New York City

New York

New York City is one of the world's premier urban birding destinations, with over 400 documented bird species. Strategically positioned along the Atlantic Flyway, NYC's diverse parks and natural areas - including iconic Central Park, Prospect Park, and Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge - provide critical habitat for migrating songbirds, raptors, and waterbirds. The city hosts the world's largest urban population of Peregrine Falcons and offers exceptional year-round birding with spectacular spring and fall migrations.

Best Months to Visit

April to May, September to November

Birding Season

Year-round

Notable Species

Peregrine Falcon Red-tailed Hawk Warblers (30+ species) Snowy Owl Wood Duck

Top Birding Guides in New York City

Browse our selection of expert birding guides serving the New York City area.

Robert DeCandido, PhD - Birding Bob

5.0

Dr. Robert DeCandido, known as 'Birding Bob', has led guided bird walks in Central Park since spring 1992. A renowned expert in NYC urban birding with MS and PhD degrees studying NYC flora, he worked full-time as a biologist for NYC Department of Parks. Offers daily bird walks throughout NYC parks including Central Park and Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, with a focus on warblers, raptors, and migrating songbirds. His $10 walks welcome birders of all levels, starting at 7:30 AM and 9:30 AM on weekends. Assisted by noted nature photographer Deborah Allen.

Central Park specialties Urban birding Warbler migration

33 years of experience

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Debbie Becker - BirdingAroundNYC

4.9

Professional nature photographer, essayist, and naturalist with 40 years of birding experience in New York City. Has led bird walks at the New York Botanical Garden every weekend since 1985. Serves on the Board of The Linnaean Society of New York as Editor. Combines expertise in bird identification with nature photography, offering educational walks throughout NYC parks. Her photographs have been featured in various birding publications. Known for her patient teaching style and ability to help birders improve their observation and photography skills through her Meetup group BirdingAroundNYC.

Bird photography NYBG birding Nature education

40 years of experience

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Tod Winston - NYC Bird Alliance

5.0

Urban Biodiversity Specialist and professional birding guide with NYC Bird Alliance since 2007. Teaches Beginning Birding courses and leads the popular 'Birding by Ear' series throughout NYC parks. Conducts bird surveys at high-profile green spaces including Madison Square Park and the Javits Center green roof. Led the Harbor Herons Nesting Survey as Conservation Research Associate. Proponent of 'slow birding' - pausing to appreciate even common species while exploring flowers, trees, and related evolution and ecology topics. Available for private tours and corporate events.

Beginning birding Birding by ear Urban ecology

18 years of experience

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Alexandra Wang - Avian Alex

4.8

Inclusive birding guide specializing in accessible birding experiences for people of all abilities. Grew up in Hudson Heights visiting Fort Tryon Park daily, began birding during the pandemic. Leads tours in Fort Tryon Park's 67 accessible acres with well-paved walkways suitable for wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers. Provides augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) materials, Braille pamphlets, and plush birds with built-in recordings for sensory experiences. Holds M.S.Ed. in Guidance and School Counseling from Hunter College. Works with NYC Bird Alliance to make birding welcoming to people with disabilities. Free tours, registration encouraged.

Accessible birding Fort Tryon Park Inclusive tours

5 years of experience

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Gabriel Willow

4.9

Environmental educator and urban naturalist leading guided birding tours at Bryant Park in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. Nature enthusiast since childhood in Maine, studied ecology in college including five years in southern Mexico studying endemic birds. Moved to NYC in 2003, becoming a teacher-naturalist with the Prospect Park Audubon Center. Leads free birding tours in partnership with NYC Bird Alliance during spring and fall migration seasons on Tuesdays at 8am and Thursdays/Fridays at 5pm. Also leads tours for Wave Hill and other NYC institutions. Expert at urban birding in unexpected places and teaching identification skills.

Bryant Park birding Urban naturalist Migration seasons

22 years of experience

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