Top 5 State Parks for Incredible Birdwatching

(Editors Note: There appear to be many birdwatching and birder-folk out there in the Vistabule Community. We were delighted to receive such an enthusiastic response from so many of you when we asked for samples of your bird photography for this blog post. Below is a small selection of the many dozens of photos we received.)

– John James Audubon

A colleague and I recently took a work trip to William O’Brien State Park in eastern Minnesota, with a Vistabule and DayTripper in tow. As we arrived at the park, a gentle rain greeted us, a welcome partner in the early budding of a new Spring. We quickly set up our trailers in our neighboring campsites, tucked away in the park’s forest, with its tall oak trees and high perches, expansive bogs lush with cattails and concealing grasses. On any trip into nature, I try to make it a point to consciously breathe in the noticeable transitions. Beyond the sights and smells, most often it is the sound that strikes you most. Gone is the mechanized buzzing of the city, replaced instead by the calming white noise of rain on leaves and jackets, tree branches jostling in the wind, footsteps on soft soil, and an overwhelming soundscape of bird song. In other words, perfect conditions for birdwatching.

I believe our ears, much like the eyes, are instinctively drawn to beauty, so naturally you begin to notice the melodious songbirds first; the warblers, the thrushes, the sparrows, like the woodwind section of an orchestra, the treetops filled with flamboyance and subtlety all at once. But as the famed ornithologist and conservationist Audbon observed, how lonely a place the forest would be if only the birds with the loveliest songs were allowed to sing. Nature’s symphony is far more complex and disparate than a single clarinet or flute. The musical arrangement of birds is conducted by an invisible, far grander thing.

Listen closer and you hear the rhythmic percussive tapping of the woodpecker, or the drum drum drumming of the ruffed grouse. And a thousand other intricate, delicate trills, chirps, and cheeps—-abruptly and definitively interrupted by the brass section, the nesting canadian geese and sandhill cranes foraging through the muck,  with their riotous honking and prehistoric squawks overpowering everyone else. Not the loveliest of sounds by many people’s standards, almost comical in their insistence to be heard, but still so full of personality and vibrancy, all part of the musicality of nature.

It struck me that the only unnatural audible interruption we had that evening was when a big RV rolled in a few sites down from ours; its obstructive, obnoxious generator sadly only cut short by a 10PM noise curfew. At Vistabule we make trailers that are meant to be in harmony with nature (without disturbing everyone else in the process). With the natural aesthetic found in the unique wood grain in every trailer cabin, it’s not hard to imagine yourself in your own cozy little nest. With the numerous and expansive viewing windows, you are never cut off from the lake and a bufflehead, or the prairie and a pinnated grouse, or the desert and a cactus-dwelling pygmy owl, even when you are relaxing inside your trailer. We want there to be as little barrier between you and the outdoors as possible, for optimal birdwatching, and we think that this can be done without compromising on modern amenities.

Whether you are a hardcore birder or a more casual birdwatching hobbyist, both the Vistabule and DayTripper make for excellent basecamps for your avian adventures. With plenty of energy storage and charging capabilities, from optional dual 200w rooftop solar panels on the Vistabule, to convenient portable power station compatibility (like a Bluetti AC70 or EcoFlow River 2 Max) in the DayTripper, and numerous outlets and charging  ports, you will be able to keep all of your camera gear photo-ready so that you can capture every winged moment.

And because we want everybody to get outside and experience all the wonder that this wonderful planet has to offer, here are some suggestions for your next adventure in our list of the Top 5 State Parks for Birdwatching.

1. Big Bend Ranch State Park, Texas:

Nestled in the rugged landscapes of West Texas, Big Bend Ranch State Park is a paradise for birdwatching. With its varied habitats, from desert scrub to mountainous terrain, the park is home to an impressive diversity of bird species. Imagine waking up to the melodic songs of the Colima Warbler or catching sight of the striking Vermilion Flycatcher. With a teardrop trailer as your basecamp, you can effortlessly explore the park’s trails and capture stunning photos of its avian residents. And as a certified Dark Sky Park, you can practice your space photography when the sun goes down!

2. Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, Ohio:

Dubbed the “Warbler Capital of the World,” Magee Marsh Wildlife Area in Ohio is a must-visit destination for birdwatching during the spring migration. Known for hosting the “Biggest Week in Birding” each May, the Toledo region is a birder’s paradise. As colorful warblers flit among the trees, you can easily navigate the park’s boardwalks and trails to capture close-up shots of these singsongy, colorful birds. If you visit during the official festival, expect large crowds, as they draw upwards of 90,000 birders annually. Retire to your Vistabule in the evening and share a meal and photos with your fellow birdwatching enthusiasts!

3. Everglades National Park, Florida:

For birdwatchers craving a taste of adventure, Everglades National Park in Florida offers an unrivaled opportunity to observe a vast array of avian species in their natural habitat. From majestic herons and egrets to the iconic Roseate Spoonbill, the park is a haven for bird photography opportunities. Journey amongst the park’s walkways as they wind through mangrove swamps and cypress domes, capturing breathtaking images of its feathered inhabitants along the way. Keep your limbs away from the gators!

4. Acadia National Park, Maine:

With its diverse ecosystems and stunning coastal scenery, Acadia National Park in Maine beckons birdwatchers and photographers alike. Bald Eagles soar overhead, while Peregrine Falcons nest among the park’s rocky cliffs. With our trailers as a cozy retreat from wind or misty ocean spray, you can spend your days exploring Acadia’s trails and coastline, knowing that any excess photography gear is safely stowed in one of our trailer’s many generous storage options, ready for action whenever inspiration strikes.

5. Cape May Point State Park, New Jersey:

Situated along the Atlantic Flyway, Cape May Point State Park in New Jersey is a prime destination for birdwatching and more specifically witnessing mass bird migration. During the spring and fall migrations, the park teems with songbirds, raptors, and shorebirds, making it a paradise for photographers seeking to capture the beauty of avian migration.

Go Birdin’

Birdwatching or birding is more than just a hobby—it’s a journey of discovery and connection with the natural world. By exploring some of these top state parks for birdwatching with your trailer as a trusty companion, you can enhance your experience and create memories that will last a lifetime. So pack your binoculars, grab your camera gear, hook up your Vistabule or DayTripper, and embark on an unforgettable adventure in search of feathered wonders. Start building your trailer today with one of our easy-to-use interactive build forms!