You don’t have to trek to the countryside to enjoy a successful birdwatching excursion. Some of the best bird destinations in the U.S. also happen to be the country’s biggest metropolises. If you’re itching to expand your life list, head to one of the best American cities for birdwatching, which are listed below.
Lawn Love based their rankings on numerous criteria, including accessibility to natural areas, the diversity of species, and local birdwatching culture. New York—the biggest city in the United States— tops the list. Despite its reputation as a concrete jungle, the city’s world-class public parks and wildlife sanctuaries make it a paradise for nature lovers. The Big Apple also occupies prime real estate along the Atlantic Flyway bird migration route, so local birders can spot hundreds of species without leaving their ZIP code. And because it’s a popular place for birdwatching, beginners can easily find groups to help kickstart their hobby.
Next on the list is San Diego, where birdwatching is a popular activity with the city’s outdoorsy residents. California boasts the most national and state parks of any state in addition to attracting the most bird species. It’s no surprise then that Golden State cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco join San Diego in the top 10.
If you’re interested in birding, becoming aware of the species in your own neighborhood is a great place to start. Tools like notebooks and binoculars can be helpful, but they aren’t barriers to entry. After checking out the full ranking, learn more about the birds in your backyard here.
20 Best American Cities for Birding
- New York, New York
- San Diego, California
- Houston, Texas
- Seattle, Washington
- Los Angeles, California
- San Fransisco, California
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Phoenix, Arizona
- Austin, Texas
- Chicago, Illinois
- Tucson, Arizona
- Portland, Oregon
- Irvine, California
- Long Beach, California
- Pasadena, California
- Denver, Colorado
- Escondido, California
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Lancaster, California
- Oceanside, California
This article was originally published on www.mentalfloss.com as These Are America's 20 Best Cities for Birdwatching.