The Finger Lakes Museum & Townsend-Grady Wildlife Preserve in Branchport is one of seven new locations on the New York State Birding Trail.
The DEC says the locations are designed to provide a variety of quality birding experiences for people to enjoy and these new locations bring the total number of birding trail locations across the state to 332.
“The New York State Birding Trail provides access to exceptional birding and a high-quality, sustainable opportunity to experience nature,” said Commissioner Seggos. “These seven new sites enhance access to the more than 330 diverse and unique birding opportunities we are so fortunate to have here in New York.”
Birdwatching has become one of New York’s fastest-growing recreation and tourism activities. DEC manages the New York State Birding Trail in collaboration with partners that include the Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation. The statewide trail network includes promoted birding locations that can be accessed by car or public transportation, providing an inclusive experience for all visitors to enjoy birds amid beautiful natural settings with little or no cost or investment in equipment.
State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said, “It’s great to see the Empire State Birding Trail continue to expand. With these new sites, New York residents and visitors have more options to get outside and enjoy nature and our state’s abundant wildlife.”
Empire State Development Vice President and Executive Director of Tourism Ross D. Levi said, “New York State is a birdwatcher’s paradise, and the Birding Trail provides unique ways to watch our feathered friends in their natural habitats. The seven new sites – from the majestic Mohonk Preserve to the Dunkirk Harbor waterfront – offer new opportunities for beginning birdwatchers to expert ornithologists, and can complement any New York State getaway.”
In addition to Branchport, the newly added locations are located on public and private lands across the state:
- Adirondacks/North Country: Up Yonda Farm Environmental Education Center, Bolton
- Greater Niagara: Hunters Creek Park, East Aurora
- Greater Niagara: Hunters Creek Park, East Aurora
- Hudson Valley: Mohonk Preserve, Gardiner
- Southern Tier: Point Gratiot Park, Dunkirk
- Southern Tier: Dunkirk Harbor, Dunkirk
The new additions feature a diversity of habitats including deep woods where birders may observe a variety of woodland warblers, shoreline and harbors attracting many wintering waterfowl, and riparian areas where birders may observe spotted sandpipers and flycatchers.
The New York State Birding Trail Map is located here.
