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Thursday, October 1, 2009

A Birding Trail Near You

I just love being outside this time of year. It doesn’t matter what I’m doing, just being out and enjoying the fresh, cool fall air is all it that’s needed to help relax me after a long day at the office.

One of the things I enjoy this time of year, and hope to accomplish this fall, is visiting one of the areas birding trails. These trails offer opportunities for people to get out and find birds - or just take a leisurely hike. In my state (VA) alone, there are many trails to choose from. Some may require a little distant driving while others are more local. Many of the trails loop and connect with one another. Here’s a snapshot of my region:

Virginia Coastal trail map



I’m also excited about a new book I just ordered titled “Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail”. This book features detailed maps of the states trails and includes contact information and descriptions for each site. I’m sure each state offers a similar publication.

In the mean time, check out this four part series on birding trails put out on the web by Audubon Magazine. The series is broken up by region (West, South, East, and Midwest) and each guide outlines the top birding trails along with a little info about each, including who to contact for more information on each area. Each guide is written by Kenn Kaufman and can be downloaded (via .pdf) and saved or printed for reference.

Here is the East guide - click the thumbnail image to download the pdf:



Also, be sure to check out audubon.org/bird_trails for more up-to-date information on birding trails. This site is also broken up by region and state.

With thousands of stops and trails throughout the US, chances are there’s a birding trail near you. So grab your binoculars and get out there!

6 comments:

Mary Delle LeBeau said...

It's a good time of year for birding. The weather and the migrating birds cooperate well and there's lots to see.

Anonymous said...

I keep saying that I would like to do this. I really don't know much about birds. I did see in 'Birds and Blooms' about a book that would allow you to listen to bird sounds while looking at the bird--and it was regional. That sounds like a good start for me.

Thanks for visiting my blog today.

cindyzlogic said...

I'm with you, Mike!! Looking forward to Fall and new birds :)

Les said...

I plan on visiting a couple of these sites next weekend. Thanks for the links.

Jan said...

I'll look into these, thanks for sharing links.

Dawn Fine said...

Howdee Alan,
Great sites thanks..will check them out!