10,000 Birds

JANUARY 30, 2018

There are more than 550 national wildlife refuges in the United States, with at least one in every state and one within an hour drive of almost every major American city. Many were specifically established for migratory birds and are strategically positioned along one of the four major North American migration flyways. Billy Frank Jr.

Wildlife 214

Wildlife Las Vegas Texas Minnesota 214

10,000 Birds

MAY 20, 2023

Pelee National Park – Ohio Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge – Texas These locations offer a variety of habitats including marshes, wetlands, forests, coastal areas, and deserts, attracting numerous bird species throughout the year.

United States 162

United States Michigan Texas Virginia 162

10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 14, 2021

Not far behind is California (348, up from 297), followed by Arizona (294, up from 155), Florida (233, up from 227), New Jersey (223, up from 199), Oregon (221, up from 209), and Texas (218, up from 106). Thus, there are now seven states with 200+ observed species. The state with the largest increase was Arizona , with 139 species added.

United States 206

United States West Virginia Puerto Rico Minnesota 206

10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 23, 2019

Birding trips to Florida , New Mexico , and Texas are obvious too. A pelagic out of Hatteras, North Carolina , the Biggest Week in American Birding in Ohio , and trip to Puerto Rico stand out as well. Texas and Florida round out the Top 5. A checklist from Rock Creek Park in Washington D.C. was good for 11 lifers.

Puerto Rico 150

Puerto Rico Virgin Islands Michigan Washington 150

10,000 Birds

FEBRUARY 13, 2018

I haven’t even been to all of the best national wildlife refuges for birding. Northern Gulf Coast of Texas , with stops at Anahuac NWR, Brazoria NWR, and Aransas NWR. Rio Grande Valley of Texas , including stops at Santa Ana NWR and Laguna Atascosa NWR. Thus, my “good birds” are likely the opposite of an eastern birder.

San Francisco 100

San Francisco Portland United States Puerto Rico 100

10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 18, 2014

Fish and Wildlife Service has listed the “Rufa” population of Red Knot ( Calidris canutus rufa ) as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). From North Carolina south to Texas, just under half of beaches are developed. Birds in Delaware Bay. Photo: Gregory Breese-USFWS.

Endangered Species 160

Endangered Species Protection Delaware Species 160

10,000 Birds

NOVEMBER 13, 2018

After those five, there are relative handful with over 100 species: North Carolina (172), Michigan (159), Arizona (155), Washington (144), North Dakota (141!), Virginia (122), New Mexico (112); Texas (106); Colorado (106), and Pennsylvania (102).

Rhode Island 114

Rhode Island United States West Virginia Puerto Rico 114