North America
We run a limited schedule so that we can ensure that the proper attention is paid to each one. We also run many custom tours, to these destinations and others, that are not on this page. Please contact us if you are interested in a tour just for you, your friends, your bird club, or your family. Be sure to click "learn more" for prices, guides, itineraries, and other trip details. Please note that these trips are listed in alphabetical order, not chronological order.
ALASKA: THE FINAL FRONTIER + ST. PAUL ISLAND PRE-TRIP
Next set departure:
Tour 1: June 2-15 (Tour full)
Tour 2: June 20-July 3, 2024 (Two space available)
Welcome to the last frontier of North American birding! We are excited to begin our adventures to Alaska at Red Hill Birding. The Great Land (Aleut translation of Alyeska) is like nowhere else in the United States both in terms of immensity and abundant wildlife. We will enjoy spectacular scenery and mammals, all while seeking out some of North America’s most-wanted birds.
Our pre-trip to St. Paul, the largest of the Priblof Islands, will have us visiting some of the largest seabird and fur seal colonies in the world while searching for migrants and vagrant birds from Asia.
Arizona: SOUTHEAST ARIZONA’s SECOND SPRING
Custom tours only at this time Beautiful desert and mountain landscapes with a long list of birds that are found nowhere else north of the border.
This classic tour of the region visits the famous “sky islands” and surrounding desert at the start of the rainy season when the desert begins to green and bird activity greatly increases.
CALIFORNIA: SEA, MOUNTAINS & DESERTS OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Next set departure: February 10-18, 2025 Southern California is well-known for its wide array of restricted specialty species. While visiting a nice mix of habitats, this tour is an excellent survey of the region’s avifauna and includes a boat trip to Santa Cruz Island.
Florida: SOUTH FLORIDA IN WINTER
Private tours only at this time
Warm weather, lots of sunshine, and tons of great birds. This is a short trip that takes in the best of South Florida, from the Gulf Coast to the Keys to the Atlantic. Florida Scrub-Jay, Red-cockaded Woodpecker, White-crowned Pigeon, and lots of wintering birds provide highlights.
Illinois: FALL MIGRATION AND ARCHITECTURE in Chicago
Next set departure: September 19-23, 2024 Witness the peak of fall migration on the Chicago Lakefront, with two optional afternoon architectural tours, all while sampling Chicago's food scene during a beautiful time of year. We will run this trip with just two participants!
Minnesota: sax-zim bog and northeast Minnesota in winter
Next set departures: February 6-10, 2025; February 10-14, 2025 Owls, finches, grouse, woodpeckers, and other boreal birds in a snowy winter wonderland.
MINNESOTA: HAWK RIDGE RAPTORS AND MIGRATION SPECTACULAR
Next set departure: September 25-29, 2024 The middle of September is peak time for witnessing the migration of birds like hawks, eagles, falcons, blackbirds, blue jays, robins, and many others at Duluth’s famed Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory. We will stay in one hotel to enjoy migration at Hawk Ridge and the surrounding area during a beautiful and birdy time of year.
MONTANA: WHERE THE Mountains MEET THE plains + CASSIA CROSSBILL EXTENSION
Next set departure: June 2026 (2024 trip full) Spectacular birding with many highly-sought birds in a stunning setting. A visit to Yellowstone National Park allows for a good chance to encounter iconic mammals.
A two-day extension sets out to look for the most recently described bird in North America, along with Flammulated Owl and other local breeding species. Can be joined as a stand-alone trip as well.
NEW JERSEY: CAPE MAY MIGRATION MADNESS
Next set departure: September 26 -30, 2024 Cape May is one of the world’s great bird migration hotspots with millions of birds following the eastern shoreline of the United States.
September and October are rocking months in Cape May, when the combination of warblers, sparrows, hawks, falcons, shorebirds, ducks, and seabirds makes for incredible birding and diverse experiences.
OREGON IN SUMMER: BREEDING BIRDS & EARLY MIGRANTS
Next set departure: July 30 - August 9, 2025 Pacific Northwest avian specialties and the start of shorebird and passerine migration combine for an excellent survey of the region’s avifauna. All of this while surrounded by Oregon’s scenic landscape of lush mountains and rugged coastlines.
SOUTH DAKOTA: BIRDS IN AMERICANA
Next set departure: June 18-24, 2024 (Tour full! Contact us for waitlist.)
Western South Dakota is a classic summer vacation destination. The abundance of public lands, dotted with famous tourist attractions, provides a fantastic cross section of landscapes, birds, and Americana.
Texas: Birding the borderlands
Next set departure: February 24 - March 4, 2025 Birding the storied hotspots of the Lower Rio Grande Valley, from Whooping Cranes at Aransas to the borderlands along the Rio Grande.
We have also timed our trip to give us a chance to seek out any North American rarities visiting from Mexico.
Texas: Spring migration on the upper coast + Hill Country Extension
Next set departure: April 18-26, 2024 One spot remaining on the Coast and several on the extension!
Incredible migration and bird diversity in legendary hotspots along with piney woods and coastal wetland specialties.
A couple of days in the beautiful Edward’s Plateau, especially looking for Black-capped Vireo and Golden-cheeked Warbler, but also many other birds. Can be booked together with or separate from the Upper Texas Coast trip.
TEXAS: HILL COUNTRy and BIG BEND
Next set departure: April 17-26, 2024 (Tour full! Contact us for waitlist.) This trip follows a classic birding route, looking for Texas Hill Country breeding specialties followed by birding the borderlands of Big Bend National Park.
We also timed our trip to coincide with spring migration, which includes a wonderful mixture of eastern and western migrants. Great birds in spectacular scenery, while staying in interesting hotels in a unique part of the country.
