Pennsylvania is one of the top states for birdwatching

Spring is a time when many of our feathered friends migrate back home, providing ample opportunity for some good birdwatching.

And, wouldn’t you know, Pennsylvania is one of the best states in the United States for this activity.

According to a report conducted and published by Lawn Love, the Keystone State is the seventh best for birdwatching in the nation.

Pennsylvania — along with the 49 other states — was ranked across five key categories: “Access,” “Bird Variety,” “Popularity,” “Conservation,” and “Climate.” Relative metrics such as “Number of Audubon Centers and Sanctuaries” and “Number of Birdwatching Groups” were also taken into account for final grades.

When all was said and done, Texas ranked third overall; Florida, second; and California came out on top in first.

The bottom three states — those where “fowl play” abounds, according to the report — are Nevada (48th overall), South Dakota (49th) and Iowa (50th).

If you’re interested in birdwatching yourself but are a bit lost as to where to start, experts tapped by Lawn Love listed the following as essentials: Food, water, sunscreen, and, of course, binoculars.

“Being a bird is hard,” adds Kathryn E. Sieving, professor and graduate coordinator at the University of Florida’s Department of Wildlife Ecology & Conservation. “They have to eat constantly and keep from being killed by hawks to survive each day, so honor them by being a quiet, kind birder.”