bird watching tours nyc

Birding Bob

LOST AND LOOKING FOR US ON A BIRD WALK? 1.347.703.5554

BIRD WALKS: Thu/Fri/Sat/Sunday/Mon in Central Park - $10 - see SCHEDULE page for inf o Email Us (Click) with Questions

Bird walks in central park  robert decandido phd.

Interested in a Private Bird walk or Bird Photography Tour

in Central Park - or anywhere in the tri-state area?

Contact us for more info/details.

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Central park bird walks.

We invite you to join us to look for and study the approximately 250+ species of birds that either live year-round in Central Park, winter here, or visit New York City during migration in spring (March-June) and fall (mid-July to mid-December). The cost is only $10/person. Pay us at the END of the bird walk as we exit the park . We also rent quite fine binoculars for $10...email us to reserve a pair or simply to ask for more info about the bird walks.

We have fun on the bird walks. Over the last 25+ years in Central Park, people from more than 50 countries have watched birds with us...though we are very much a NYC crew. We welcome people of all abilities and backgrounds. There are experts on our walks, but we like "newbies" the most, because we like to help people learn about birds and the NYC environment. We do our best to have fun, learn and discover something new/different every time out. And we very much enjoy people: a lot of our scientific research is done with folks joining in to help.

The Bob Bird Walks have become a community of people, and many valuable and lifelong friendships have resulted. In fact, many come along as much for the people and camaraderie as for the birds. In addition, we have been publishing a weekly email Newsletter on what we find each week, photos of those birds, and the history of birds dating back to the mid-19th century in Central Park and the entire NYC area. Send us your email to subscribe, and each Wednesday you'll get the Newsletter . That way if you are planning a trip to NYC, you can see what is happening with birds in real time here in the Big Apple.

If you want to hire either one of us for a private bird walk, contact us [ [email protected] ] - rates are reasonable.

About Birding Bob

Robert DeCandido PhD, better known around Central Park as "Birding Bob", has led guided bird walks in the park for more than 25 years.  He is joined in leading the walks by Deborah Allen, a noted New York City bird and nature photographer. 

Bob & Deb Allen are both superb educators: Bob got his PhD studying the NYC environment, and has done bird migration research in many parts of NYC, from Central Park by day to the top of the Empire State Building at night, to Southeast Asia (Malaysia and Thailand dating back to 2000) and central Asia (Nepal and Israel dating back to 1999). Deborah Allen is a professional photographer who is completing her book (Columbia University Press) on  The Birds of Central Park: their identification and history . She is absolutely the best birder in Central Park for field marks and nuances of plumage. You can see many of Deborah's photos on her web site: We are the only bird walk leaders in NYC that have extensive field experience with birds in the hand, as well as numerous articles published in scientific and popular journals - and that is for birds  and  plants both here in NYC and internationally. Your participation on these walks helps fund that research - see and read our publications available for free download on this site: NYC Kestrels; the Empire State Building for night migrating birds, various articles on the birds of Central Park; the flora of Central Park and NYC; raptor migration in Thailand, Malaysia and Nepal...

Read about our latest sightings

Return Birding: Tanzania in 1995 and 2023

Christmas Bird Counts 100 years ago: CONNECTICUT and NEW JERSEY (December 1923)

Christmas Bird Counts: LONG ISLAND (1923) and the BRONX (1933):

What People are Saying

"Hello from grey England, I am the elderly Englishman who came, with his wife, on your Sunday morning walk. I just wanted to record how much we had enjoyed it, and how much we had learnt. We are not merely out-of-towners, more like out-of-continenters. But we were treated with great kindness and patience by everyone when we asked the names of your most commonplace birds. I would like to think that a New Yorker, visiting us here In Suffolk, would be as well received if he or she kept pointing at a magpie or a pheasant and demanded: “what’s that?”. I will follow your reports over the coming months, and will hope to join you again in the Park."

22 November 2017:

Find out what's happening

We welcome you to sign up for weekly email alerts.

They usually go out at midweek, and include information on the walks scheduled for that week, plus a highlight report on the birds seen on the prior week's walks.  We also include historical information and reports on birding in Central Park and all of New York City.

Send us your email to subscribe, and each Wednesday you'll get the Newsletter. That way if you are planning a trip to NYC, you can see what is happening with birds in real time here in the Big Apple.

(Of course, you can opt in and out at anytime, and we never release your email address to any other party.)

Upcoming Field Trips

The Linnaean Society is your gateway to birding across New York’s diverse ecosystems. Throughout the year, we offer up to one hundred field trips and other events led by passionate volunteer naturalists. Our core emphasis is on the avian world, but our field trips embrace the interests of plant, bat, dragonfly, and butterfly enthusiasts.

Our excursions grant unparalleled access to little-known natural wonders stretching from the metropolitan area to the majestic Adirondack Mountains. We visit locations across New York City, Westchester County, New Jersey, and Connecticut, ensuring accessibility through public transport or arranging carpool trips for remote destinations.

Central Park holds a special place in our hearts, offering a multitude of adventures that include weekly Tuesday morning walks during spring and fall migrations. These walks are open to everyone, irrespective of membership status. Non-members are warmly welcomed for all other field trips, with priority given to our valued members. To delve into further details, please refer to our informative About Our Trips and Membership pages .

Updates to the Schedule of Events listings:

• The date of the Great Swamp, New Jersey trip has been changed from Saturday, June 26 to Sunday, June 27.

Field trips have resumed with new trip guidelines. Please read them carefully.

Vancouver, BC

Registration is open for the December 27, 2023–January, 2, 2024, Vancouver, British Columbia trip with Rick Wright. For more information, click here .

Hillside Woods at Hastings-on-Hudson

Spring Migration in Central Park’s North End

Spring Migration for Educators and New Birders in Central Park’s North End

Central park, birds & brews, starr saphir memorial spring migration walk, central park, central park family walk, bashakill marsh & environs.

Doodletown Road – Trip Canceled

“parking” it on staten island – a may monday migration excursion, sterling forest state park, inwood hill park, shawangunk grasslands n.w.r.

Central Park Botany Walk

Terns of nickerson beach, ward pound ridge reservation, van cortlandt park nature walk, great swamp n.w.r., north country adirondacks summer birds – trip full, staten island, purple martins plus, evening bat walk, central park, dragonflies & butterflies, brookfield park, staten island, jamaica bay wildlife refuge, cupsogue flats and beyond, jamaica bay wildlife refuge, 31st annual tom davis memorial shorebird walk.

Call Us! 917-982-2501

Bird Watching In Central Park

Situated along the Atlantic Flyway, Central Park is designated an Important Bird Area (IBA), as denoted by BirdLife International.

Spring and fall migration seasons are always exciting for birders, but there is always something to see throughout the year.

Central Park comprises 80 acres of woodlands plus several waterbodies that are ideal for many species of migrating birds. I am well-acquainted with all of these areas; allow me to assist in experiencing some of this country's best bird watching in the most urban of settings.

