Migratory Birds are Super Fly

by Laney Eichelberger | May 15, 2026 | Bird, Spring 2026

There’s no sweeter sign of approaching spring days than the mourning dove’s melancholic tune or the cheerful twittering of the black-capped chickadee. While every season is a great one for birdwatching, there’s something special about spring. It’s a time of great changes. Hundreds of bird species are making their way north from their winter vacation digs in time with greening grass and budding trees, and Appalachia is a great place to be for this high-flying spectacle—after all, it’s one of the most important migratory flyways on the continent. 

Birding can be as easy as cozying up next to a window, or you can fly in formation with the seasoned professionals and gear up with binoculars, a regional guidebook, and identification apps like iNaturalist. Be sure to note these Appalachian birding events worth singing about.

Spring Bird Walks

WVU Core Arboretum, Morgantown, WV
April 14, 21, and 28 and May 5 and 12, 2026

Join Mountaineer Audubon for a series of spring bird walks through the WVU Core Arboretum’s old growth forest. They start bright and early at 7:30 a.m. After all, the early bird gets the worm. Maybe you’ll even spot the arboretum’s resident barred owl, Owldo. 

New River Birding & Nature Festival

New River Gorge, Fayette County, WV
April 27–May 2, 2026

Take a vacay in the Gorge with your fellow bird lovers and enjoy daily expert-led birding tours, seminars bursting with fun facts, and great food. These folks seriously know their stuff—this festival has been celebrating the Mountain State’s winged wonders since 2002. 

Birds in the Hills Festival

Camp Oty’Okwa, South Bloomingville, OH
May 1–3, 2026

Hop state lines to Hocking County for this southeastern Ohio spring migration celebration. Between hemlock gorges and mature hardwood uplands, this campground is the pinnacle of uniquely Appalachian biodiversity—making it a great spot to spot some seriously special species, like vireos and warblers.

Birding is for all ages! A young birder identifies feathered friends at Morgantown Migratory Bird Day. Photos Courtesy of Katie Fallon.

Migration Celebration

Pipestem Resort State Park, Pipestem, WV
May 9, 2026

Pipestem Resort State Park might be known for its adrenaline-rush activities like zipline tours, but it’s also been a hub for birders for more than 20 years. Every year, scientists and hobbyists alike gather to celebrate the epic journey of migrating species. Take a nature walk, learn to shoot snappy photos, meet live ambassador birds of prey, and more. 

Morgantown Migratory Bird Day

Coopers Rock State Forest, Bruceton Mills, WV
May 9, 2026

Led by the regionally beloved Avian Conservation Center of Appalachia, this celebration of migratory species features a guided bird walk, owl pellet dissections, arts and crafts, and educational presentations—some of which will feature the center’s charming ambassador birds. Contribute to citizen science by challenging your pals to count and record the most birds.

Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad

Romney, WV
Year ’round

Reserve your seat on the Potomac Eagle’s 3-hour Trough Canyon expedition and try your hand at birding from a new perspective—cozied up in a vintage railcar with dining and drink services and, most importantly, a front-seat view of Trough Canyon, a popular nesting location for bald eagles.