7 Canopy Walks Where You Can Get a Bird’s-Eye View of Spring Migration

Motion-packed as spring birding usually is, it may be a pressure to identify tiny songbirds darting via foliage excessive above. If the birds received’t come right down to you, why not go as much as them? Cover walkways round North America make spring birding a breezy outing, and most choices featured listed here are wheelchair-accessible. They’re a technique to fulfill “each birder’s dream—to be up within the treetops with the birds,” says British Columbia–based mostly naturalist Ann Nightingale, who commonly visits the Malahat Skywalk included under

Smith Oaks Chicken Sanctuary – Texas (above)

Ascend a ramp to the Kathrine G. McGovern Canopy Walkway in Excessive Island, Texas, and also you’ll be at eye degree with Prothonotary Warblers, whereas alligators bask within the murky water under. Overlook platforms supply an intimate glimpse of nesting Nice Egrets, Roseate Spoonbills, and Black-crowned Evening Herons. “You’re within the realm of birds,” says Jed Aplaca, president and CEO of Houston Audubon, which operates the walkway.
Opens at 7 a.m.; $10 for a sanctuary day move

Malahat Skywalk – British Columbia, Canada

Overlooking fjords and peninsulas on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, the Malahat Skywalk, which is raised 65 toes above floor for many of its size earlier than culminating in a spiral as much as a top of 130 toes, is a good place to see not solely birds of the Pacific Northwest but additionally any whales which will move under. Guests would possibly encounter Violet-green Swallows zipping previous, Townsend’s Warblers and Pink-breasted Nuthatches flitting amid Douglas firs, or raptors like Bald Eagles and Peregrine Falcons perched within the treetops. Elusive species like Sooty Grouse are potential right here, too; preserve an ear out for his or her low booms in spring.
Opens at 9 a.m.; $46.95 CAD ($34.50 USD)

Blacklick Woods Metro Park – Ohio

Constructed in 2024, this 40-foot-high canopy walk is an ideal perch for recognizing migratory songbirds. Cerulean Warblers, Black-throated Inexperienced Warblers, and American Redstarts dart via the foliage of oaks, maples, and beeches, whereas Pink-bellied Woodpeckers and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks pop by the boardwalk’s hanging feeders. For the extra adventurous, traverse the walkway’s rope bridges, fireman’s pole, and treehouse. This 12 months from April 20 to Might 22 the cover stroll will open two hours early—at 7 a.m.—to supply entry throughout peak hen exercise.
Opens at 9 a.m.; free
 

Santa Ana Nationwide Wildlife Refuge – Texas

Positioned in one of the crucial biodiverse areas in the US, this 20-foot-high swinging bridge gives treetop views of tropical birds hardly ever seen in the remainder of the nation. Nice Kiskadees, Inexperienced Jays, and Groove-billed Anis are widespread sights right here within the Decrease Rio Grande Valley, together with many migrating songbirds that cease to refuel on the refuge, together with Golden-winged Warblers and Yellow-breasted Chats. Santa Ana can also be a vacation spot for migrating raptors corresponding to Broad-winged and Swainson’s Hawks. For those who’re fortunate, you could even spot uncommon raptors like Hook-billed Kites. 
Opens at dawn; $5 parking charge

Whiting Forest, Dow Gardens – Michigan

Immersed in a forest filled with pines, maples, and oaks, this 40-foot-high canopy walkway is without doubt one of the longest within the nation. Winding for about 1400 toes, you’ll come throughout all kinds of habitats, corresponding to stands of mature purple pines, wildflower meadows, and never one—however two—forest ponds. Peer into the bushes for species like Baltimore Orioles, Indigo Buntings, and Pine Warblers, or Tree Swallows dipping alongside the water.
Opens at 9 a.m. (10 a.m. in winter); $15 for adults

Myakka River State Park – Florida

Taking you 25 toes excessive above the hammock forests of southwest Florida (with a tower reaching as much as 75 toes within the air), this walkway requires a climb of 100 stairs. Search for Black Vultures circling above your head, Swallow-tailed Kites hovering within the distance, or Palm Warblers flitting amidst the oaks. That is additionally an important place to take a look at treetop bugs like colourful treehoppers, or alligators swimming within the wetlands under.
Opens at 8 a.m.; $6 parking charge per automobile

Wild Stroll on the Wild Heart – New York

Towering as much as 30 toes above balsam firs within the Adirondack Mountains, the Wild Walk takes a hen’s perspective to the following degree. This immersive walkway options giant tree snags, swinging bridges, and even a life-size reproduction of a Bald Eagle nest! There’s additionally a particular remark space with hen feeders, baths, and blinds, nice locations to identify Black-capped Chickadees and Bushy Woodpeckers. It’s also possible to scan the conifer forest for migrants like Ovenbirds, Blue-headed Vireos, and Hermit Thrushes.
Opens at 10 a.m.; $26 

This story initially ran within the Spring 2026 concern as “An Elevated Look.” To obtain our print journal, grow to be a member by making a donation today.