Author: Debbie Tullos
New to birding? No problem. Here’s how to get started in this popular pastime.
North Carolina is a paradise for admirers of feathered fauna. With multitudes of native year-round avian residents, plus our state’s prime location along the Atlantic Flyway migration route, we have the opportunity here to see thousands of bird species at different times of the year. Marvelous North Carolina weather in spring and fall just happen to coincide with spectacular bird migrations. These are the perfect times of year to get started in this rewarding pastime.
What do you need to get started?
NOTHING. Nothing, that is, other than an enjoyment of encountering birds in nature. Simply observe them with your eyes or with your ears. The term “birding” can feel a bit intimidating. The truth is that you don’t have to keep detailed lists of the birds you have seen, memorize bird names, or know exactly how to identify the subtle differences between the calls of one songbird versus another. You don’t even need a pair of binoculars. If you enjoy birds, you can call yourself a birder.
Where to go birding?
There is no bad place to go birding in North Carolina! If you have a backyard, that’s a good place to start. Birding doesn’t get easier than participating in an activity like the Great Backyard Bird Count. If you want to get a little more serious, print off a birding checklist from the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, then head off to one of the many incredible trails throughout the state. A great resource for the best birding locations is the NC Birding Trail.
When to go birding?
Any season in North Carolina is a great time to see beautiful birds but fall and spring are especially active times due to migration patterns. The spring migration really gets underway in April and May, offering the best opportunity to see the most birds in a single outing. Different areas of the state will host different species during the migration periods. A few special treats to keep an eye out for in the spring:
- Many songbirds fly to the North Carolina mountains during April and May in route to their breeding territories in the northern United States and Canada. As many as 25 species of wood warblers along with vireos, thrushes, flycatchers, and others take advantage of the heavily forested mountains as a key resting and feeding refuge along their journey.
- The diminutive Ruby-throated hummingbird crosses North Carolina in late March through early April, refueling at well-stocked feeders and bright nectar-rich flowers like the native coral honeysuckle.
- Look for flashes of red, blue, and yellow to find one of our most colorful residents, the Painted Bunting. This tropical-looking bird has been spotted at NC Department of Natural & Cultural Resources sites like Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson Historic Site, Fort Macon State Park, and Hammocks Beach State Park late April through October.
Urban Birding
Don’t forget, nature lives EVERYWHERE. Even in towns and cities! Of course, parks and greenways will attract wildlife, but birds also make themselves at home where you see more concrete than greenery. Pigeons, hawks, sparrows, and even falcons are common city dwellers. Once you begin to pay attention, you may be surprised how many different birds you see.
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is studying the special role of birds in urban environments through their Celebrate Urban Birds Project, and calling on citizen scientists to help with the research.
Additional Resources:
- Prairie Ridge Ecostation in Raleigh has regular guided birding programs. Check their events calendar for the next scheduled event.
- Join a birding event during the annual Black Birders Week.