Bird Watching

Over 450 different species of birds spend some time within our borders during the year.  A wide variety of habitats including forests, grasslands, mountains, lakes, rivers, wetlands, pine barrens, dunes, and beaches attract birds and people alike. There are thousands of acres of quality habitats in New York that offer unique opportunities to view many diverse species of birds at state and national parks, state forests, wildlife management areas, bird conservation areas, and wildlife preserves near your neighborhood and across the state. 

Explore the New York State Birding Trail to discover our feathered friends amid beautiful settings including shorebirds at Jones Beach, red-bellied woodpeckers and blue jays at Albany Pine Bush Preserve, black-capped chickadees and golden-crowned kinglets at Paul Smith's College VIC, snowy owls and bald eagles at Robert Moses, and finches and blackbirds at Crown Point, where a bird banding station has recorded over 13,000 birds across 97 species since 1976.

Whether you are a seasoned birdwatcher, or just beginning to explore the world of birds, join in on the fun of this fast-growing outdoor recreational activity that can be enjoyed by all.