Finding autumn birds

Autumn is a popular birding season due to migration, cooler temperatures and beautiful foliage that makes fall birding more exciting. But where are the best places to find these birds?

Hawk Mountain near Kempton, Berks County

MIGRATION FLYWAYS: Many national wildlife refuges and nature preserves are found along migration corridors. The Atlantic Flyway stretches from the Arctic Circle down the Atlantic Coast and Appalachian Mountains and into the Caribbean Sea. This route includes eastern Pennsylvania. Watch for migrating flocks, waterfowl, shorebirds and local birds.

SOUTH SHORES: The southern shores of lakes, bays and white rivers are a popular congregating spot for migrating birds to rest after crossing the water. The best areas also have mud flats or scrub woodlands near the shore for better foraging. Watch for warblers, songbirds, shorebirds and wading birds.

CLIFFS AND MOUNTAINS: As the morning sun warms the autumn air, thermal currents rise along the edges of cliffs and mountains making soaring flights much easier. Expect to see migrating raptors in large groups. Watch for hawks, eagles and other raptors.

Bake Oven Knob, Lehigh County

PARKS AND ORCHARDS: Late-blooming flowers or fruit harvests attract birds with a bounty of insects, nectar and other food. This concentrates migrating birds in one area if food is scarce elsewhere. Water for hummingbirds, songbirds, flycatchers and warblers.

AGRICULTURAL FIELDS: After harvest, spilled grain and newly turned fields area ideal places to find bird species that eat grains. If there are nearby trees for shelter, all the better. Watch for game birds, cranes, shorebirds and blackbirds.

PINE FORESTS: Coniferous forests yield abundant seed crops that are popular for feeding. Many birds will also cache seeds for winter use. Many birds may stay in the same area; they can be easier to see while foraging. Watch for finches, redpolls and crossbills.

COASTAL SHORES: Many birds that breed far north will go to coastal shores in winter and their arrival can be spectacular. Watch for gulls, ducks, waterfowl, shorebirds and geese.

SCENIC DRIVES: Many scenic drive routes plan for fall foliage but they can also be great for birding. Watch for songbirds and warblers.

BIRD FESTIVALS: Fall festivals are planned for peak migration. Check for Web sites, such as the Cape May Autumn Birding Festival on October 25-27 and Hawk Mountain's event calendar, for lectures and weekend programs. Watch for winter residents and migrants.

BIRD-FRIENDLY BACKYARDS: You can find great birding in your own backyard with the right food to help. Watch for songbirds, hummingbirds and migrating birds.

Revisit hot spots frequently to get the most out of fall migration. 

One final note: Watch for the latest news on the federal government shutdown before heading to a national park for birdwatching. The shutdown has forced the closure of all national parks including the Gateway National Recreation Area and the Egg Harbor National Scenic and Recreational River. All access points and trails in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area are closed, as is River Road in Monroe County. The staff has been furloughed. Access points on the Appalachian Trail may also be limited because of the shutdown, and volunteer programs along the trail have been suspended, according to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. 

Lehigh Gap Nature Center, Carbon County

Adamstown, Lancaster County