Where to Witness Wildlife Migrations in United States This Year

You don’t necessarily need to leave the country to watch awe-inspiring migrations. In fact, many destinations across the United States see annual rituals and movements across different species. Here’s where you can see the spectacular sights:

© Kiawah River

Johns Island, South Carolina

On Kiawah River, you’ll find more than 430 bird species. Seasonal migrations occur here year-round, including roseate spoonbills, wood storks, bald eagles and painted buntings. Explore by foot, go kayaking or take a guided tour to nearby sanctuaries like Bird Key Stono for memorable sightings.

Lodi, California

Well known for its wine, Lodi may surprise you with its other secrets. In fall, thousands of Sandhill cranes descend on its Delta wetlands, making for one of the continent’s most captivating migrations. And each November, the Sandhill Crane Festival draws nature lovers to celebrate the phenomenon.

Jekyll Island, Georgia

Part of Georgia’s Golden Isles, this coastal habitat is rich in biodiversity. In spring, shorebirds and seabirds nest in the dunes, while fall sees monarch butterflies and gulf fritillaries convene. From May to August, loggerhead sea turtles nest, and you can learn more about this endangered species at nearby Georgia Sea Turtle Center. Manatees graze the marshes each spring, and whales come from New England in winter to give birth.

© Visit Sarasota County

Sarasota, Florida

Sarasota and its barrier islands transform every May–October into vital nesting grounds for endangered sea turtles, including loggerheads, green sea turtles and the rare Kemp’s ridley turtles. Witness this cycle on a guided eco-kayak tour or sunrise walk along the protected nesting sites.

Pacific Grove in Monterey County, California

This region hosts one of the state’s largest overwintering sites for western monarch butterflies. This species of butterfly migrates up to 3,000 miles from Canada or the Rockies, and you can witness this spectacle from late November to early December at Monarch Sanctuary.

© Florida’s Paradise Coast

Paradise Coast, Florida

Located on Florida’s Atlantic Flyway, this area welcomes thousands of migratory birds every spring and fall. Rookery Bay and Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, in particular, welcome roseate spoonbills, wood storks and warblers. In summer, loggerhead and green sea turtles return to nest, and seasonal fish patterns lure snook and tarpon to its mangrove estuaries and bays.