Hold onto your binoculars! This weekend, the skies over New York City will be alive with the flapping of wings as hundreds of thousands of birds make their way south for the winter. This surge in migration is generating a palpable excitement among bird watchers, eager to witness the spectacle firsthand.
The autumn migration season kicked off in August, and according to BirdCast data, a staggering 3,921,500 birds—including majestic bald eagles—have already passed through the city. While there have been noteworthy increases in bird populations over the past few weeks, such as 83,000 birds crossing the city in a single night, the true peak of migration typically occurs in October. This timing coincides with the onset of cooler temperatures which, combined with favorable winds, creates the perfect conditions for a significant influx of birds.
Andrew Farnsworth, a scientist at the Center for Avian Population Studies at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, explains, “There’s going to be this really favorable set of cooler air temperatures and tailwinds blowing out of the north and west.” These factors are crucial as they facilitate the birds’ journey, making this weekend particularly promising for bird enthusiasts.
However, this migration season has been described by some as “odd.” The dreary weather brought on by Hurricane Helene in late September created foggy and wet conditions that often keep birds grounded. Such weather can be perilous for migrating birds, as it increases the risk of collision with buildings; an estimated 90,000 to 230,000 birds meet their demise in this way each year in New York City alone, according to data from the NYC Bird Alliance.
Despite these fluctuations in migration patterns, Farnsworth remains optimistic. He anticipates that the overall numbers for the season will align with previous years, paving the way for a notable pulse of activity this weekend that will thrill bird watchers across the city.
In Prospect Park, a favorite among local birders, roughly 100 species can be spotted on any given fall day, according to veteran birder Tom Stephenson. Early Thursday morning, dozens of avid birders gathered in the park, guided by the Brooklyn Bird Club, to catch glimpses of the migrating birds. These walks can extend for seven to eight hours, highlighting the dedication of the birding community. “The city parks are incredibly important because the birds have no other options. At the end of the night, this is it. There’s nowhere else,” Stephenson remarked, emphasizing the significance of urban green spaces for migratory birds.
For many, bird watching has blossomed into a rewarding hobby, with a noticeable uptick in interest during the pandemic. Amy Cook, who took up birding in 2021, found solace and community in the group walks. “You’d think Taylor Swift was here!” she exclaimed, recalling the excitement that swept through the group during a previous migration when they spotted an American purple gallinule, a rare sight in New York.
Newcomers to birding, Mitch Fagan and Chloe Merrifield, who recently moved from Oregon to New York City, are also drawn to the hobby. “We made it a point to get out here before winter. It’s a great connection to this place,” Fagan shared, noting the stark differences between the species they observe now versus those in their home state. Merrifield added, “It’s a major draw for us,” reflecting the allure that urban birding holds for those seeking to connect with nature amidst the bustling city life.
As the weekend approaches, the excitement for bird watchers is palpable. With cooler temperatures and favorable winds in the forecast, it’s an opportune moment to grab your binoculars and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of avian migration. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a curious newcomer, the skies over New York City promise a breathtaking display of nature’s wonders, as a vibrant tapestry of migrating birds graces the urban landscape.
