Birdwatching in West Virginia: A Spring and Summer Spectacle
Morgantown, WV—The summer months present birdwatchers in West Virginia with a vibrant opportunity to observe a plethora of migratory songbirds, including the cerulean and golden-winged warblers. Christopher Lituma, associate professor at West Virginia University’s Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, notes that many songbirds return to the Mountain State after wintering in Central and South America.
“During the summer, most birds are frantically trying to attract mates and reproduce,” Lituma explains, highlighting the energetic songs filling the forests. He points out that West Virginia boasts a remarkable diversity of warblers and a significant breeding population of cerulean warblers, supported by the state’s extensive public forested areas.
For optimal birdwatching, Lituma recommends locations with varied habitats, such as Cooper’s Rock State Forest, Dolly Sods Wilderness Area, and Cranberry Glades. Birdwatchers can also find migrating waterfowl along the Ohio River and in the Eastern Panhandle.
Beginners are encouraged to listen carefully and take notes, utilizing apps like Merlin for song identification and eBird for tracking species. As Lituma emphasizes, "85% of birding is done by ear."
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