Spring is an ideal time to observe bird migrations. New York is conveniently located along the Atlantic Flyway, one of the main migration routes. This gives you a great opportunity to observe birds flying to their summer breeding grounds.
Grab your binoculars and check out one of these hot spots:
- Northern Montezuma Wildlife Management Area (WMA), Cayuga, Seneca, Wayne counties – a stopover for many species of ducks who are headed farther north. You can see shorebirds, raptors, waterfowl, and songbirds at this WMA.
- Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, Cayuga and Seneca counties – an endless list of birds can be seen here.
- Braddock Bay WMA, Monroe County – find waterfowl, raptors, and songbirds.
- Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, Genesee and Orleans counties – see many species of waterfowl.
- Derby Hill Bird Observatory, Oswego County – known for migrating hawks.
- Bashakill WMA, Orange County – view hawks, marshbirds, and waterfowl.
- Central Park, NYC – see warblers, in addition to many other species.
It’s impossible to list all the great bird-viewing locations but look for an Important Bird Area or Bird Conservation Area near you.
Check out the BirdCast website for maps of bird migration forecasts, local alerts, and migration activity in real-time.
Photo of bird watchers courtesy DEC.
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