Winter Birds in Our State Parks

Winter can be a magical time to spend outdoors. With less foliage, it can be easier to spot wildlife, especially birds. There are many species of birds that spend winter in the Northeast and thrive in cold climates, including the Bohemian Waxwing, Snow Bunting, snowy owls, short-eared owls, and rough-legged hawks.

Your local parks are a great place to discover the world of winter birds. New York parks across the state offer a variety of habitats and food sources, which are needed to attract and sustain birds during the cold winter months.

The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation has worked with outside experts to identify and protect Bird Conservation Areas and Important Bird Areas, which make New York State parks the perfect place to bundle-up, grab your binoculars, and get birding.

To survive in winter, birds have to work hard to conserve energy and resources, so it’s important to respect their habitat and food sources. Make sure to walk softly and keep your distance from prime bird habitat (bushes, covered areas, feeders, grasslands) to avoid startling birds out of their roosts. Also, make sure to stick to the trails because some birds roost on the ground in grassy areas covered with snow.

If you’re a first-time birder, make sure to check your local State Park and Department of Environmental Conservation listings for guided hikes. Certified and expert birders can help you spot unique species while teaching you about sensitive habitat and safe practices. (Find out about birding programs by the New York State Outdoor Guides Association).

2018-19 is shaping up to be an excellent year for spotting winter birds. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology reports that this may be one of the best years for a multi-finch invasion. Bird lovers hope to see Common Redpolls, Evening Grosbeaks, Bohemian Waxwings, and possibly even Pine Grosbeaks at feeders and birding areas this winter. (Read more about Cornell’s winter bird report).

Guide books, local Audubon websites and local birding groups are a great way to learn more about species to look for in your area. (Find out more about winter birds in New York State).

We hope that bird watching can open up a new world of outdoor adventures this winter!