Tour duration: 90 minutes to 2 hours. Start location flexible, depending on the location in the park (The Ramble or North Woods).

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Phone: 917-982-2501

Email: [email protected]

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Birding Tours

Spot the wonderful diversity of birds that visit the park during migratory season, with guided tours led by environmental educator and urban naturalist Gabriel Willow. Located in the heart of Midtown, our park is a hotspot for avian visitors and birders alike. Past sightings include warblers, tanagers, vireos, thrushes, and even a Chuck-will’s-widow!

Tours are Tuesdays at 8am and Thursdays + Fridays at 5pm during migration season. Meet at the Bryant Park info kiosk, on 6th Avenue across from 41st Street. No pre-registration is required.

Spring Migration: April 23 - June 7

Fall migration: september 3 - october 11.

Tuesdays, 8am-9am

Thursdays, 5pm-6pm

Fridays, 5pm-6pm

 Tuesday, April 23

Hermit Thrush, Eastern Towhee, Song Sparrow, Ring-billed Gull, Herring Gull, White-throated Sparrow, Gray Catbird, European Starling, House Sparrow, Rock Pigeon

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Best Birding Tours in New York City for 2023 (Including Fall and Spring Migration Tours)

As a native New York City resident, I can vouch for the fact that NYC is a haven for bird watchers. There is an amazing variety of habitats, including parks, waterways, and gardens, attracting a diverse range of bird species.

With all of the birds that visit the city, it is not surprising that there are numerous birding tours in New York City as well. The tours are almost as diverse as the birds that visit the city! Each has its own distinct experience and expert guides.

Since New York City is part of the Atlantic Flyway, tours during spring and fall migration are especially exciting since you can see birds you don’t see during other parts of the year. Just check the tour calendars in spring and fall – right now, many of the spring migration trips are popping up!

The tours are also terrific ways to learn about both migratory and resident non-migrating birds from an expert. They provide a great learning experience for beginner birders and more experienced birders who are honing their birding skills or just want to enjoy the beauty and excitement of urban birding .

One of the main reasons I wrote this article is that it’s not easy to find a complete and concise list of bird-watching tours in New York City. There are many references to bird-watching tours scattered throughout the web, but it can be a pain searching for all of them. This is the guide to Birding Tours in New York City that should make your search easy!

Table of Contents

1. Winter/Spring Bird and Seal-Watching Adventure Cruises

This 2 1/2-hour cruise from American Princess Cruises is led by a naturalist. Some of the many birds that may be seen include great blue herons, double-crested cormorants, a variety of gulls, scoters, loons, ducks, snowy owls, and great egrets.

There are also 8-12 hour pelagic birds and Marine wildlife trips that take place in the winter.

The website includes photos taken during the various cruises – I am so inspired by these! These tours are definitely on my “must-do” list for my next trip to New York.

The tour calendar indicates that the bird and seal-watching tours take place on Saturdays and Sundays and leave at noon. Tours leave from Pier 3 in Sheepshead Bay in Brooklyn.

2. Bird Walks In Central Park and Beyond with Birding Bob

Dr. Robert DeCandido, who leads Birding Bob Tours , is somewhat of a legend in New York City! He has been leading birding tours in New York City since the 1990s.

His tours are known for their personalized experience and focus on teaching participants how to identify birds . I love Birding Bob – he is a native New Yorker, has a great personality, is truly passionate and knowledgeable about birds, and makes these tours so much fun.

Most tours take place in Central Park. Depending on the time of year, there are additional tours to the NYC Botanical Garden, Jamaica Bay Wildlife Reserve, Prospect Park, and other NYC parks.

Private tours are also available for tours in New York City and the tri-state area.

3. Birding Tours in Bryant Park

The Bryant Park Corporation offers free bird tours . These tours are led by expert guides from the NYC Audubon Society. You can spot so many wonderful birds including “warblers, tanagers, thrushes, and even a chuck-will’s widow”.

Bryant Park is one of my favorite small parks in New York City, attracting a variety of bird species throughout the year. It’s such a charming park with lots of fun activities amidst beautiful trees, bushes, and lawns.

It’s also right behind the wonderful New York Public Library, and across the street from Whole Foods where you can grab a bite to eat.

4. The NYC Audubon Society Bird-Watching Tours

As far as the number and diversity of bird-watching tours go, the NYC Audubon Society tours hit the jackpot! The Society offers a large array of bird-watching tours in NYC throughout the year, and some of the tours are free.

If you are a New York City Audubon member, you can sign up for special members-only outings as well.

Tours focus on a large number of NYC parks and hotspots, including Pelham Bay Park, Mount Loretto, Shirley Chisholm State Park, Central Park, NY Botanical Gardens, Inwood Hill Park, Brookfield Park, Carl Schurz Park, Floyd Bennett Field, and Governors Island.

You will never run out of bird tours! New ones keep popping up all the time so check their site for the latest listings.

5. NYC Botanical Gardens Birding Tour

The New York Botanical Gardens is a beautiful destination for birdwatchers. It’s in the Bronx and incredibly is home to over 250 bird species throughout the year.

The garden offers bird tours in NYC led by expert guides, where, depending on the time of year, you can spot birds like the Baltimore oriole, scarlet tanager, and eastern bluebird. The tours also provide a unique opportunity to learn about the garden’s plant and bird conservation efforts.

This tour is offered by the Audubon Society Tour (see above) but I wanted to list it separately so you can read more about it and the location. As you can see, in addition to the birding tours in New York City, there are tons of other great tours and events . You can easily make a day (or several days) of it.

I have been here several times and it is truly beautiful. It holds a special place in my heart, as corny as that may sound. It is so amazing that it’s in the middle of a dense urban area, but once inside you feel like you are in the countryside.

6. Urban Park Rangers Bird Tours

The Urban Park Rangers is a program run by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. It’s been in operation since 1979. The tours are led by experienced rangers.

Tour locations vary annually, and it’s fun to check the website to see what’s available.

Tour locations have included the following: Prospect Park and Canarsie Park in Brooklyn, Kissena Park, Highland Park, Brookville, and Baisley Pond Park in Queens, Wave Hill, Crotona Park, and Starlight Park in the Bronx, and Central Park and Fort Tryon Park in Manhattan.

I love that there are so many tours in all 5 NYC boroughs. If you have never been to New York City, or have only been to Manhattan, touring the other 4 boroughs is a great way to explore a wider range of locations. The diversity, as well as the beauty, is impressive.

7. Linnaean Society of Birding Tours In New York City

The Linnaean Society of New York is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the study and conservation of natural history.

The Society offers numerous field trips and bird tours in NYC every year. You have to be a member or a guest accompanying a member if space permits. These trips are led by expert members and focus not just on birds but also on butterflies, plants, and bats. How fun is that?!

Some of the trips listed in the past few months have covered Prospect Park, Central Park, Green-Wood Cemetery, the Pine Barrens (in New Jersey,) Breezy Point, Coney Island Pier and Creek, and Staten Island.

