Because of the numbers of migrants and the fragmented nature of open space suitable for landing, unusually dense concentrations of birds can occur during migration. Real-time analysis maps show intensities of actual nocturnal bird migration as detected by the US weather surveillance radar network between local sunset to sunrise. Registration is required in order to join the webinar. The forested and meadow areas between 116th and 124th streets are known as the Riverside Park Bird Sanctuary. 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. On any given day during spring migration, you can find a wide variety of birds. Located in central Queens, Forest Park is a birding spot best visited on warm, sunny days with southwest winds. Bird migration forecast maps show predicted nocturnal migration 3 hours after local sunset and are updated every 6 hours. Migrating birds see it as an oasis amid skyscrapers and pavement, stopping in to rest and feed. 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. 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. Reinstein Woods, Cheektowaga, NY Reinstein Woods is a nice place for … Every year between March and May, millions of birds stream northward into the United States from their wintering grounds in Central and South America. students plant a native garden at their school. ... Every spring and fall, billions of birds migrate through the US, mostly under the cover of … His bird walks began in spring 1992 and have continued each year since then. 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. Spring migration extends from late February through the first week of June, peaking in May. They come … Join us for a live, interactive webinar. Songbird Journeys, by the Cornell Lab’s Miyoko Chu, explores many aspects of migration in an interesting and easy-to-read style. Colorado State University and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology currently produce these forecasts. Spring is an ideal time to observe bird migrations. New York City is situated on what is known as the Atlantic Flyway, a migratory path that many eastern species of birds follow during spring and fall migration. In North America migration is typically north-south, but there may be segments that are east- west. 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. Best of all, they’re likely just flying past your window. More Than 12K Migrating Birds To Fly Over NYC Monday Night - New York City, NY - Experts are predicting this to be one of the heaviest nights of migration in the season. Today is the first day of spring, and the bird migration is gearing up. As a state office of the National Audubon Society, our mission is to protect birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. You don't need a lot to get started bird watching; just a good pair of binoculars (guidance under Learn More), a desire to be outdoors and a destination. Los Angeles, for instance, was identified as the fourth most dangerous city for birds in spring, but was not included in the list for fall. Wednesday, March 18, 2020 4:00pm - 5:00pm During the spring migration be sure to check along the shoreline and bays—the mudflats at low tide, in particular—for shorebirds and gulls. 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. Bryant Park. The birds are not new to the city. Dear Journey North: As I am sure you are aware, weather plays a very important role in bird migration. 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. This spring, I will teach you how to read a weather map to try to predict areas where large numbers of migrants might be landing. Some people like to use a checklist/life list of common species they might find around their home so they can keep track of what they have seen or heard. Upcoming Bird Festivals and Events A great way to enjoy bird watching is by going to festivals—they're organized to get you to great birding spots at a great time of year, and they're a great way to meet people. Nature, New York City, Western NY Tagged With: Bird Migration, birding, birds, loons, nature, wetlands, Wildlife. The cemetery is also home to many European linden, maple, and tulip trees that attract warblers, tanagers, grosbeaks, and orioles. In the fall, walk to the east near the Fire Tower, visible on the hilltop; Vesper Sparrow has been seen here. Spring migration kicks into full gear in late April and a host of new species put in an appareance: Northern Parula, Common Yellowthroat, Ovenbird being the most numerous of them. The Cornell Lab’s Handbook of Bird Biology provides even more information on the amazing phenomenon of bird migration. Let’s get the most obvious spot out of the way first. 