One of the tools I have been using to scout for an area to
retire (yes, I am that old) is an area's
bird list. If you know birds and
birding, then you also know something about habitat and ecology in general, so reading a bird list for a specific location can reveal quite a bit. It can be a great birding tool, right along with your
birding binocular and field guide. A bird list will tell you more than just what birds you can expect to see, it will also tell you what habitat you can expect to see and even reveal clues as to climate and geography. For instance, when I see Cinnamon Teal listed, I know how far west I have come; when I see Great Gray Owl I know I'm not in Kansas, anymore. When I see Lapland Longspur listed as common, I know I am in the great wide open. When I see a list with a lot of warblers, I know I am not. As a birder, I make it a point to collect area bird lists wherever I go, but reading them online is also informative and, for me at least, just plain fun. Okay, you have to be a birder to understand, but it is fun.