There is also a 2-day tour in Montauk (in Long Island,) as well as tours to Croton Point Park (in Westchester County,) and Pelham Bay Park.

The Montauk tour is at the top of my list (if you have not been, I promise you that you will adore Montauk,) as is the tour to Croton Point Park (near one of my old stomping grounds in beautiful Westchester County).

8. Brooklyn Birding Club Bird Watching Tours

The Brooklyn Birding Club, founded in 1909 by Dr. Edward Vietor, is a community of birdwatchers who organize birding walks and trips throughout the year. The club offers several beginner-friendly and interesting bird watching tours in NYC, in and around Brooklyn, as well as lectures.

Depending on the time of year, tours include Introduction to Birdwatching, First Sunday Bird Outing, and birding tours in New York City in Prospect Park, Jones Beach, Floyd Bennet Field, Calvert Vaux Park, and Greenwood Cemetery.

They have also offered scheduled tours of Massapequa Preserve in Long Island tour, via the Long Island Rail Road. Fun new tours and locations are always popping up! There are tours to Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge as well. Jamaica Bay is a fantastic birding hotspot!

9. Birding In Peace Walking Tours

I love the name of this company! Birding In Peace is a unique birdwatching tour company that conducts a birding tour in Brooklyn’s Green-Wood Cemetery .

In Green-Wood Cemetery, over 185 species of migrating birds stop over every year.

The cemetery gates open early to admit tour attendees, before opening to the general public.

(Note: When I last checked the site, I saw that the last tours listed were for the winter of 2022 but it is worth checking since 2023 tours may pop up any second.)

10. Birdingpal Tours

Birdingpal is a global birdwatching tour company that connects birdwatchers with local guides around the world. These tours provide a local birding “pal” to design and accompany you on a customized birding tour in New York City, the other 4 boroughs, or New Jersey.

I have done many tours of this kind throughout the world and love them – there is nothing like a tour from a resident who is passionate about a topic!

Depending on the pal you select, tours may include a New York City day trip to Central Park and Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge during Spring Migration, Riverside Park, Prospect Park, or even the Hudson River area near the West Village.

I have also seen tours of Garrett Mountain in Northern NJ pop up. There are too many options to mention here so definitely check out the website.

11. Nature Travel Birding

Nature Travel Birding provides private and small-group birding tours to popular birding destinations. In the NYC area, they provide a full-day tour to Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge.

Their expert guides provide an immersive birding experience, with a focus on learning about the local flora and fauna.

12. Birding Around NYC Meetup Tours

This meetup group meets for birding walks led by a New York botanical guide and naturalist. I see many tours to Central Park that are led by the New York Botanical Garden’s expert birder Debbie Becker.

I love that the tour organizers make a point of saying that beginners and people of all ages are welcome!

13. Spring Birding in New York City -8 day tour from the UK!

The fact that there is an 8-day birding tour of NYC that originates in the UK says it all – New York City is a birding hotspot!

This tour visits Central Park, Prospect Park, and Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. In addition, the tour allows for ample time to take in the excitement of Manhattan – iconic tourist destinations, Broadway shows, and sporting events.

Sounds like a perfect mix of birding and NYC fun! As of March 24, 2023, there is still space for the 2024 tour so this is a great time to plan for that exciting birding adventure if you live in or close to the UK!

14. Naturalist Journeys Bird Migration Tours – A Bit Further Afield

Naturalist journeys is a nature and birding tour company that was founded in 1998. These guided tours are led by “naturalists, ornithologists, biologists, entomologists, geologists, photographers, artists, and more”.

Naturalist Journeys offers over 100 nature and birding tours worldwide, and there are 3 bird migration tours , a few hours outside of New York City, for 2023. They all take place in Cape May which is a noted birding hotspot.

The Cape May Spring Migration week-long tour starts on May 14. The trip reports from previous years are fun to look at.

Cape May is a few hours south of New York City but I wanted to include it in this article because it’s such a fantastic place to view birds, especially during fall and spring migration!

Final Words on Birding Tours in New York City in 2023

So, now that you have a nice list of birding tours in New York City and the surrounding area, the fun begins! All that remains is looking through the different tours that are available and choosing the ones you want to see on specific dates.

Actually, that’s not so easy, is it?! There are so many tours to choose one, and each with its specific flavor.

As a native New Yorker who is very familiar with many of these tours and locations, this is my suggestion to you: if you live in Manhattan or are visiting NYC from out of town, start with a Central Park birding tour. I think Birding Bob’s tour of Central Park would be an excellent choice!

Then, over time, branch out to tours in the Bronx, Staten Island, Brooklyn, and Queens. I think the New York Botanical Gardens in the Bronx, and Prospect Park in Brooklyn would be great first choices for tours that take place in the other 4 boroughs.

You can also pepper in tours that are further afield in Westchester County and Northern New Jersey, as well as the bird and seal-watching tour that leaves from Pier 1 in Brooklyn.

Of course, make sure to bring your binoculars! I have recommendations for binoculars that will work for people with glasses, as well as people with don’t (since they all have long eye relief lengths ). Check out my binocular recommendations in the mid-priced category , as well as binoculars that are in the budget range.

Is New York City good for birdwatching?

New York City is an excellent place to go birdwatching due to the many birding hotspots and bird refuges in New York City as well as the other 4 boroughs. Migrating birds that use the Atlantic Flyway visit hotspots and bird refuges in New York City during their migratory journey.

What time is best for bird watching in New York City?

Early morning is the best time to go bird-watching in NYC because the birds are most active during that time. The birds are hungry and looking for food. In addition, the city is quiet, especially on the weekends, so it is a more peaceful time to go birding. Birds also become active later in the afternoon as well, when they get hungry.

When should I go birding in Central Park?

Birding during spring migration is a wonderful time to go birding in Central Park. Central Park is a birding hotspot which means that migrating birds stop by the park to rest, eat, and drink in order to refuel for the rest of their journey. Spring migration starts in March and continues into early June, though the peak weeks for viewing birds are the first two weeks of May.

What are some of the best places to look for birds in NYC?

In Manhattan: Central Park, Riverside Park, Bryant Park, and Inwood Hill Park. In Brooklyn: Prospect Park, Brooklyn Botanic Gardens, Green-Wood Cemetery, and Floyd Bennett Field. In the Bronx: Pelham Bay Park, Van Cortlandt Park, and the Bronx Botanical Garden. In Queens: Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, Alley Pond Park, and Forest Park. In Staten Island: Freshkills, Cloves Lake Park, and North Mount Loretto State Forest.

NYCRuns Brooklyn Half Marathon : Please note that the NYCRuns Brooklyn Half Marathon will take place on Sunday, April 28 from 5 am – 2 pm. Learn more about road closures and access changes in and around Prospect Park.

Visit The Park

Birdwatching.

Located along the Atlantic Flyway, Prospect Park is ideal for birding, with more than 250 species spotted each year, including migrating songbirds in spring and fall, and a large diversity of waterfowl and resident birds throughout the year. Prospect Park has been designated one of New York’s 130 Important Bird Areas (IBA), which are critical for bird conservation.

