Things You'll Need:
- Bird watching guide
- Spotting scope or binoculars
- Sunscreen
- Water
- Notebook
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Step 1
Begin birding at the Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge; its 22 islands and three mainland tracts provide necessary habitat for a wide array of nesting, breeding and migratory birds. A major goal of the Refuge is to restore bottomland hardwood forests. Wintering waterfowl and shallow-feeding wading birds are plentiful in the Refuge, which is scattered along approximately 400 miles of the Ohio River.
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Step 2
Find the immense Monongahela National Forest and its large number of bird species that shelter and nest in the forest. The Monongahela Forest has numerous wilderness and scenic areas which allow birders to easily approach dozens of woodland and grassland species.
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Step 3
Travel over to the Yankauer Nature Preserve which is near Shepherdstown and Sharpsburg. The mix of habitat types offer shelter to a diverse mix of birds. The preserve is managed by the Potomac Valley Audubon Society. Look for warblers, vireos and Barred Owls in the area.
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Step 4
Participate in the New River Birding and Nature Festival along West Virginia's New River Gorge National River. The area is in the center of the critical upland hardwood forests. The area offers significant habitat for such species as the Scarlet Tanager, and Golden-winged, Blue-winged and Swainson's Warbler.
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Step 5
Review this article's resources which offer more in-depth and up-to-date information on West Virginia birding. Print out maps, guides, checklists, directions and species identification information. Be sure to check for seasonal variation in bird species in order to plan the perfect time for bird watching in West Virginia.
