How to Watch Shorebirds in the Fall

Posted by Anonymous , 9/5/2007 Tags:WatchShorebirdsFall
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How to Watch Shorebirds in the Fall

Introduction

Shorebirds are among the earliest of fall migrants. Knowing where and when to find them is the key to successful shorebirding.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Steps

1

Step One

Buy a good field guide to shorebirds.
2

Step Two

Invest in a good spotting scope. Scopes are invaluable for close-focusing on and identifying shorebirds.
3

Step Three

Read about the migration patterns of shorebirds. Look for information on when they migrate and which route they will take.
4

Step Four

Study shorebird habitats. For example, the Wandering Tattler prefers the rocky coast, while the Sandering feeds on sandy beaches.
5

Step Five

Familiarize yourself with fall plumage changes. For example, the Red Knot loses its chestnut coloration in late fall and winter.
6

Step Six

Frequent sewage treatment plants near migration routes. Settling ponds generally offer rich feeding grounds for migrating shorebirds and are often the best places to find them.
7

Step Seven

Contact your local Audubon Society chapter or birding club and find out about field trips scheduled to see shorebirds. Most are free and beginners are welcome.
8

Step Eight

Plan a fall trip to a shorebird "hotspot" such as the California coast, Cape May, NJ, the Quivara National Wildlife Refuge and Cheyenne Bottoms in Kansas or the New England coast.
9

Step Nine

Search birding magazines for fall birding festivals that emphasize shorebirds. For example, Arcata, CA has an annual Godwit Days festival each August.
10

Step Ten

Find a birding tour group that schedules guided trips to see shorebirds in fall, if you're not confident in your birding abilities.

Tips & Warnings

  • In fall, most shorebirds migrate from north to south along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts, or across the Gulf of Mexico.
  • Although some species of shorebirds molt into drabber winter plumage, even these may retain some of their breeding plumage during fall migration.
  • Before birding at a sewage treatment plant, check in at the office and get permission. Also ask about restrictions, if any, and respect the wishes of plant personnel.
  • Magazines with helpful birding information include Birder's World, and Birding, a publication of the American Birding Association.

Overall Things You'll Need

  • Binoculars
  • Travel Guides
  • Maps
Tools: |