In season, join Prospect Park Alliance at the Prospect Park Audubon Center  and Pop-Up Audubon for birdwatching activities for all ages. You can also enjoy seasonal guided tours led by the Brooklyn Bird Club , which publishes a list of Prospect Park birds.

Love the wildlife of Prospect Park? Stay up to date on nature news and events + more!

While birds can be found throughout the Park, the map below highlights some of the best birding locations.

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Bird Watching with Birding Bob

Apr 28, 2024

Central Park Boathouse

Discover a variety of birds as you explore lesser-known areas of Central Park.

Join up with Birding Bob and crew for a fun bird walk through some lesser-known areas in Central Park. This walk is led by native New Yorker, Robert Candido, PhD, an expert on flora, fauna, and birds in NYC. The quintessential New Yorker, Bob has been leading groups for over 25 years and welcomes "newbies" and experts alike!

On weekends when there are two walk start times of 7:30 AM and 9:30 AM, if you start at 7:30 you can continue through the 9:30 walk for free. The later walks are about 3 hours long and guests can feel free to depart at any time.

Restrooms are passed along the walk. 

Schedule & Locations

• Every Sunday at 7:30 AM and 9:30 AM. Meet at Boathouse Restaurant/Cafe (near 74th Street along the East Drive). If you do the 7:30 AM walk, you get the 9:30 AM walk for free.
• Every Saturday at 7:30 AM and 9:30 AM. Meet at Boathouse Restaurant/Cafe (near 74th Street along the East Drive). From March 30 through June 1. If you do the 7:30 AM walk, you get the 9:30 AM walk for free.
• Every Monday at 8:30 AM. Meet at Strawberry Fields  (72nd Street and Central Park West). From April 1 to June 3.
• Every Thursday at 8:30 AM. Meet at Boathouse Restaurant/Cafe  (near 74th Street along the East Drive). From April 4 through June 6.
• Every Friday at 8:30 AM. Meet at Conservatory Garden  (105th Street and 5th Ave). From March 29 to June 7. Fridays are led by Ms. Deborah Allen.

Please note: these times and locations are subject to change. Tours are also subject to weather. Please check the website for up-to-date information.

Pricing Details

Cost: $10 per person, please pay at the END of the tour. 

Binoculars are available to rent for $10. Please let them know the night before by email  if you are interested in renting binoculars.

West Side Rag

Dr. Robert "Birding Bob" DeCandido

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• Activities for Kids

For the Birds: Where to Go Birding With Kids in NYC

Birding, or birdwatching, is the type of thing that you don’t really notice if you’re not aware of it; if you are, you see it everywhere—either in the form of birds roosting and passing through, or people pointing cameras with really big lenses skyward. Believe it or not, NYC is a fantastic place for birding, and birdwatching is a great activity to do with kids. And now, on the cusp of the annual spring migration, is a superb time to start. Read on for our guide to birding with kids in NYC—where to do it, when to do it, and who can help!

The NYC Family Guide to Birding: Where to Start

Birding is an excellent way to pass the time since it can really be done from anywhere. The activity gained a lot of new fans over the past year, as people slowed down and looked outside for things to do. (It's also relatively affordable.) 

NYC is home to over 200 species of birds that visit regularly, while more than 200 more species of varying levels of rarity have been spotted by birders over the years. With so many types of birds to discover, where do you even start?

We reached out to Lily Lasovick of the NYC Audubon Society for some words of wisdom for budding birders. Her first bit of advice? "Go birding as often as you can! The best way to improve your bird identification skills is through practice."

Take that first step by just heading outside and observing. You might be surprised at how many more birds you spot than the omnipresent sparrow and pigeon. In this author's Brooklyn neighborhood, for instance, it's not uncommon to see vibrant red (and a duller brown female) cardinals, hear the plaintive meowing call of the bluejay, or watch a mockingbird bomb-dive an unlucky cat who wandered too far into the bird's domain.

Another aspect of bird watching that can help you get started is to become a part of the community. According to Lasovick, "if you see another birder or a group of people birding, do not be afraid to go up to them and ask what they are looking at or what they have seen. Birders are friendly people and like to share their knowledge of birds. Learning from others is another great way to improve your birding skills."

Supplies List: What You'll Need for an Enhanced Birding Experience

To go bird watching, all you really need are your eyes and ears! You don't need any special equipment at all to enjoy birding. However, if you want to support your birding with some add-ons, consider these options:

• Binoculars: To bring the tree-tops a little closer to you, a good pair of binoculars at a magnification of x8 or x10 can definitely be helpful. However, if you're birding with kids, binoculars may be more distracting than useful, says Audubon's Lasovick. "Binoculars are great, but definitely not necessary for birding, especially with young children. Young children tend to have difficulty using them and instead of looking or listening for birds, they get preoccupied or frustrated with the binoculars. Instead, I would focus on looking and listening to their surroundings using just their eyes and ears."
• A field guide to Eastern North American or NYC Birds: To help you and your kids identify the birds you spot, you might want to pick up a field guide for the birds of your area. A good guide has colorful illustrations or photos of the birds and descriptions (or recordings!) of bird calls. Your field guide can take the form of a book like "The Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Eastern North America." Or, you can install an app like eBird or Merlin for a more portable and even social option. Lasovic notes that having a bird field guide "allows you to show [kids] close-up pictures of the birds they are seeing and provides an opportunity to discuss field marks."
• Migration charts: Migration charts note when you're likely to find a certain type of bird. The NYC Audubon Society has an NYC bird migration chart that doubles as a checklist (more on this in a moment) and includes information from the time of year to how common or uncommon sightings are.
• A checklist or "life list": Most birders keep a list of the birds they've seen, noting the type of bird they saw, as well as where and when they saw it. Checklists can help teach kids how to take good notes and look for patterns. Keeping a list is a great way to gamify the experience for kids — after all, who doesn't want to "catch 'em all"?

Birding 101: When, How, and Where to Birdwatch in NYC

Once you've familiarized yourself with your local birds, you can become more involved in your birding adventure and learn how to optimize the experience or even find specific birds. Become familiar with when, where, and how to bird-watch:

When to Birdwatch?

Consider these factors when choosing when to go out birding:

• Time of day: Birds are most active in the early morning and late afternoon, so those are the best times of day to head out for a stroll.
• Weather: No one likes being outside in terrible weather, not even birds. During very hot, very cold, and stormy days, birds tend to stick close to shelter. If it's a nice day for a leisurely walk, it's probably a nice day to bird-watch, too!
• Time of year: While some birds live in NYC all year round, we do see many migrating birds arrive in the spring. Spring is also a good time to see young birds and nesting behaviors. Other birds, on the other hand, pass by during their fall migration and can be only briefly spotted in early or late fall. Having a migration chart will help you know what kinds of birds to look for in different seasons.

How to Birdwatch?

