hand Lake Pend Oreille, which was left in the aftermath of ancient Ice Age floods. As you travel the byway, the skies will be flooded with all kinds of birds. All you need to do is bring...

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Confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers (IL)

Great Birding on the Great Rivers
Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Route - (Illinois)

The Illinois, Missouri, and Mississippi Rivers come together to create unique wildlife viewing opportunities, and the Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Route presents an opportunity to get an up-close view of an impressive array of animals and birds. Although numerous varieties of animals make...

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Spring Birding at Iargo Springs (MI)

Hunters, Swimmers, and Songsters along Michigan's River Road
River Road Scenic Byway - (Michigan)

The River Road Scenic Byway follows the Au Sable River through the Huron National Forest. Join other birders and keep your eyes peeled to see the American Bald Eagle in flight over the woodlands.

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Sunrise Over Bird Island (FL)

Indian River Lagoon and Endangered Birds
Indian River Lagoon Scenic Highway - (Florida)

The Indian River Lagoon Scenic Byway has refuges for endangered birds all along its length.

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Birdwatching at Magee Marsh Wildlife Area (OH)

Lake Erie Wing Watch along the Lake Erie Coastal Trail
Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Trail - (Ohio)

The Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Trail runs through wooded areas and wetlands. This area supports a wide range of birds. The wooded regions are home to two Bald Eagle nests and many species of songbirds. They also provide a resting place for migratory birds. Shorebirds, gulls, and wood ducks inhabit...

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Nesting Osprey on Chesapeake Bay (MD)

Limitless Birding in Chesapeake Country
Chesapeake Country Scenic Byway - (Maryland)

Fond of fowl? Bonkers for birds? A trip to Chesapeake Country is sure to leave any bird-lover in awe. The region is full of Wildlife Management Areas, parks and preserves, and other excellent ways to experience a Byway that is for the birds.

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The Detroit Skyline and the Detroit River (MI)

Migratory and Aquatic Birding on the Woodward Avenue
Woodward Avenue (M-1) - (Michigan)

Woodward Avenue runs through the middle of the dense urban area of Detroit. Normally this wouldn’t be the best place to find birds, but just south of the byway, along the Detroit River lies the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge. This area sits along a huge migratory corridor to Canada.

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Fall Foliage (MI)

Migratory Birds Year-Round on the Copper Country Trail
Copper Country Trail - (Michigan)

Birding is a year-round activity on the Copper Country Trail. Thousands of hawks swoop through the area on their spring and fall migrations.

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A Bald Eagle in Flight (WA)

Mt. Rainier's Dazzling Birds
Chinook Scenic Byway - (Washington)

Chinook Scenic Byway offers dazzling views of Mt. Rainier, but for a more intimate experience, stop by Mt. Rainier National Park and scope out the park’s many species of birds.

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The Bird and Boat-friendly Seaway Trail Shoreline (NY)

New York's Seaway Trail: A Year-round Birdwatchers’ Paradise
Seaway Trail - (New York, Pennsylvania)

Niagara Gorge on the Western Seaway Trail was New York’s second Important Bird Area (IBA), designated by the Audubon Society for its significance to at least 18 species of gulls as well as terns, ducks, geese, swans, hawks and falcons. Along Lake Ontario northwest of Rochester, NY, large...

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The Hills of Acadia, Seen from Sullivan (ME)

Puffins and Songbirds on Schoodic Scenic Byway
Schoodic Scenic Byway - (Maine)

Northeastern Maine's Schoodic Scenic Byway travels along the coast of Frenchman Bay, a nationally renowned birding locale. Spots like Acadia National Park and Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge provide protected spaces filled with sought-after birds among stunning locales. Watch for...

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Snow Geese at Bosque del Apache Wildlife Refuge (NM)

Winging It on El Camino Real
El Camino Real - (New Mexico)

Drive El Camino Real and cover a lot of birding ground in New Mexico. Tens of thousands of birds rely on the rich desert and nearby National Wildlife Refuges. So bring your binoculars and plan for a few days filled with birding.

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