You don’t need to leave the city to plan a great nature excursion for the family—birding can be a fun and active for all ages. With its abundance of parks, New York obviously has many great opportunities to beginners and veterans alike, but we checked in with some local experts to get the scoop on when to go, how to prepare, where to go, and what to expect.
When to go
First, some seasons are better than others for spotting specific species of birds. According to expert birder Robert DeCandido, also known as ‘Birding Bob,’ you can expect to see owls in December and January, but if you want to spot warblers and other spring-migratory birds, your best bet is April and May. In between those seasons, September and October are great months to look for sparrows and hawks during their fall migration.
How to Prepare
Connecting young children with aviary wildlife can encourage a lifelong love for both birds and the outdoors. In order to get your child interested in bird-watching, try sharing fun facts or interesting stories about different species of birds, using resources like this guide from Cornell’s Lab of Ornithology.
Properly preparing for a bird-watching outing will make it much more fun for everyone. Make sure to dress your kids in comfortable, weather-appropriate clothes so they can enjoy their time outdoors. It is also advised to bring along binoculars and a field guide (or download a birding app), for easier bird identification. If you are planning a long day outside, you should consider packing snacks and sunscreen.
Where to go and what you’ll see
One of the best places to go birding in the city is, unsurprisingly, Central Park. DeCandido who has been leading bird-watching tours in the area for over 20 years, especially recommends The Ramble, an area between 72nd and 79th Streets that is bordered by the Bow Bridge on the south and the Belvedere Castle on the north.
Deb Allen, a nature photographer and another veteran birding guide, suggests going to the feeders at Evodia Field. This area can be reached by walking toward the boathouse from The Ramble.
Another great bird watching destination is the New York Botanical Garden in The Bronx. Its 40 acres of woodland is home to some very friendly birds like the chickadee and tufted titmice. If you bring along shelled unsalted peanuts, as Allen suggests, a bird might even land on your hand.
Elsewhere in The Bronx, Pelham Bay Park is a great place to bring older children. During the winter, expect to find red-tailed hawks or Cooper’s hawks and monk parakeets near Rice Stadium in the southern part of the park. With the help of some binoculars, you’ll also be able to get a close-up of geese, ducks, and grebes.
Allen also suggests checking out the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge in Queens. Though Sandy destroyed parts of the nature center, it remains one of the best destinations in New York for winter bird watching, with over 330 bird species spotted at the refuge in the last 25 years. Expect to find a variety of ducks and geese in the colder months, as well as shorebirds in the summer and early fall.
Staten Island is home to a great bird watching destination, Great Kills Park. The Park, part of the Gateway National Recreation Area, features 580 acres of open space. In winter months, expect to spot waterfowl as well as migrating loons, raptors, grebes, and Northern Garnets. Late Spring and Summer is also a great time to visit the park if you want to see migratory shorebirds.
Birding Tours
Joining a guided tour is a great way for beginners, or even more experienced birders, to learn more about bird-watching. There are many great groups across the city designed to help you get the most out of a bird watching excursion.
Central Park: Tours are available with Deb Allen from Friday to Sunday at various locations in the park, so make sure to check the schedule and find a good time to bring your little ones!
Prospect Park: The Audubon Center at Prospect Park offers the free Introduction to Bird watching every Saturday through the end of December.
Brooklyn College: While the reason for their existence of parrots on the school’s grounds is debated, none can argue how fun the Wild Brooklyn Parrot Safari is! Check out the next one on Saturday, December 7th.
Birding for Families: The Audubon’s New York chapter hosts events throughout the year in different parts of the city, including an educational walk in Central Park designed for families. Check out their schedule to find out more information about future birding tours.
Van Cortlandt Park: Also in association with NYC Audubon, this free tour is led by expert birders who are familiar with the biodiversity in this Bronx park. Meet at the Van Cortlandt Nature Center every Saturday until December 7th.
Winter Ecocruise: Starting in January, families can hop aboard the New York Water Taxi for views of the harbor as well as winter seals and waterbirds. Bring your own binoculars to get a better look at the diverse winter wildlife.
