This story was originally published in the September 2021 issue of Wonderful West Virginia. To subscribe, visit wonderfulwv.com.
Written by Clay Abney
Photographed by Keith Richardson
Back in the spring, a green wave of vegetation rolled north, signaling the annual migration of neotropical birds including the scarlet tanager, the yellow-billed cuckoo, two species of oriole, warblers in wondrous variety, and dozens upon dozens more. And in the fall, as the leaves turn sage and mauve and russet and scarlet, the birds roll through again.
Both times they come for the food.
Long-distance flights require enormous amounts of food. Migrating birds meet the need in both directions through the vast array of insects on the menu in this region. The slow-moving parade of colorful and vocal birds follows the warmth in both directions, as well as the insects. They fly north to breed and create a new generation. Then, like human snowbirds, they head south as summer wanes and cooler temperatures return.
Spotting one or more of these epic migrants can be like winning the lottery for an avid birder. Fortunately, in these parts, birders get the opportunity twice each year. The fall migration usually peaks by mid-September.
Birdwatcher Versus Birder
Whether it’s a hummingbird hovering gracefully over a feeder or an osprey diving into a lake and surfacing with a dinner catch, birds are fascinating to watch.
So, what’s the difference between a birdwatcher and a birder? In simple terms, if you enjoy watching a myriad of songbirds raid your bird feeder each morning over a cup of coffee, you are most likely a birdwatcher. However, if you know that birds like the Tennessee warbler migrate through the state twice annually and you can identify one by its voice, you’re probably a birder.
Naturalist Keith Richardson recalls the pivotal moment that he began the transition from birdwatcher to birder. “I can distinctly remember a time while fishing on Shavers Fork for trout when a cedar waxwing flew in and lit on a hemlock bough not more than five feet in front of me,” Richardson remembers. “It was such an elegant bird, with its silky appearance and striking eyeline. I thought to myself, ‘Why have I never seen this before? I’ve got to start paying closer attention!'” And so it began.
“One of the first neotropical migratory birds that I remember seeing that really made me want to know more was a common yellowthroat,” Richardson says. “While on a hike with some birder friends, they recognized the characteristic ‘witchity, witchity, witchity’ call of the bird and directed me where to look. What I saw was anything but common. It was a bright yellow bird with a striking black mask that put its entire little body into its song.” Richardson was hooked.
So You Want to Become a Birder
The best way to get started with birding is to get outdoors. Purchase—or check out from your localn library—a field guide to birds and familiarize yourself with some of the more common species. You can also do an internet search for common bird calls and listen prior to heading out. Then, start practicing identifying different species in the field. Use all of your senses—some birds may not be readily visible at first, but their vocalizations can help you seek them out.
Once you’ve become familiar with the more common species, branch out and start looking for less common birds. Varying the time of day you explore can also provide an entirely new population of birds to spot. Make it a family affair and make vacations and outings an opportunity to identify new species in entirely different habitats. To expand your knowledge further, look for a local birding group or attend a birding festival in the state where you can connect with like-minded individuals.
Preparing for What You’ll See
There are approximately 10,000 species of birds worldwide, according to Richard Bailey, state ornithologist for the Division of Natural Resources. Out of that grand number, 2,059 species are found in North America. And in the Mountain State, you can find 354 species—more than 17 percent of the total number found in all North America. In West Virginia, 67 species are considered rare.
Aside from those birds readily visible from your yard, the state is home to an amazing array of birds that you’ll need that field guide to recognize, along with a decent pair of binoculars. “We have eight species of owls that can be found in West Virginia,” Richardson says. “As for woodpeckers, there are seven species that call the state home.”
And while all birds can be interesting when observed in their natural environment, it can be especially satisfying to observe a bird that suffered population issues and is making a comeback thanks to environmental efforts. “The peregrine falcon is always a fantastic bird to see,” Richardson says. “They have made a comeback here in the state thanks to several projects in recent years. Bald eagles, our national symbol, are making a great comeback as well. You can find bald eagles taking up residence on most bodies of water around the state these days. This list includes ospreys, too.”
Why the Mountain State
“From lush Cumberland forests to the spruce-covered summit of Spruce Knob, the mountains and woods make the Mountain State a top destination for birders,” Bailey says.
“The state is unique despite its relatively compact size, and from its low point of 240 feet above sea level at Harpers Ferry to its lofty peak at Spruce Knob at 4,863 feet, it has a plethora of habitats that make it ideal for the more than 350 species of birds that call the state home or utilize it during their travels.”
The diverse landscape including coniferous highlands, iconic gorges, riparian zones due to an abundance of river and streams, stretches of marshlands, along with open meadows and old growth hardwood forests all make this place “almost heaven” for birds.
“Birdwatching, or birding, is also a form of ecotourism that is non-consumptive, low impact, and continuously renewable,” Richardson says. “Many of the state’s parks, wildlife management areas, and the nation’s newest national park—New River Gorge National Park and Preserve—offer great birding along with breathtaking vistas and scenery to behold.”
Where might fledgling birders spy fall migrants?
Here are just a few of the state’s tried and true birding destinations
Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge Located near Davis, this 17,000-plus-acre refuge features forest, wetland, and open meadows that create an environment for the yellow-billed and black-billed cuckoo, the cedar waxwing, and a variety of warblers. Nearby Blackwater Falls State Park offers many of the same birds set among some of the state’s most scenic landscapes.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve Set atop the Appalachian Plateau and located near Fayetteville, America’s newest national park is a prime location for viewing a variety of neotropical migrants, in addition to the once endangered peregrine falcon.
Cranesville Swamp Preserve This wetland with hardwood and coniferous forest sited at the border with Maryland serves as a haven for warblers, the scarlet tanager, the yellow-billed cuckoo, and the northern saw-whet owl.
Green Bottom Wildlife Management Area A short drive north of Huntington along the Ohio River, this roughly 1,100-acre area is a popular habitat due to its abundant marshes. Ducks, herons, egrets, and geese are all prevalent. Bald eagles, osprey, harriers, and the American kestrel can also be found here.
Cranberry Glades Botanical Area This part of the Monongahela National Forest features a large wetland accessed via a boardwalk that attracts an array of warblers, flycatchers, and thrushes.