Hello all bird watchers! Summer is coming and it's time to make your travel plans a reality. If you want to take your birding to the next level this summer, consider visiting a bird sanctuary. We've rounded up five popular bird sanctuaries and wildlife refuges in the United States. Check it out and get inspired on where to travel this summer to see wild birds.
1. Norman Bird Sanctuary in Rhode Island
The Norman Bird Sanctuary in Middletown, Rhode Island, is a non-profit wildlife sanctuary and environmental education center dedicated to the conservation and protection of wild birds. The sanctuary was founded in 1949 by Mabel Norman Cerio with the goal of creating a place where nature lovers and the general public could observe, study, teach and appreciate birds and their avifauna. This 501(c) 3 non-profit organization now encompasses over 325 acres in various habitats including ponds/streams, forests and fields. The Norman Bird Sanctuary is known for supporting a diverse group of birds in all habitats, including blue jays, downy woodpeckers, black-billed chickadees, red-winged blackbirds, American goldfinches and many others. div>
2. Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Utah
The Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge in Brigham City, Utah is home to some of the most diverse species of waterfowl and wildlife in the prized wetlands at the river's mouth Bear. Along the 19km road route visitors can observe a variety of 250 bird species. The most common are the eagle, the spoonbill, the condor and the puffin. The refuge is designed to be a safe place for birds to nest, rest, eat and breed.
3. Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge in Texas
Established in 1946 in the lower Rio Grande Valley, the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge is known for providing a safe habitat for migratory birds. The refuge is open 365 days a year and offers five dining options as well as numerous birding opportunities. 417 more documented bird species have been observed in the Lagoon than in any other protected area of the National Wildlife Refuge System.
4. Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge in Ohio
The Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge in Oak Harbor, Ohio, is also part of the National Wildlife Refuge System and was established in 1961 to protect a variety of wetlands, meadows and forests where migrants birds remain alive. and threatened and endangered species. The refuge is part of a large complex that spans more than 8,000 acres and is a stop along the Lake Erie birding trail. From April to November, birders can observe songbirds and upland birds near the Visitor Center, Estuary Trail, Woodies Roost, and Grimm Prairie trails.
5. Sapsucker Woods Sanctuary
Sapsucker Woods Sanctuary in New York Known as a birding paradise in the Finger Lakes, Sapsucker Woods Sanctuary in Ithaca, New York, is home to the world-famous Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology. This 230-acre bird sanctuary has more than 4 miles of trails where visitors can observe wildlife or join a birding tour led by Cornell experts. More than 236 bird species have been observed in the Sapsucker Woods, including the Northern Hawfinch and Rose-breasted Hawfinch. To get an idea of what birds you can expect during your visit, check out the bird list.
You don't have time to travel around the country in the summer? There is still much to learn about wild birds. Play our Wingspan Bird Collection board game! Perfect for researchers, bird watchers, ornithologists and collectors, this game will help you discover and attract the best birds for your aviary.
