If you happen to’re able to dip your toe into the thrilling world of pelagic birding, take into account these 4 outings across the nation, from the traditional to the underappreciated.
Bar Harbor, Maine
On the East Coast, it’s onerous to disclaim the draw of North Carolina’s Outer Banks, one of many continent’s premier seabirding locations. However for a distinctly northern expertise, take into account a fall journey to Bar Harbor, Maine. You might encounter all three jaeger species; uncommon Nice and South Polar Skuas; Nice, Cory’s, Manx, and Sooty Shearwaters; Wilson’s and Leach’s Storm-Petrels; Northern Gannets; Purple and Purple-necked Phalaropes; and quite a lot of alcids—together with Atlantic Puffins.
Westport, Washington
California is the star of West Coast seabirding, however don’t sleep on Westport, Washington. Offshore journeys attain the deep and nutrient-rich waters of the continental shelf, which are a magnet for a powerful range of seabirds together with Black-footed and Laysan Albatrosses, Northern Fulmars, Sooty and Pink-footed Shearwaters, Fork-tailed Storm-Petrels, all three jaegers, and Sabine’s Gulls. West Coast alcids, together with auklets and Tufted Puffins add to the enjoyable. Fortunate birders could even glimpse rarities just like the Quick-tailed Albatross.
Port Aransas, Texas
Discover waters off the Texas coast the place heat currents, seasonal storms, and breeding and migrating seabirds mix to supply an thrilling mixture of species. Regulars embody Parasitic and Pomarine Jaegers; Sooty and Bridled Terns; Band-rumped Storm-Petrels; Cory’s, Scopoli’s, and Sargasso Shearwaters; Magnificent Frigatebirds; and Masked and Brown Boobies. Particularly following tropical climate methods, birders could encounter surprising guests, together with White-tailed Tropicbirds and different rarities.
The Nice Lakes
These huge inland seas can produce unimaginable waterbird spectacles all year long, however fall and even winter might be notably spectacular. Targets embody Parasitic, Pomarine, and (not often) Lengthy-tailed Jaegers, Sabine’s Gulls, and Purple and Purple-necked Phalaropes. Migrating geese, loons, gulls, and terns are sometimes a part of the expertise, and the lakes have produced some really surprising rarities over time.
This story initially ran within the Fall 2026 challenge as “Sea to Shining Sea.” To obtain our print journal, turn out to be a member by making a donation today.