There are a few safety and etiquette rules you should be aware of when you begin bird watching, especially if you're birding with children. The NYC Parks birding guide recommends following their guide to safe birding:

• Watch birds from a distance
• Don't stress out the birds, even if it means you won't get the best photo op
• Don't stray from park trails and paths, to avoid damaging the birds' habitat

The Audubon Society has some additional notes to remember :

• It's illegal to take nests, eggs, and even feathers
• Don't "adopt" birds, even if you think you're helping - often, baby birds found outside their nests are fledglings who aren't in any danger and their mother is nearby

Where to bird-watch?

While anywhere is a good place to find birds, there are a few noteworthy spots around NYC with some excellent birding opportunities. We'll go into them in more depth below!

Where to Birdwatch with Kids in NYC

"Do not underestimate what birds you can find in your local park," says Lasovic, especially during fall and spring migration!" Your local park or even just your neighborhood can be a treasure trove of fowl friends. Find links to birding resources at these parks below. 

Visit NYC parks

Once you've gotten to know your local birds, you can expand your birding territory to the bigger NYC parks, all of which provide excellent opportunities to spot new birds. "Venturing to larger parks like Central Park, Van Cortlandt Park, and Prospect Park provide the opportunity to see a greater variety of birds," notes Lasovic. "I recommend doing this after becoming familiar with the more common birds such as House Sparrows, European Starlings, and American Robins."

If you just want to grow your checklist, you might want to head out to parks that are known to house many different types of birds. For example:

• Central Park (Manhattan) : NYC's iconic Central Park sees over 210 different birds every year, from wading birds like Blue Herons and Great Egrets in the park's ponds, to songbirds like warblers and different types of sparrows and finches in the ramble. The Central Park website has a guide to birding within the park, including a list of the most popular bird-watching spots.
• Pelham Bay Park (Bronx) : Pelham Bay Park is a popular destination for birds in mid-migration. It's also an excellent place to spot birds not as common in other parts of NYC, like Baltimore and Orchard Orioles. In the spring, the park is an excellent time to spot nesting Yellow Warblers and hear other types of warblers. You can even find a few types of owls in this park!
• Great Kills Park (Staten Island ): The mudflats, beaches, marshes, and woodlands of Great Kills Park make it a great place to find a variety of birds, from songbirds to raptors like Ospreys
• Prospect Park (Brooklyn) : Within the wooded areas of Prospect Park, you can spot smaller birds like warblers, vireos, and songbirds. Check out the many types of waterfowl, as well, from the common Mallard Duck and Mute Swan to the lesser-known Wood Duck, American Coot, and many more. Nearby Green-wood Cemetery is also a very popular spot for birders, with more than 185 species of migratory birds stopping over each year. Go on your own, or check out Green-wood's Birding in Peace walks.  
• Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Center (Queens) : This bird and wildlife sanctuary boasts over 12,600 acres of varied terrain, from beaches and marshes to freshwater and brackish water ponds. It's one of the largest bird habitats in the northeastern US! Stop by for a hike and to watch and listen to the many different types of birds that make their homes in the different biomes of the sanctuary. Be on the lookout for osprey nests and young ospreys in the spring!

You can find even more information about birding in NYC's biggest parks by consulting the NYC parks guide to birding , which lists some of the city's most popular parks and their birding attractions.

You can also download Audubon's guide to "birding by subway," which maps out the best places to visit for birders, all accessible by train.

Seek out specific birds: 

Are you looking for a specific bird to add to your life list? Tweet @NYCParks with your question to get some guidance! The Audubon Society's checklists and resources can also be a big help here.

Bring the Birds To You!

Want to continue your birding adventure at home? You can bring the birds to you by setting up a standing or hanging bird feeder in your backyard, or setting up a clear feeder at your window. It might take the birds some time to find the new feeder, but once they do you'll be able to enjoy watching birds from your own home!

How to Make Bird Watching Educational and Fun for Kids

Birding can be very fun on its own, but you can make it even more fun — and educational! — for kids with the following tips:

• Make each bird-watching trip into a quest! For example, you can play bird bingo or challenge your kids to find three different kinds of birds on your walk. The Cornell Ornithology website has these and many other ideas to check out.
• Encourage your kids to keep an explorer's notebook where they can write about or draw the birds and nature you come across. For a more guided experience, Cornell has an explorer's guidebook you can purchase and follow along with.
• Turn each walk into a learning experience with Cornell's K-12 resources , which includes downloadables and free lesson plans, along with additional teaching material for purchase.
• Can't go outside today? You can still bird-watch! Tune in to a live bird cam and watch the birds as you go about your day. You can view birds from North Eastern US , or tune in to a different part of the world for a completely new experience!
• For a more guided experience, NYC Parks hosts birding walks with the Urban Rangers throughout the year, guiding families to the best birding spots and teaching about the different types of birds you see along the way. You can also go birding in the Bronx at Wave Hill, where birdwatching outings are held in all seasons. 

  •   Prospect Park is home to the Prospect Park Audubon Center, which in non-pandemic times hosts bird-related programming; the center has also loaned out Discovery packs with binoculars, a magnifying glass and journal for visitors to use.  

• Finally, you can keep up to date with what the local birdies are up to by following some active Twitter accounts for your borough, like @BirdsBrooklyn and @BirdBrklyn for Brooklyn dwellers.

—Yuliya Geikhman

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Best bird-watching spots in New York City

Thousands of birds are flying through NYC as we head into spring migration. Here’s the best places to spot them.

Strap on some binoculars and pull on a pair of hiking boots—it’s prime time for bird watching in the boroughs.

Most wouldn’t associate New York City as an oasis for wildlife, but it’s actually smack in the middle of the Atlantic Flyway , which makes it an ideal stop for birds as they nest and pack on the pounds during their migration north from roughly March through April. On the hunt for a golden-winged warbler? Or maybe an orchard oriole sighting? World-class birding spots are only a subway, bus, or ferry trip away, and if this is your first foray into the world of birding, there are plenty of free bird walks offered by the NYC Audubon and NYC Parks , among others, to help get you started. One local outdoors group compiled this nifty guide for beginners .

Here are some of the best spots to gawk at the trees for the aerial procession.

Central Park

Let’s get the most obvious spot out of the way first. Central Park is known as one of the best birding spots in the U.S., attracting birders from across the globe. Migrating birds—during the spring and fall—often rest here before continuing north. On a single day during migration seasons, as many as 30 warblers can be seen, giving the park a reputation as a “warbler trap” on the coastal migration path, according to NYC Audubon.

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Inwood Hill Park

Some 150 bird species have been spotted in Inwood Hill Park, which is perched on the northwest tip of Manhattan. NYC Audubon suggests starting your bird walk by entering at 218th Street and Indian Road. During the spring migration be sure to check along the shoreline and bays—the mudflats at low tide, in particular—for shorebirds and gulls. In the fall hawks and waterfowl are often seen migrating south along the river. If you gaze across the river to the Palisades, Turkey Vultures may be seen soaring in the updrafts.

