Things You'll Need:
- Bird watching guide
- A spotting scope or binoculars
- Sunscreen
- Water
- Notebook
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Step 1
Start bird watching in New York City and discover an amazing diversity of species. New York City has many fine bird watching spots: From Staten Island's Burrowing Owl population to the herons in New York's harbor, the bird life of is varied and abundant. New York City Audubon offers many programs throughout the year (see Resources below).
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Step 2
Discover the birding hot spot at the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. The 6,818-acre refuge has identified 225 species of birds. The unusual bog and swamp ecosystems provide excellent habitat to resident bird species and migrating species alike. The Great Swamp is just 7 miles south of Morristown, New Jersey.
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Step 3
Visit the Long Island National Wildlife Refuge for the best birding in the area. The Refuge is actually a complex of 8 National Wildlife Refuges. As part of the Atlantic Flyway, the protected habitat is critical to the survival of migrating species and endangered resident bird species.
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Step 4
Travel to southern New York's Hudson Valley and Bear Mountain State Park. The park's Doodletown Road is the hottest spot for birding. Breeding birds include Hooded, Cerulean, and Kentucky Warblers, and Pileated Woodpecker, Indigo Bunting and Ruffed Grouse. The surrounding area also has many recreational opportunities available.
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Step 5
Print out various maps, guides and species checklists for the specific area of New York you'll be visiting (see Resources below).