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. Its especially famed for herons in the summer, but pied-billed grebe, wood duck, American wigeon, and northern shoveler have all been spotted there. Some 150 bird species have been spotted in Inwood Hill Park, which is perched on the northwest tip of Manhattan. This small park must be a strategically placed pathway for migrants. All graphics are relative to the Eastern time zone. It’s an ideal spot for birding year-round. Fall is a particularly great time to catch birds on their southward migration, explains Scott Sillett, research scientist at the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center, because the fall migration lasts longer than the spring version, affording birders a better chance at seeing the birds in action. Painting courtesy of Alexandre Gallery, New York ©Tom Uttech. "They’re trying to get to where they winter, … 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. New York is conveniently located along the Atlantic Flyway, one of the main migration routes. Four ponds amid the burial ground attract herons, egrets, geese, and others. For example, in the fall, birds in Connecticut will head south until they reach the southern coast of New England, then fly west until they reach NYC and continue south. The last days of April can also be quite good for the earlier migrants (sparrows and other songbirds that winter in the United States and pass through before those from the tropics). Birding here can still be fruitful on windless days if a southwest wind drew birds in the previous night. The yellow line moving east to west represents the timing of local sunset. Spring migration. Just as with Spuyten Duyvil Shorefront Park, the best time to visit for birding is between dawn and 11:30 a.m.. Executive Director of Audubon New York Erin Crotty said, “Audubon commends Governor Cuomo for his leadership in launching these new initiatives to protect migrating birds and showcase the spectacular bird watching opportunities throughout New York. Birders flock to this spot year round. Here are some of the best spots to gawk at the trees for the aerial procession. Here’s the best places to spot them. Those two words are enough to induce rapid heartbeat and manic, anticipatory glee among birders. 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. Many species of bird migrate. In particular, the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden is a strong lure for waterbirds. At the north end of the park, there's a nice, little wooded area with some paths running through it. 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. Bob worked on the reintroduction of the Eastern Screech-owl to Central Park (1996-2002) and various breeding bird surveys of the park, including studying a Peregrine Falcon nest on Central Park West (2014-2017). Also watch for scarlet and summer tanagers, gray-cheeked thrush, Empidonax flycatchers, and others. Why, you ask? Waterfowl can also be seen in the park through both migration seasons. Yes, it’s spring migration, and the birds are wending their way from places far south to their summer breeding and feeding grounds. Cape May in New Jersey, Hawk Mountain in eastern Pennsylvania, Montezuma Wetlands in New York, and Bosque del Apache in New Mexico, are just some of the places to experience the migration - and you won’t even need to … 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. 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. Migration is a fascinating study and there is much yet to learn. Only a few blocks north of Spuyten Duyvil Shorefront Park, you’ll have the best luck with the southern section of Riverdale Park. September 06, 2020. This provides a great opportunity to observe birds flying to their summer breeding grounds. If you gaze across the river to the Palisades, Turkey Vultures may be seen soaring in the updrafts. Director Alan Barillaro reveals the painstaking process of bringing a digital Sanderling to life. Arengo: New York City Audubon and the Linnaean Society and the museum [and] a whole host of organizations organize bird walks every spring. Each spring, migration keeps birders coming back for warblers and other species stopping to refuel. Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary, Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary and Audubon Center, Administration Moves to Finalize Bird-Killer Policy, Winter Family Outdoor Time: Wildlife Conservation, Audubon New York’s “For the Birds!” Lands in Greenpoint, A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Pixar’s New Short Film "Piper", Why some birds migrate, often incredible distances, How Audubon continues to improve our understanding of bird migration to better protect and manage the places birds need, Where to best witness the spectacle of spring migration, Actions you can take to help birds on their journey. In the fall hawks and waterfowl are often seen migrating south along the river. Legal Notices Privacy Policy Contact Us. Yes, you actually have been hearing more bird calls on recent mornings as you rush out to the car. Webinar An Inside Look: Spring Migration. Migration is a fascinating phenomenon. NYC Audubon suggests starting your bird walk by entering at 218th Street and Indian Road. Weather Map Primer by Dr. David Aborn. Prospect Park transforms into a birder’s paradise during the migration months, with bird species approaching 100 on a peak migration day. During spring migration, the Gulf Coast of Texas, a key stopover and refueling point for Canada Warblers, lights up purple, indicating a large concentration of Canada Warblers. In the fall, Canada Warblers slowly make their way south through Mexico and Central