A yellow warbler is pictured singing.

New York state Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos announced the addition of seven new locations to the New York State Birding Trail, including two in Dunkirk. These new locations bring the total number of birding trail locations across the state to 332, providing a variety of quality birding experiences for New Yorkers and visitors to enjoy.

“The New York State Birding Trail provides access to exceptional birding and a high-quality, sustainable opportunity to experience nature,” Seggos said. “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.”

Dunkirk’s locations are at the harbor and Point Gratiot.

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.

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.”

Other locations added include:

— Adirondacks/North Country: Up Yonda Farm Environmental Education Center, Bolton

— Central – Finger Lakes: Finger Lakes Museum & Townsend-Grady Wildlife Preserve, Branchport

— Greater Niagara: Hunters Creek Park, East Aurora

— Greater Niagara: Mossy Point, Wales

— Hudson Valley: Mohonk Preserve, Gardiner

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.

Selected sites meet criteria to help ensure a positive experience for visitors throughout the state. Additionally, sites post signage noting them as official locations on the Birding Trail. For information on the nomination process and the updated form and guidelines, see www.ibirdny.org.

New segments of the Birding Trail were opened in a phased approach from October 2021 through August 2022. With 332 locations, the Statewide Birding Trail provides birding opportunities for everyone, regardless of age, ability, identity, or background, across New York State. DEC continues to solicit input from a wide range of New Yorkers and organizations that represent Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities and is making trail information available in both English and Spanish. Bird walks will be held in collaboration with organizations working with BIPOC communities.

The New York State Birding Trail map is available at www.ibirdny.org and provides valuable information on each site such as location, available amenities, species likely to be seen, directions, and more. Digital information on the Birding Trail will be updated periodically, so budding outdoor enthusiasts are encouraged to check back often. DEC encourages birding enthusiasts to visit I Bird NY for more information on where and how to observe birds, upcoming bird walks, a downloadable Beginner’s Guide to Birding (available in Spanish), and additional resources.

DEC manages and oversees five million acres of public lands and conservation easements and plays a vital role in both protecting New York’s natural resources and providing opportunities for people to enjoy the outdoors. From fishing on scenic streams, hiking and rock climbing, swimming and boating, birding, and nature study, or simply relaxing in a tent under the stars, there are endless adventures to be found. Visit http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/.