If you're ready to dip your toe into the thrilling world of pelagic birding, consider these four outings around the country, from the classic to the underappreciated.
On the East Coast, it is hard to deny the draw of North Carolina’s Outer Banks, one of the continent’s premier seabirding destinations. But for a distinctly northern experience, consider a fall trip to Bar Harbor, Maine. You could encounter all three jaeger species; rare Great and South Polar Skuas; Great, Cory’s, Manx, and Sooty Shearwaters; Wilson’s and Leach’s Storm-Petrels; Northern Gannets; Red and Red-necked Phalaropes; and a variety of alcids—including Atlantic Puffins.
California is the star of West Coast seabirding, but don’t sleep on Westport, Washington. Offshore trips reach the deep and nutrient-rich waters of the continental shelf, which attract an impressive diversity of seabirds including Black-footed and Laysan Albatrosses, Northern Fulmars, Sooty and Pink-footed Shearwaters, Fork-tailed Storm-Petrels, all three jaegers, and Sabine’s Gulls. West Coast alcids, including auklets and Tufted Puffins add to the fun. Lucky birders may even glimpse rarities like the Short-tailed Albatross.
Explore waters off the Texas coast where warm currents, seasonal storms, and breeding and migrating seabirds combine to produce an exciting mix of species. Regulars include Parasitic and Pomarine Jaegers; Sooty and Bridled Terns; Band-rumped Storm-Petrels; Cory’s, Scopoli’s, and Sargasso Shearwaters; Magnificent Frigatebirds; and Masked and Brown Boobies. Especially following tropical weather systems, birders may encounter unexpected visitors, including White-tailed Tropicbirds and other rarities.
These vast inland seas can produce incredible waterbird spectacles throughout the year, but fall and even winter can be particularly impressive. Targets include Parasitic, Pomarine, and (rarely) Long-tailed Jaegers, Sabine’s Gulls, and Red and Red-necked Phalaropes. Migrating ducks, loons, gulls, and terns are often part of the experience, and the lakes have produced some truly unexpected rarities over the years.
This story originally ran in the Fall 2026 issue as “Sea to Shining Sea.” To receive our print magazine, become a member by making a donation today.