America before settling in the Andes. Bird migration is one of the incalculable wonders of nature. After a night or day in flight, birds migrating over the city alight somewhere in the metropolitan area for rest and food. Suddenly, in place of car horns, roaring planes, rattling trains and buses, New York City seems to be filled with bird song. Here, there’s a chance to spot less common migrants, including pied-billed grebe, green-winged teal, hooded merganser, or the American coot. One local outdoors group compiled this nifty guide for beginners. The park is one of the last spots in the city where the American woodcock have their annual courtship flights. Elsewhere in the gardens hummingbirds are a frequent sight during migration along with northern flicker, chipping sparrow, dark-eyed junc, among many others. Between dawn and 11:30 a.m. is your best bet to spot migratory birds. 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. 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. From the time loons arrive in mid spring until their chicks are becoming proficient at catching fish, adult birds are quite territorial. New York City, with the installation of lighting beginning in 1886 at the Statue of Liberty, was one of the first places in North America where people began to learn about the night migration of birds. Bird migration is the regular seasonal movement, often north and south along a flyway, between breeding and wintering grounds. Northern harrier are also occasionally seen hunting the fields and shrub land here, says NYC Audubon. Riverside Park may only be one-eighth of a mile wide, but it packs in the birdies. 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. As they follow the coast, many birds look for landmarks to guide … More than 250 species have been recorded at the park during all seasons, and more than 80 have bred here. 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. There are checklists you can downloa… The switch over from early spring to mid-spring migrants … Payson Ave. &, Seaman Ave, New York, NY 10034, Broadway and, Van Cortlandt Park S, The Bronx, NY 10471, biweekly bird walks during the spring and fall, New York City’s best places to cry in public, mapped, The 29 best things to do in New York City with kids, NYC's most beautiful places to get married. Another overshoot bird, Swainson's Warbler is a real rarity in NYC - this one was my life bird. 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. 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. Central Park is known as one of the best birding spots in the U.S., attracting birders from across the globe. And one aspect of spring that’s in particular full bloom right now– and no, I’m not talking about the flowers– are the birds. Bryant Park certainly isn’t the first space to … 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. Birding in New York City is … Or maybe an orchard oriole sighting? Migrating birds—during the spring and fall—often rest here before continuing north. 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. Fall migration lasts longer than the spring version and so it’s a great time to spot the soaring flocks. "For the Birds"! People willing to spend the whole day sweeping through the park and targeting sightings of rare birds occasionally top 100 species, although that takes concerted effort, according to Kellye Rosenheim, who works at New York City Audubon and co-authored a book on birding … Most birds will avoid flying over water if possible. Floyd Bennett Field is a good spot for the relatively common savannah sparrow, and the rare grasshopper sparrow, bobolink, and eastern weadowlark. Another bonus to spring migration is that it occurs as a mass movement. Some birds make epic journeys, from as far north as the Arctic, all the way to Central and South America. Our email newsletter shares the latest programs and initiatives. When conditions are right, a “fallout” can happen, with throngs of birds seemly raining from the sky into every available tree … Often the early birder finds the best sighting, so set out at sunrise. New York, NY 10018. Some 230 bird species have been record in Van Cortlandt Park. 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. Thousands of birds are flying through NYC as we head into spring migration. On the hunt for a golden-winged warbler? Migration carries high costs in predation and mortality, including from hunting by humans, and is driven primarily by availability of food.It occurs mainly in the northern hemisphere, where birds … Audubon New York The great majority of birding in Central Park is best in spring and fall migration, especially in May. The Park is a natural stop for songbirds migrating near the Hudson River and offers picturesque views of ducks on the rivers. Other species might move shorter distances … 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. Areas with lighter colors experienced … Not all birds do migrate, as permanent residents will not fly south in the winter and north in the spring; they stay within their territory all year. Strap on some binoculars and pull on a pair of hiking boots—it’s prime time for bird watching in the boroughs.