One of my favorite parts of each issue of BirdWatching Magazine is "Hotspots Near You," the section where we let knowledgeable local birdwatchers across North America describe their favorite birding locations. The map above shows all of the hotspots we've showcased so far.
Go to "Hotspots Near You."
We publish four such descriptions in each issue. In addition to the inside scoop from a local birder who visits the location often and knows it well, each article includes an easy-to-read, up-to-date local map showing how to reach the destination by car, and the following brief, to-the-point, usable information:
- What birds you’ll see
- When to go
- What type of habitat and terrain to expect
- Special amenities or access restrictions you should know about
- Tips for seeing lots of birds
- And sources of additional information
Many articles also have photos of target birds, and most list two or three bonus birding sites that are within easy driving distance of the main hotspot.
Over the years, we’ve enjoyed hearing from travelers, businesspeople, and other readers who have used our “Hotspots Near You” articles to find and enjoy new birding destinations. We’ve also been asked many times if the articles were available by ZIP code or state or geographical region. Until today, the answer was no.
But not any more.
I’m happy to announce that we’ve taken over 100 popular “Hotspots Near You” articles, grouped them by state or geographical region, and made them available as easy-to-download PDF packages. There are 12 packages in all. You can find them in the Digital Downloads area of our online bookstore.
Here’s what you’ll find in each package:
California
Driving directions, maps, bird lists, and tips for 16 great birdwatching destinations in the great state of California. 18 pages, 2.5 MB, $4.95. Details
West Coast States and British Columbia
All 16 of the California hotspots, plus destinations in Hawaii, Alaska, Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia. 30 hotspots in all. 32 pages, 4.8 MB, $5.95. Details
Great Lakes States and Ontario
Driving directions, maps, bird lists, and tips for 21 great birdwatching destinations in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Ontario. 23 pages, 2.7 MB, $4.95. Details
Midwest States and Ontario
All of the hotspots in the Great Lakes States package, plus birdwatching destinations in South Dakota, Nebraska, and Missouri. 24 hotspots in all. 26 pages, 2.9 MB, $5.95. Details
Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey
Driving directions, maps, bird lists, and tips for 15 great birdwatching destinations in Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey. 17 pages, 2.2 MB, $4.95. Details
Northeast States, Quebec, and Newfoundland-Labrador
All 15 of the hotspots in Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey, plus great birdwatching destinations in Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Maine, Quebec, and Newfoundland-Labrador. 23 hotspots in all. 25 pages, 3 MB, $5.95. Details
Florida
Driving directions, maps, bird lists, and tips for 7 great birdwatching destinations in Florida. 9 pages, 1.7 MB, $2.95. Details
South Atlantic States
All 7 Florida hotspots, plus 11 great birdwatching destinations in Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, North Carolina, and Georgia. 18 hotspots in all. 20 pages, 3.2 MB, $4.95. Details
Gulf Coast States
All 7 Florida hotspots, plus 11 destinations in Texas and Florida. 18 otspots in all. 20 pages, 3.2 MB, $4.95. Details
Texas
Driving directions, maps, bird lists, and tips for 11 great birdwatching destinations in the Lone Star State. 13 pages, 2.2 MB, $3.95. Details
Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas
All 11 Texas hotsposts, plus 8 destinations in Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico. 18 hotsposts in all. 21 pages, 2.8 MB, $4.95. Details
Arizona
Driving directions, maps, bird lists, and tips for 5 great birdwatching destinations in Arizona. 7 pages, 1.1 MB, $2.95. Details
Pick the region where you do your most birding. Or where your next trip will take you.
Our goal is to help you get out and enjoy birds. My hope is that these new packages will make it easy for you to do just that. Please don’t hesitate to let me know how you like them. --Chuck Hagner, Editor
Go to “Digital Downloads.”
Go to “Hotspots Near You.”
See the contents of our October 2011 issue.