Riverside Park

Riverside Park may only be one-eighth of a mile wide, but it packs in the birdies. The forested and meadow areas between 116th and 124th streets are known as the Riverside Park Bird Sanctuary. Over the last three decades, at least 177 species of bird have been spotted in or near the 10-acre sanctuary, including rarities such as white-winged dove, chuck-will’s-widow, and the snowy owl. NYC Audubon suggests your begin your bird crawl at 116th Street and Riverside Drive, where you can scan the pin oaks just south of the sanctuary for orioles, warblers, tanagers, and buntings before heading deeper into the green space for more winged friends.

Bryant Park

Bryant Park certainly isn’t the first space to spring to mind when it comes to birding, but although the postage-stamp park is surrounded by skyscrapers in the heart of midtown, it draws several birds during migration. In fact, NYC Audubon and the Bryant Park Corporation have partnered to bring biweekly bird walks during the spring and fall led by naturalist Gabriel Willow. Uncommon visitors such as the green heron and chuck-will’s-widow have been spotted on such tours, as well as the more common, but none-the-less exciting, American woodcock, and ovenbird.

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Pelham Bay Park

At 2,765 acres, Pelham Bay Park is the largest of the city-owned parks with a wide array of topography that lures all sorts of birds. More than 250 species have been recorded at the park during all seasons, and more than 80 have bred here. The park is one of the last spots in the city where the American woodcock have their annual courtship flights.

Van Cortlandt Park

Van Cortlandt Park spans more than 1,100 hilly acres in the north west Bronx, more than half of that acreage contains forests, meadows, scrubland, ridges, wetlands, brooks, and a man-made lake—all of which make for a dynamic avian habitat. Some 230 bird species have been record in Van Cortlandt Park.

Spuyten Duyvil Shorefront Park

The Park is a natural stop for songbirds migrating near the Hudson River and offers picturesque views of ducks on the rivers. Between dawn and 11:30 a.m. is your best bet to spot migratory birds.

Riverdale Park

Only a few blocks north of Spuyten Duyvil Shorefront Park, you’ll have the best luck with the southern section of Riverdale Park. If you’re feeling adventurous, the north, which is dominated by woods, does have some clearings and a freshwater wetland with trails full of trees and brushy areas that tend to lure migrating birds. Just as with Spuyten Duyvil Shorefront Park, the best time to visit for birding is between dawn and 11:30 a.m..

Prospect Park

Prospect Park transforms into a birder’s paradise during the migration months, with bird species approaching 100 on a peak migration day. That includes five different vireo, several warblers, the eastern bluebird, vesper sparrow, Lincoln’s sparrow, white-crowned sparrow, rose-breasted grosbeak, indigo bunting, bobolink, orchard oriole, and Baltimore oriole. During the early migration, look for yellow-bellied sapsucker, and later in migration, keep your eye out for black-billed and yellow-billed cuckoos, according to NYC Audubon.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden

This idyllic green space is a natural retreat for birds due to the lush diversity of the gardens’ berry-producing trees and shrubs, along with its several ponds. During the spring and fall migrations, you won’t be hard pressed to spot traveling birds as they drop down for food, shelter, and water. In particular, the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden is a strong lure for waterbirds. Its especially famed for herons in the summer, but pied-billed grebe, wood duck, American wigeon, and northern shoveler have all been spotted there. Elsewhere in the gardens hummingbirds are a frequent sight during migration along with northern flicker, chipping sparrow, dark-eyed junc, among many others.

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Green-Wood Cemetery

Although famed for a colony of escaped monk parakeets that have taken up residence in the gatehouse’s gothic spires, Green-Wood Cemetery is actually a popular spot for birds who pause to explore the cemetery’s ponds, exotic trees, and shrubs during their migration. Four ponds amid the burial ground attract herons, egrets, geese, and others. Here, there’s a chance to spot less common migrants, including pied-billed grebe, green-winged teal, hooded merganser, or the American coot. The cemetery is also home to many European linden, maple, and tulip trees that attract warblers, tanagers, grosbeaks, and orioles.

Floyd Bennett Field

Good birding can be found at the North Forty and along Floyd Bennett Field’s shorefront as well as in the grassland areas with visitors spotting up to 30 types of birds nesting here. Floyd Bennett Field is a good spot for the relatively common savannah sparrow, and the rare grasshopper sparrow, bobolink, and eastern weadowlark. Northern harrier are also occasionally seen hunting the fields and shrub land here, says NYC Audubon.

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge

The Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is a crucial haven for birds with 332 species sighted at the refuge over the last 25 years—that’s nearly half the species in the northeast—and is widely considered one of the most significant bird sanctuaries in the northeastern region of the country. Birders flock to this spot year round.

Alley Pond Park

Alley Pond Park is arguably the most ecologically diverse park in Queens with its northern border touching the Long Island Sound’s Little Neck Bay. It boasts an entire watershed, kettle ponds, fresh water wetlands, salt-mash, and more. But its best spots for birding are the Alley Wetlands and Upper Alley Woodlands, with the woodlands being an ideal hunting ground for migrating songbird sightings, according to NYC Audubon.

Forest Park

Located in central Queens, Forest Park is a birding spot best visited on warm, sunny days with southwest winds. Birding here can still be fruitful on windless days if a southwest wind drew birds in the previous night.

Freshkills Park

Freshkills Park is chock full of hiking trails ideal for bucolic views with plenty of chances to spot songbirds, raptors, waterfowl, wading birds, shorebirds, marsh birds, and seabirds.

Clove Lakes Park

It’s possible to observe up to 20 warbler species here on spring mornings, including cerulean, prothonotary, Louisiana waterthrush (early in spring), Kentucky, and mourning (late in spring), according to NYC Audubon. Also watch for scarlet and summer tanagers, gray-cheeked thrush,  Empidonax  flycatchers, and others. In the fall, walk to the east near the Fire Tower, visible on the hilltop; Vesper Sparrow has been seen here. Waterfowl can also be seen in the park through both migration seasons.

North Mount Loretto State Forest

This state park, which is overseen by the Department of Environmental Conservation, has some of the region’s only remaining grassland habitat and is well-documented for its wealth of botanical diversity. It’s an ideal spot for birding year-round.

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9 Best Places to Go Bird Watching in New York (Must-See!)

Last updated on May 24th, 2022 at 11:11 am

New York contains wetlands, grasslands, woodlands, and shores and is home to diverse bird populations. There are many parks and refuges in the state where you can go to watch them.

Here are the 9 best places to go bird watching in New York:

Table of Contents

1. Adirondack Park

Adirondack Park is home to numerous important bird areas and bird watching events.

The best time to go is in the springtime, as many migratory birds visit the area for the nesting and breeding seasons. 

The ecosystems in Adirondack Park range from grasslands to swamps and forests, and many species make their home here.

