New York State Birding Trail

Discover the thrill of birding with the NYS Birding Trail! This unique network of birding hotspots across New York State offers endless opportunities to connect with nature, whether you’re marveling at owls in quiet woodlands, tracking shorebirds along scenic coastlines or catching glimpses of majestic eagles along quiet rivers.

Designed for all ages, abilities, identities, and backgrounds, the trail is your starting point for experiencing New York’s diverse and vibrant wildlife. Accessible by car or public transportation, it’s never been easier to join the birding community and enjoy safe, inclusive outdoor recreation. Plus, the trail continues to expand with new locations added regularly through a nomination and vetting process.

Start your birding adventure today and see what makes New York a birding paradise!

Map of Trail

To find birding locations near you, please use the map below or the list of locations below the map, which contains links to site pages for more information, to find a location near you. The Google Map can also be accessed via the Google Maps website.

Suggested Itineraries

Birds & Baseball (PDF) - Visit stops along the NYS Birding Trail before or after enjoying some baseball and cheering on bird-themed teams.

Trail Partners

Overall coordination of the NYS Birding Trail is managed by DEC’s Office of Outdoor Recreation in collaboration with the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the many partners who own and manage specific sites on the trail.

Many agencies and organizations were instrumental in the initial development and launch of the Trail, including:

• National Park Service
• NYC Parks
• NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
• Empire State Development
• Buffalo Audubon Society
• Audubon NY
• NYC Audubon
• National Audubon Society
• U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Birding Trail locations range from urban and suburban parks nestled in neighborhoods to larger protected areas. When visiting spots along the Trail, please be mindful of neighbors who live by the trail locations, especially those that are in residential areas.

Self-Nomination Process

In addition to state-owned and managed locations, other publicly and privately managed locations can complete a simple self-nomination process to be considered for inclusion on the trail. Sites must meet criteria to ensure a positive experience for visitors throughout the state. Additionally, each site posts signage noting it as an official location on the birding trail.

Review the nomination guidelines (PDF) and use the nomination form (PDF) to be considered for inclusion on the trail.

Nominations are reviewed and added to the Birding Trail on a quarterly basis. Deadlines for each quarter are as follows:

• Quarter one: March 30
• Quarter two: June 30
• Quarter three: September 30
• Quarter four: December 31

Please allow several weeks for nominations to be reviewed. If you are considering nominating many sites at once, please contact [email protected]. 

Accessibility

DEC is committed to providing an ever-increasing range of accessible outdoor recreation opportunities and welcomes all visitors to experience the NYS Birding Trail. When evaluating publicly or privately owned locations for inclusion on the Birding Trail, the site’s accessibility is considered. Sites with accessibility are preferred, however not all sites on the Trail are accessible or may have only parts that are accessible. Some sites may be accessible in warm weather but not when there is snow or ice on the ground. Conditions at sites may change without notice. When planning a trip to a Birding Trail location, visitors are strongly encouraged to visit the location’s main web page for more complete and up-to-date information, including available information on accessibility at the site, and to contact management at the site as needed.

NYS Birding Trail Announcements

February 2023: DEC Adds Seven New Locations to New York State Birding Trail, Announces Updated Site Nomination Process

October 2022: DEC Announces 13 Additions to New York State Birding Trail

August 2022: DEC Announces Completion of Final Three Segments of New York State Birding Trail; Adirondacks-North Country, Catskills, and Southern Tier Segments Bring Total Number of Sites Across the State to 312

May 2022: DEC Announces Opening of Central-Finger Lakes Segment of Statewide Birding Trail

May 2022: 'Lights Out' Initiative Launched in New York to Protect Migrating Birds; New Capital Region Birding Trail Segment Also Launched to Increase Recreational Opportunities

April 2022: During Earth Week, DEC Commissioner Seggos Announces Opening of Hudson Valley Segment of Statewide Birding Trail

March 2022: DEC Announces Opening of Long Island Segment of Statewide Birding Trail 

February 2022: DEC Announces Opening of Western New York Segment of Statewide Birding Trail

October 2021: DEC Announces Grand Opening of First Segment of New York State Birding Trail with 33 Locations in New York City