NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
Fall migration is an exciting time for birding.
With migrants on the move your favorite birding site can change within a few
days, with different species traveling in and out. Every spring and fall, thousands of raptors migrate, and birders
may see or hear eagles, kestrels, Sharp-shinned Hawks, Ospreys, Broad-winged
Hawks, and Peregrine Falcons among others. The NYS Birding Trail highlights several hawk watches including
Bear Mountain Hawk Watch at Bear Mountain State Park, Hook Mountain Hawk Watch,
and Mount Peter Hawkwatch Trailway, all within the Hudson Valley segment.
It’s also important for everyone to turn off the lights for birds
at night. DEC launched the ‘Lights Out’ initiative aimed at keeping non-essential
outdoor lighting from affecting the ability of birds to migrate successfully.
Many species of shorebirds and songbirds rely on constellations to help them
navigate to and from their summer breeding grounds through the State. Excessive
outdoor lighting, especially in adverse weather conditions, can cause these
migrating birds to become disoriented, a phenomenon known as fatal light
attraction.
READ MORE: Birdwatching for everyone
While you observe all the birds migrating this fall, finish your
2022 I Bird NY Challenge offered for beginners in English and Spanish, as well as experienced in both English and Spanish. Don’t forget to sign up for our Words of a Feather newsletter, a monthly e-newsletter for
birding news, updates on the NYS Birding Trail, and upcoming birding events
near you.
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