The most common birds here include the following:

• Flycatchers (Olive-sided and Yellow-bellied)
• Blue-headed Vireo
• Boreal Chickadee
• Warblers (Nashville, Mourning, and others)
• Lincoln’s Sparrow
• Purple Finch

You can also find rare species in Adirondack Park, like the Spruce Grouse and the Black-backed Woodpecker.

One of the best spots for birding within Adirondack Park is the Lake Champlain Birding Trail.

This trail is over 100 miles (160.94 km) long and filled with Eastern Bluebirds, Bobolinks, and Wood Thrushes. 

Two major birding events take place in Adirondack Park, both in June: the Adirondack Birding Festival and the Great Adirondack Birding Celebration.

Both are educational events involving lectures, guided birding outings, and socialization.

2. Niagara Falls State Park

Niagara Falls State Park is a globally significant area for migrating gulls.

In November, over 100,000 gulls of 19 different species on the Niagara River live close to the falls, including Herring Gulls, Bonaparte’s Gulls, Iceland Gulls, and Ross’s Gulls.

One of the best places to view these gulls is along the Niagara Birding Trail.

You can also find numerous waterfowl at Niagara Falls State Park, including diving ducks in the fall and winter and herons in the spring and summer. 

3. Tifft Nature Preserve

Tifft Nature Preserve is a former city landfill turned wetland preserve, transformed by Buffalo’s citizens and legislators in 1972.

The preserve is home to woodlands, fields, and a cattail marsh, attracting the following bird species:

• Pied-billed Grebe
• Least Bittern
• Black-crowned Night-Heron
• Virginia Rail
• Willow Flycatcher
• Swamp Sparrow
• Baltimore Oriole

Tifft Nature Preserve offers workshops, classes, and conservation programs to engage the public in scientific research and habitat restoration.

4. Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge

Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge provides a breeding ground for Bald Eagles, and researchers have located at least six active Bald Eagle nests in the refuge. 

Additionally, Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge serves tens of thousands of waterfowl during their migration, as well as herons, egrets, and shorebirds.

These include the following species:

• Canada Goose
• Tundra Swan
• Trumpeter Swan
• American Bittern
• Sandhill Crane
• Northern Harrier
• Common Gallinule
• Peregrine Falcon

5. Central Park

Central Park is an urban oasis for birders, home to over 280 species of birds in just 843 acres (341.15 ha).

The best time to go is in the spring and fall when migrating birds are passing through.

Sometimes, you’ll even see an entire flock of birds stopping to rest in the park on the way to their winter grounds.

The best places to watch birds within Central Park are the Ramble and the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir.

The Ramble is just south of 79th St. and is full of birds in the mornings in May.

The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir is between 85th and 97th St. and is a popular place for watching waterfowl and wading birds.

The North Woods, between 101st and 110th St., is also a popular spot for birding in Central Park, as well as Hallett Nature Sanctuary on the east side of the park between 60th and 62nd St.

Next to Hallett Nature Sanctuary is the Pond, another good spot for birding found between 59th and 63rd St.

6. Derby Hill Bird Observatory

Derby Hill Bird Observatory is one of the best places to watch hawks in the Northeastern United States.

Each spring, an average of 40,000 raptors pass through the region, including hawks, eagles, and vultures.

In late April, Broad-winged Hawks can be seen en masse; up to 20,000 Broad-winged Hawks have been witnessed here within 24 hours.

In addition to hawks, this observatory is home to flycatchers, thrushes, vireos, warblers, blackbirds, and sparrows.

7. Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge

The Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge spans New York and New Jersey, containing more than 12,600 acres (5,099.04 ha) of freshwater ponds, salt marshes, fields, woodlands, and islands.

It’s part of the Gateway National Recreation Area.

The refuge is one of the largest bird habitats in the Northeastern United States, and many migratory birds frequent the area. 

Altogether, more than 330 species of birds live in the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. These include the following: 

• American Black Duck
• Tricolored Heron
• Yellow-crowned Night-Heron
• Clapper Rail
• American Oystercatcher
• Black Skimmer
• Bar-tailed Godwit
• Broad-billed Sandpiper
• Short-eared Owl
• Lapland Longspur
• Snow Bunting

Note that walking the trails in Jamaica Bay requires a permit, which you can obtain at the visitor contact station on Cross Bay Boulevard.

8. Montauk Point State Park

Montauk Point State Park, found on the tip of Long Island, is a destination for large flocks of seabirds, which you can view from the historic lighthouse at Montauk Point.

The best time to visit these birds is during the winter, when you can expect to see the following:

• Common Eider
• Long-tailed Duck
• Red-throated Loon
• Northern Gannet
• Great Cormorant

Less common species that you might see here are:

• Harlequin Duck
• Red-necked Grebe
• Common Murre

9. Bashakill Wildlife Management Area

The Bashakill Wildlife Management Area is the largest freshwater marsh in Southeastern New York, spanning over 3,000 acres (1214.06 ha) of marsh and oak forest. 

The best time to go is during April and May when warblers and other songbirds are active in the area, or during the fall when waterfowl are migrating.

Species visible in the Bashakill Wildlife Management Area include:

• Bald Eagles
• American Woodcock
• Black-billed Cuckoo
• Flycatchers (Acadian, Alder, Willow, and Least)
• Yellow-throated Vireo
• Warblers (Worm-eating, Golden-winged, Cerulean, and Chestnut-sided)
• Audubon: Birding In New York  
• Central Park Conservancy: Birding Guide  
• New York State: Department of Environmental Conservation

the highlight of your adirondack adventure

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• The North Country
• Travel Information
• Testimonials

North Country Birding at its Best

For information on our popular Dawn Tours up Whiteface Mountain for Bicknell’s Thrush and other high elevation species, see our   Bicknell’s Thrush Tours   page for details.

With Adirondack Avian Expeditions , you can choose a birding adventure all your own: hiking, canoeing, camping, snowshoeing, or car-birding. Our bird guides will create a tour just for you. Find out how you can make your birding tour with us the highlight of your trip!

Northern New York includes the beautiful St. Lawrence & Lake Champlain Valleys and the gorgeous 6 million-acre Adirondack Park – the largest park in the contiguous U.S.

Over 300 avian species can be found nesting, migrating, or wintering in the Adirondack Park’s many habitats. These habitats include grasslands & shrublands in the valleys, lowland boreal bogs, marshes, and high elevation spruce-fir forests. More than 3,000 lakes and ponds , and 30,000 miles of rivers, brooks, and streams can be found in the Park! Learn more about the birds and beauty of the magical North Country!

New York’s North Country is an ideal birding destination at any time of the year. Beyond that, it’s a vacation wonderland for the entire family . Outdoor recreation is available for every interest and every budget. There are museums, theaters, and shops. Lodging choices range from camping to grand historic lodges. Check out our travel information page for some great suggestions and links that will help you find everything you need to know.

Let the experts at Adirondack Avian Expeditions show you the way to the area’s premier birding locations. Tell us how you like to bird, which birds you want to see, and any other specific objectives you have for your tour. We’ll create an itinerary designed especially for you!

