Hudson Valley Segment Of NY Birding Trail Opens

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — The state Department of Environmental Conservation announced Thursday the opening of the Hudson Valley segment of the New York State Birding Trail.

The new segment included 39 locations on public lands throughout six counties — Columbia, Dutchess, Putnam, Rockland, Orange and Westchester.

Announcing the new trail was part of the DEC's annual Earth Week celebration and in conjunction with the annual New York State Tourism Industry Association conference in Westchester County.

DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said that spring is a fantastic time of year to visit one of the many sites on the newest part of the birding trail.

"The Hudson Valley region, with its stunning and historic parks and public lands, unique hawk watches and sweeping Hudson River views, provides a unique and special birding experience for anyone interested in getting started in this fun, accessible activity," he said.

The statewide trail includes a network of 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, officials said.

From Bird Conservation Areas including Hudson Highlands State Park, and Rockefeller State Park Preserve, to the tidal swamps and marshes at Tivoli Bays Wildlife Management Area, and the Mount Peter Hawk Watch that provides a scenic overlook for raptor watching, the Hudson Valley provides unique landscapes and habitats for birding along the Hudson River and beyond.

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. Additional information on birding, educational and interpretive information, is also available. Digital information on the Birding Trail will be updated periodically, so budding outdoor enthusiasts are encouraged to check back often, the DEC said.

Included in the sites are Olana State Historic Site in Columbia County, James Baird State Park in Dutchess County, Sterling Forest State Park in Orange County, Clarence Fahnestock State Park in Putnam County, Bear Mountain State Park in Rockland County and Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park in Westchester County.