St. Simons Island

With sun-soaked beaches, wetland marshes, and live oak forests, this barrier island is home to a huge variety of birds. Besides having many native year-round inhabitants like bald eagles and pelicans, it is also a designated stop on the Colonial Coast Birding Trail, which means you will also get to see numerous migratory birds in spring and fall. Head to Goulds Inlet in the south to see gulls, terns, and other shorebirds. Or stop by East Beach to see green-winged teals and northern shovelers in the winter or purple gallinules and painted buntings in the summer.