Set Out with NYC Park Rangers & Try to Spot an Owl or Bald Eagle This Winter

Did you know winter is one of the best times to spot bald eagles and owls Iin New York City?

Get out into the wild this winter and take advantage of NYC Parks' Urban Park Rangers birding hikes and tours.

Sick of being cooped up indoors? Set out with NYC Parks' Urban Park Rangers on one of the many hikes and birding tours they offer. Winter is a great time to spot Bald Eagles, Peregrine Falcons, Red-Tailed Hawks, Snowy Owls, and many more bird species.

"Birding is a great way to get outdoors this winter and stay active," said NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP. "Our Urban Park Rangers offer hikes and tours for people of all abilities in every borough. Whether you're an experienced birder or just looking for a fun winter activity outdoors, I encourage everyone to join us on a birding tour this season."

In the winter, many Raptors, or birds of prey, tend to fly further south to New York City in search of food. Bald Eagles are expert fishers and swoop down to snatch fish out of the water with their massive talons. The Saw-Whet Owl is speckled and striped, perfect for helping to camouflage them when they are roosting and hunting. After virtual extinction, the Peregrine Falcon has made a remarkable comeback and can be seen in New York City along the coast. If you see a shoreline full of birds and ducks suddenly scatter, scan the skies -- a powerful and fast-flying Peregrine Falcon is probably nearby. How many species can you spot?

"Six different species of owls migrate through New York City and as rivers and lakes freeze Bald Eagles can be spotted further south in parks from Inwood Hill in Manhattan, to Moses' Mountain in Staten Island's Greenbelt," said NYC Parks' Director of the Urban Park Rangers Sarah Aucoin. "New York City's parks are prime locations to spot different species of birds and you might even get to spot some rare birds with the absence of foliage."

NYC Parks' Urban Park Ranger birding programs are appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome. To enhance your experience we encourage you to bring binoculars and field guides, or ask a Ranger to borrow a pair. Here are some of our upcoming birding opportunities:

Sunday, February 8, 2015

Winter Birding

Perkins Visitors Center (in Wave Hill), Bronx

9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Explore Wave Hill's tranquil gardens and woodlands with naturalist Gabriel Willow to observe birds in their winter habitats. Appropriate for ages 10 and up.

Winter Birds of Prey

Meet at the Unisphere in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens

11:00 a.m.

New York City is home to an amazing abundance of wildlife. Our Urban Park Rangers will guide you to the best wildlife viewing spots in the urban jungle.

Birding: Owls

Orchard Beach Nature Center in Pelham Bay Park, Bronx

1:00 p.m.

Urban Park Rangers will take you out and guide you on your quest to spot winter owls.

Saturday, February 14, 2015

Birding: Winter Birds

at Ridgewood Reservoir, Queens

11:00 a.m.

Our Rangers will guide you to the best wildlife viewing spots at the Ridgewood Reservoir and will help you spot winter birds.

Saturday, February 21, 2015

Birding: Eagles

at Payson Park House in Inwood Hill Park, Manhattan

9:00 a.m.

Winter is a spectacular season for observing Bald Eagles in New York City parks. See if you can spot any.

There are many more tours offered citywide. For a complete list of events hosted by NYC Parks' Urban Park Rangers this winter, visit www.nyc.gov/parks/rangers or visit our Birding page.

NYC Parks/Daniel Avila, Saw-Whet Owl Release, Central Park, Manhattan