The Great Swamp, which lies on the Dutchess/Putnam border, is one of the largest freshwater wetlands in the state and used by a variety of migrating and nesting birds. Constitution Marsh, a tidal area on the Hudson, is another birding hotspot in the county.
Pelham Bay Park with its mixture of woods, pine groves, shoreline, marshes, and capped landfill make this the top place to bird in the Bronx.
Central Park is THE place to bird in Manhattan.
One of the best places for spring birding in southern New York State is Doodletown Road, located in Bear Mountain State Park, on the west side of the Hudson River, south of West Point. For hawk watching, head to Hook Mountain.
Prospect Park in Brooklyn, like Central Park in Manhattan, is an oasis of green that passing birds find inviting.
Jamaica Bay is a great location to bird year-round. August is a great time to walk the East Pond for thousands of shorebirds. Spring and fall yield migrants, late fall for hundreds of Snow Geese and other waterfowl. Winter finds ducks.
Sterling Forest is home to a number of breeding Golden-winged Warblers. One the best places to start is at the end of Ironwood Road. Liberty Marsh and Wallkill National Wildlife Refuge are other birding spots.
About 60 miles NW of NYC, much of the county is within the Catskill Mountains and the Shawangunk Ridge. The Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge, serves as a waypoint for grassland-dependent migratory birds. Kingston Point is a birding hot spot on the Hudson River. The Great Vly is a large freshwater marsh north of the Town of Saugerties. Minnewaska State Park and Mohonk Preserve are also in Ulster County.
The Bashakill is the birding gem of Sullivan County, especially during spring and fall migration.
Jones Beach is a great spot for winter birding along with other spots along the Atlantic Ocean, like Nickerson Beach. In summertime, crowds and high parking fees apply.
Lynn Salmon <>{
Last updated: August 3, 2021
