Take a walk through the lush forests of the Blue Ridge almost any time of year, and you’ll be met by the lively sound of birdsong. Our biodiverse region is home to a large number of resident birds and — because of the area’s location along the Atlantic Flyway — an even wider array of migrating species.
The two big annual migrations in spring and fall are popular times for birdwatchers to flock to the area (pun intended), but early spring can also be a great time to spot wild birds among the bare limbs of forest trees. Experienced birdwatchers recommend going out early in the morning for the best chance at spying a variety of birds — avoid the midday hours when birds are less active.
The North Carolina Birding Trail is an good online resource for information about birds and birdwatching across the state. Grab your binoculars and check out these top Blue Ridge spots for birding:
Additionally, the eBird website by The Cornell Lab for Ornithology lists frequently updated sightings, locations, and hotspots in our county. Use this link to find your next birding spot by species or area: https://ebird.org/region/US-NC-111/hotspots
Linville Falls
The impressive triple waterfall isn’t the only breathtaking sight at Linville Falls. Look for Osprey, Belted Kingfisher and the colorful Wood Duck along the river, and keep an eye out for Blackburnian, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Dark-eyed Junco and Scarlet Tanager along the trails.
Historic Orchard at Altapass
In addition to picking apples, tapping your toes to live music and enjoying the sweet taste of apple pie a la mode, the 144 acres of the century-old Orchard at Altapass are wide open for spotting mid-elevation woodland birds.
Look for the blue flashes of Indigo Bunting and Eastern Bluebird near the herb garden, or hike up to the Loops Overlook to see Cedar Waxwing, Rose-breasted Grosbeak and a variety of warblers, vireos and woodpeckers. Pull up a chair on the deck in June and July to watch the swallows build their nests.
Usually, the Orchard’s trails are open year-round, and facilities including the General Store and Grill are open May-October. Be sure to check their websites for updates about Helene impacts and recovery, and call ahead before scheduling your birding trip!
Lake James State Park
A mix of hardwood and pine forests, wetlands and lake habitats welcome a variety of birds to Lake James State Park. Look for waterbirds such as Green Heron and Belted Kingfisher and raptors like Red-tailed Hawk and Osprey. Keep an eagle eye out for Bald Eagles — they call Lake James home year-round, and one nest site has been active for more than a decade! Despite moderate damage from Helene, Lake James has opened several trails. Be sure to check their website or social for openings and additional info.
Mill Creek -Along the Mountain Gateway Museum
Try out some urban birding at the Mountain Gateway Museum in Old Fort. Look for Eastern Phoebe swooping over Mill Creek and for Chipping Sparrows on the museum grounds. Visit in summer when the fruit trees are filled with ripe berries — Cedar Waxwing and American Goldfinch will be around to gobble up the harvest.
More Birding Spots in the Blue Ridge
Blue Ridge Parkway
Locations like Crabtree Falls along the Blue Ridge Parkway are famous for their waterfall views, however, due to it's closure, you still have many opportunities to spot Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Brown Creeper, or Louisiana Waterthrush along the parkway. Visit the Blue Ridge Parkway page on the National Parks Website to plan your BRP Birding roadtrip!
Look for Eastern Meadowlark and sparrows in the meadow, along with a colorful array of spring wildflowers. Find a perch at the nearby Three Knobs Overlook (Parkway milepost 338.8) for a chance to see raptors.
Catawba Falls
The Great Trails State just named Catawba Falls one of the best new locations to spot Spring Migration patterns, so make sure you stop by this 4-mile round trip waterfall hike through lush forests, cascading waterfalls and diverse species of birds, salamanders, fish and wildlife.
With multiple walkways, bridges and several observation platform spots, Catawba Falls Waterfall Trail offers the unique opportunity to safely set up a tripod on sturdy ground while snapping pics of your favorite birds.
Also in Old Fort, the Inn on Mill Creek hosts Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Whip-poor-will, Ovenbird and Swainson’s Warbler. South of Marion, the historic Cottages at Spring House Farm is a great place to relax amid lush rhododendrons or beside one of the many ponds. Keep your eyes open for Wild Turkey, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, thrushes and vireos.
Nearby Chimney Rock State Park is a favorite destination for birders. Peregrine Falcons nest here, and the surrounding woodland trails are a great place to spy more than 15 species of vireo and warbler. In September and October, Chimney Rock is a hot spot to watch the migration of Broad-winged Hawks and several other species. Due to extensive damage to this region, please check online for updates regarding recovery in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, and consider Rumbling Bald Resort as an alternative accommodation/stay when visiting the Lake Lure region.
