Spring is an ideal time to observe bird migrations, according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. New York is conveniently located along the Atlantic Flyway, one of the main migration routes. This gives you a great opportunity to observe birds flying to their summer breeding grounds. 

Grab your binoculars and check out one of these hot spots: 

• Northern Montezuma Wildlife Management Area (WMA), Cayuga, Seneca, Wayne counties – a stopover for many species of ducks who are headed farther north. You can see shorebirds, raptors, waterfowl, and songbirds at this WMA.
• Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, Genesee and Orleans counties – go for an opportunity to see many species of waterfowl.
• Derby Hill Bird Observatory, Oswego County – known for migrating hawks.
• Bashakill WMA, Orange County – view hawks, marshbirds, and waterfowl.
• Central Park, NYC – see warblers, grosbeaks, flycatchers, wading birds, and waterfowl.

It’s impossible to list all the great bird-viewing locations so look for an Important Bird Area or Bird Conservation Area near you! 

Did you know that sanitizing your bird feeder helps limits the spread of disease?

It is good practice to clean your bird feeders regularly. Several diseases are commonly spread at bird feeders. Clean bird feeders every 2 weeks with a warm, soapy solution and brush to remove solid particles. Then sanitize for 10 minutes with a 10% bleach solution (1 part household bleach, 9 parts water). Allow the feeder to dry thoroughly before re-filling it with feed. At this time, there is thought to be a low risk of avian flu in songbirds but is another reason to clean bird feeders regularly.

Note: In areas where black bears occur, DEC recommends removing feeders in April, so they do not attract hungry black bears when they emerge from hibernation.