1. Beech Fork State Park
Located at Long Branch road on Barboursville in West Virginia, Beech Fork lake is home to this amazing state park which is open to the public for free. The lake is one of the state’s most popular recreational and camping areas. The park has been designated as an Audubon important birding area due to the sheer number of woodland birds that have taken up residence in that area. The lake and surrounding areas provide a fantastic birding area for avid bird watchers. Since the park often serves as a campground, you can find it open 24 hours a day and seven days a week, even on holidays. To explore the park and find cool bird-watching spots, you can find any of the four exciting hiking trails open to visitors.
Common bird species at Beech Fork State Park
Hooded WarblerOvenbirdWood DuckLouisiana WaterthrushScarlet TanagerYellow-Throated WarblerRed Headed WoodpeckerBroad Winged DuckPileated WoodpeckerWhip Poor-WillWood ThrushWaterthrushKentucky Warbler
2. Cranberry Glades Botanical Area
Also known as “The Glades,” the Cranberry Glades is located in the southwestern Pocahontas County of West Virginia. The 750-acre landscape sits right in the middle of Monongahela National Forest – a lovely area to see the most natural and the most unusual of animals, plants, and of course, a wide species of birds. The forest is known to encapsulate some of the most beautiful sceneries in the United States, but Cranberry Glades is by far one of the most outstanding. This botanical area offers different birding habitats, which include swamps, marshes, peat bogs, and grass plains, where you can find various bird species. A half-mile boardwalk allows you to access different locations on this site easily. The cranberry bog boardwalk has remained a crowd favorite for exploring this botanical area because it takes you straight to the heart of the glades.
Common bird species at Cranberry Glades Botanical Area
American RedstartRed CrossbillWinter WrenRuffed GrouseBlue-Headed VireoCommon RavenBrown CreeperHermit ThrushCanada WarblerDark-Eyed JunkoRed CrossbillPurple FinchChestnut-Sided WarblerMourning WarblerNorthern WaterthrushVeery
3. Green Bottom Wildlife Management Area
Green Bottom Wildlife Management Area is home to one of the most popular and productive bird-watching spots in West Virginia. The 1096-acre wildlife area is located along the Ohio River, which attracts several bird species naturally. Beyond bird watching, tourists also visit this site to hunt and fish. However, birding remains one of the most popular activities here. Over 100 species of birds are regularly seen each year along the river bottom. Green Bottom has a lot of marsh habitats, and the water levels are managed annually to support the wildlife. This makes it an attractive spot for waterbirds. Since it isn’t just an exclusive birding spot, you can find it open from sunrise up until sunset every day.
Common bird species at Green Bottom Wildlife Management Area
Canada GooseKing RailOrchard OrioleNorthern HarrierBelted KingfisherAmerican KestrelWillow FlycatcherRed-Shouldered HawkYellow-Billed CuckooGreen HeronIndigo BuntingBlue GrosbeakTree SwallowEastern Bluebird
4. Clifton F. McClintic Wildlife Management Area
This beautiful 3655-acre land is located at Point Pleasant, along the Ohio River road. It is undoubtedly one of the most active natural spots in West Virginia. With a large expanse area of up to 1700 acres of beautiful forests, this wildlife management is characterized by ponds, fields, and several natural habitats. If you are looking for a wildlife area that truly defines bird paradise, Clifton is your best bet. You can find it open from dusk till dawn every day of the week. There are no parking fees, and admittance is accessible to the general public for free. McClintic Wildlife Management Area is more beneficial to bird watchers than to hikers. People who aren’t enthusiastic about just birds but nature, in general, can also come and experience nature in its truest and purest form.
Common bird species at Clifton McClintic Wildlife Management Area
Wood ThrushWild TurkeyEastern BluebirdWood DuckHooded WarblerEastern TowheeWhite-Eyed VireoBlue Winged WarblerScarlet TanagerCerulean Warbler
5. Cranesville Swamp
You can find Cranesville Swamp in the Appalachian mountains on the border of West Virginia and Maryland. If you are looking for rare bird species in a coniferous and hardwood forestry environment, you can find them here. Cranesville is usually quite cold because the hills surrounding the area capture a lot of moisture and cold air. Many of the bird species found here are more common in colder climates. The birdlife of Cranesville Swamp is quite unique. This location supports a population of birds you cannot find in many other areas worldwide. Birds that favor the mountain bog habitat are exclusively found here. One of the highlights of this site is the alder flycatcher, a very rare bird species.
Common bird species at Cranesville Swamp
Ruffed GrouseBlue Headed VireoScarlet TanagerNorthern Saw Whet OwlMagnolia WarblerNorthern WaterthrushBroad-Winged HawkGolden-Crowned KingletVeeryHermit ThrushNashville WarblerBlack-Throated Green WarblerAlder FlycatcherWillow Flycatcher
These are some of West Virginia’s best bird-watching spots. You can discover more information about these remarkable wildlife areas on their website and social media pages. Other important birding spots include Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Core Arboretum, Stauffer’s Marsh Nature Preserve, and Gaudineer Scenic Area. In addition, many bird clubs exist in West Virginia. You can always find one to be a part of and connect with other birding enthusiasts like you.
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