Tips for Spotting Birds in Western NY

Go to a local park or trail

I’m very lucky to have family that lives on land with trails (and who gives me free-license to tromp around whenever I please), but I know that’s rare. Local parks and nature trails are true gems, and an added bonus of going to a public space is that birds and other animals tend to be more familiar and comfortable around humans. The walking paths are typically well-marked and well-maintained, making a leisurely stroll fairly easy and free of prickers and poison ivy. Here are some local Western NY parks I love visiting:

Early to late morning

*Male Eastern Towhee, spotted once during the 2020 season on the trails in the late morning*

Try to get outside in the morning, as that is when birds are actively eating, foraging, and nesting. Of course, they’re active in more than just the morning, but I always see more activity when I go early instead of later in the afternoon.

Mild weather

I’m a much happier human when there aren’t sheets of freezing rain pelting at my face, and I know birds are the same way. While I typically don’t go out in nature and find nothing, I do notice much more singing, fluffing, preening, and eating when the day is milder in temperature and wind is low.

Listen for singing or chirping

*Red-breasted Grosbeak, spotted after hearing his call*

I often hear a bird before I see a bird. As you’re walking, take breaks to stop and pause so you can listen for singing or chirping. That’s usually the first clue to where bird activity might be. Follow the sound, and hopefully you’ll be able to find who’s making it!

The above photo of a Red-breasted Grosbeak was taken after first hearing his cute little “meep” sound (listen here at the “Call” recording). I heard him, and then looked around for a flash of red. Low and behold, he wasn’t far away!

Watch for movement and then stand still

*Yellow Warbler, finally captured after watching for 30 minutes*

Birds are shy, and the mere act of walking around can often send them flying away to take cover. If you’re walking around, look for movement, and then once you find it, stand still. Many times they’ll come back out, or fly back around, especially if they were eating. For me, birding is about 20% walking, and 80% standing still and waiting.

The above photo of a Yellow Warbler took at least 30 minutes to get. These little guys are small, quick, and hide well. I had to patiently stand under a tree and follow him with my lens until he finally peeked out for a split second and I got the shot.

Learn what attracts different birds

Once I got more of the basic strategies down, I started to learn what different birds are attracted to, and then I look there.

For example, Baltimore Orioles love sweet flowers, and guess where those are… apple trees! New York is full of these, so now I wait for apple tree blossoms to bloom, and then I make sure to walk past those spots at the park and look for a bright spot of orange. It’s not always fail-proof, but the odds are much higher that I’ll see an Oriole there, than if I just wander acres and acres of pathways.

I hope this helps, and happy birding!

~Kristen :)