Adirondack Avian Expeditions offers workshops and presentations for birders of all ages and nature-oriented groups. Check out the details !

Contact Us | Terms of Use | Trademarks | Privacy Statement --> Copyright © 2010-2022 Adirondack Avian Expeditions & Workshops, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Banner photo of Bicknell's Thrush copyright © Jeff Nadler. All Rights Reserved.

Upstate is for the birds: Here are the best spots on New York’s Birding Trail

• Updated: Dec. 23, 2022, 8:26 a.m. |
• Published: Dec. 21, 2022, 3:37 p.m.

A short-eared owl flies at Washington County Grasslands in Fort Edward, Washington County, N.Y. Photo: Todd Scheuermann

• Sara Foss | Contributing Writer

Forests, wetlands, grasslands, lakes, rivers and more.

Whether you’re an expert bird watcher or a layperson looking to take up a hobby that surged in popularity during the pandemic, Upstate New York has plenty to offer. From the shores of Lake Erie to the wilderness of the Adirondacks, there’s a wide range of habitats — and an equally diverse range of birds.

Many of the state’s best birdwatching sites are featured on the New York State Birding Trail , a list of more than 300 sites known for high-quality birding opportunities.

The state began rolling out the trail in 2021 when the Department of Environmental Conservation announced the sites on the New York City trail segment. In September, the agency announced the completion of the final three sections of the trail: the Adirondacks/North Country, Catskills and Southern Tier.

The New York State Birding Trail is not a physically connected trail. It’s a network of birdwatching hotspots, and the state’s map is a resource for those interested in checking them out.

With input from Audubon chapters throughout Upstate, we put together a list of some of the trail’s highlights by region.

Adirondacks - North Country

The sun shines on the Boreal Life Trail at the Paul Smith's VIC in Franklin County, N.Y. Photo provided by Jeff Biby

The Bloomingdale Bog Trail in Saranac Lake - This scenic, easy-to-access trail follows an abandoned railroad corridor and provides views of Saranac Lake and the nearby wetlands. The bog attracts hard-to-find bird species, such as Yellow-bellied Flycatchers and Black-backed Woodpeckers, and is a breeding ground for warblers.

Paul Smith’s Visitor’s Interpretive Center in Paul Smiths - The 3,000-acre VIC offers a variety of educational programming and recreational opportunities. It is also a birding destination for people from throughout the Northeast. One scenic highlight is Heron Marsh, where birds that flourish in wetlands, such as the Great Blue Heron and American Bittern, can be found.

Crown Point State Historic Site in Crown Point - Crown Point, on the shores of Lake Champlain, draws tourists eager to explore the ruins of historic forts dating back to the French and Indian War. The site is also a top-notch bird-watching location during spring and fall migrations. “It’s a natural spot for birds to stop and rest,” said Jeff Biby, a Northern NY Audubon board member.

Capital Region

Washington County Grasslands in Fort Edward - This vast, open expanse of fields and meadows includes 13,000 acres of critical habitat known for abundant populations of grassland breeding birds and wintering raptors such as Snowy owls, Short-eared owls and Rough-legged hawks.

Peebles Island State Park in Cohoes - Located at the confluence of the Hudson and Mohawk rivers, Peebles Island is a home and migratory stop for many species of birds. Sightings include Bald Eagles, Barred Owls, Ospreys and Great Blue Herons.

Five Rivers Environmental Education Center in Delmar - This 450-acre nature preserve contains 10 miles of trails that take visitors through forests, fields and water. The half-mile Beaver Tree Trail is a home for turtles, beavers, ducks, herons and more, while the Wild Turkey Trail offers numerous opportunities to see turkeys, owls and thrushes.

Snow geese gather and fly at the Montezuma Wetlands Complex near Seneca Falls, N.Y. Photo: Andy Saunders

Central - Finger Lakes

Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge in Seneca Falls - Designated an Audubon Important Bird Area, this wildlife refuge provides a critical migration and nesting habitat for waterfowl, marsh birds, shorebirds, raptors, warblers, woodpeckers and more. “Bald eagles are a daily sight during wintertime,” said Chris Lajewski, director of the Montezuma Audubon Center in Savannah, which is open to the public year-round and part of the larger 50,000-acre Montezuma Wetlands Complex.

Braddock Bay Bird Observatory in Hilton - Located on the south shore of Lake Ontario, the Braddock Bay Bird Observatory is a hub of ornithological research and one of the few bird banding stations in North America that are open to the public. One of the best times to visit is spring, when thousands of hawks migrating to their northern breeding grounds fly overhead.

Derby Hill Bird Observatory in Mexico - Also located on the shores of Lake Ontario, Derby Hill offers terrific opportunities to see hawks. Hawk counts are conducted annually from March to May, with an average of 40,000 counted each spring as they migrate north. While hawks, eagles and vultures are the main draw at Derby Hill, impressive numbers of Snow Geese, Red-winged Blackbirds, Baltimore Orioles and more can also be observed.

Birds of prey fly over the Derby Hill Bird Observatory in Mexico, N.Y. Photo: Andy Saunders

Greater Niagara

Beaver Meadow Nature Center in North Java - This 342-acre nature preserve is home to a variety of bird species and habitats that includes glacial kettle ponds, wetlands with a boardwalk trail and wooded uplands. There’s also an annual hawk watch and arboretum.

Buckhorn Island State Park in Grand Island - A designated Bird Conservation Area, Buckhorn Island State Park contains nearly 1,000 acres of marsh, meadows and woods. Located within the Niagara River corridor, Buckhorn Island is known for its large gull population and diverse species of waterfowl.

Devil’s Hole State Park in Niagara Falls - A day-use park overlooking the lower Niagara Gorge, Devil’s Hole features a popular trail leading down to the Niagara River. Intrepid hikers who make the descent will be rewarded with up-close views of different gull species, glacial caves and river rapids.

The wetlands at Audubon Community Nature Center are surrounded by fields and forests, which make it the perfect place to find many different birds. https Photo: Jeff Tome

Southern Tier

The Audubon Community Nature Center in Jamestown - Over 200 species of birds have been spotted at this 570-acre wetland preserve, which includes a native tree arboretum, educational gardens and a nature center with three floors of interactive exhibits, including live animals.

Barcelona Lighthouse in Westfield - This state park highlights the 40-foot-tall Barcelona Lighthouse, the first natural gas lighthouse in the U.S., and it’s also a prime bird-watching location. “It’s fantastic in wintertime for seeing migrating ducks and Bald Eagles,” said Jeff Tome, public engagement specialist at the Audubon Community Nature Center in Jamestown.

Long Point State Park in Bemus Point - This state park juts peninsula-like into Lake Chautauqua. While it is best known for fishing and boating, it’s also an important bird area. In the fall, hundreds of birds — including ducks, swans, geese and loons — stop at Lake Chautauqua during their migration.

Tundra Swans migrate through Chautauqua County every March and November on their way between their overwintering grounds along the Atlantic coast and their nesting grounds in the Arctic. Photo: Jeff Tome

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