Birdwatching in New York City and on Long Island

Deborah Rivel and Kellye Rosenheim

Nine years after first publication, this fully updated new edition of this easy-to-use guide gives seasonal information for both popular birding sites and those off the beaten path. Precise directions to the best viewing locations within the region’s diverse habitats enable birdwatchers to efficiently explore urban and wild birding hotspots. Over 500 species of birds can be seen in New York City’s five boroughs and on Long Island, one of the most densely populated and urbanized regions in North America, which also happens to be situated directly on the Atlantic Flyway. In this fragmented environment of scarce resources, birds concentrate on what’s available. This means that high numbers of birds are found in small spaces. In fact, Central Park alone attracts over 225 species of birds, which birders from around the world flock to see during spring and fall migration. Beyond Central Park, the five boroughs and Long Island have numerous wildlife refuges of extraordinary scenic beauty where resident and migratory birds inhabit forests, wetlands, grasslands, and beaches. These special places present an opportunity to see a wide array of songbirds, endangered nesting shorebirds, raptors, and an unprecedented number and variety of waterfowl. Including the latest information on the seasonal status and distribution of more than 400 species, with 39 maps and over 50 photographs, this full-color guide features information essential to planning a birding visit. This guide is the go-to book for both the region’s longtime birders and those exploring the area for the first time.

Paper: $35 | E-book: $34.95

ISBN-13: 9781684582785

Pages: 320 | Size: 6 in. x 9 in.

Date Published: March 22, 2025

Imprint:

Brandeis University Press

Reviews

"Into birding? Know 400 species populate NYC. Wait. There's even cedar waxwings and great crested flycatchers. Plus we got us chestnut-sided warblers and merlins. See an American redstart. A black skimmer. A Wilson's warbler. Visit my terrace and mix with my nesting mourning dove family. Better yet, read Birdwatching in New York City and on Long Island by Deborah Rivel and Kellye Rosenheim."

Page Six, New York Post
“Chatty, informative, precise, enthusiastic, and the soul of practicality—in other words, this is exactly what you want in a wise and experienced birding companion. Deborah Rivel and Kellye Rosenheim share not only the best hotspots but the best vantage points, times of day for photography, whether a scope will help or get you cussed at by joggers, where to eat, where to find a bathroom, how to navigate public transportation, and even suggestions for what else to do when you're finally done birding. Easily one of the best—maybe the best—regional birding guides anywhere.”

Scott Weidensaul, author of Peterson Reference Guide to Owls of North America and the Caribbean
"This terrific guide is all you need to go birding in New York. From the ‘best of’ tips about where to go and what you’ll see—to the historical context—the authors set you up for great birding experiences. All you need to do is grab a copy of this book, your binoculars, and your friends or family and head out to see the birdy boroughs of New York.”

David Yarnold, president & CEO, National Audubon Society
“A practical guide to finding birds, full of insider info. All my favorite NYC birding haunts and some soon-to-be-discovered ones described in glorious detail. A must for every NYC-area birder—local and visitor alike.”

Victor Emanuel, founder, Victor Emanuel Nature Tours
“Phenomenally well done, beautifully organized, and packed with useful information. From now on, I'll be using this book every time I visit New York.”

Kenn Kaufman, author of the Kaufman Field Guides
This book is a must-have for anyone birding New York City and/or Long Island!

The Birdbooker Report
From devoted “listers” to the more relaxed nature-lovers for whom birding is a peaceful practice… and of course the family members who get lovingly dragged along… our two authors feature the best birding locations for everyone. But I think (there is) a fourth category that will certainly cherish this book more than the others: those who bird to explore new places.

NYC Bird Alliance

About the Author

Kellye Rosenheim

Kellye Rosenheim leads birdwalks in New York City and works to save our planet’s wildlife at BirdLife International. She was the director of development at the New York City Bird Alliance and editor of the bilingual field guide, Las Aves de la Ciudad de Nueva York / The Birds of New York City.

Deborah Rivel

Deborah Rivel, award-winning wildlife filmmaker and founder of WildTones.com, serves on the Audubon NY board, BirdLife International’s Advisory Group, and founded a volunteer organization monitoring beach-nesting birds. Based in NYC and Cape May, NJ, she travels globally, photograph-ing and advocating for birds and nature.

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