The Black-crowned Night Heron is one of our most distinctive residents. However, NYC Bird Alliance’s recent analysis of over four decades of Harbor Herons nesting data revealed that these iconic birds may disappear entirely from New York Harbor as soon as 2035. 

Time is critical if we are to save this once-plentiful species.

Updated March 4, 2025

NYC Bird Alliance has monitored H5N1 avian influenza since 2022, when it began affecting U.S. wild birds. While human risk remains low, this virus threatens many birds, especially waterbirds, with recent documented cases in NYC. We continue to work closely with state and local agencies to improve our prevention measures and protocols. 

Click below to learn about our current safety protocols to protect both people and wild birds during our field research and bird outings.

The Urban Bird Call (formerly The Urban Audubon) is our glossy publication mailed to NYC Bird Alliance members, connecting readers with the latest news on our organization’s activities and events, interesting topics in birding and conservation, and more. Our Spring 2025 issue has arrived, and you can read the digital version online right now! 

A groundbreaking research study published in PLOS ONE on August 7, 2024 has uncovered alarming new evidence that building collisions are killing significantly more birds than previously estimated—well over one billion annually in the United States alone. The research, conducted by scientists at Fordham University, NYC Bird Alliance, American Bird Conservancy, and Stony Brook University examined outcomes for over 3,000 birds injured in building collisions and brought to rehabilitators across multiple states. Their findings uncovered that only 40% of birds with injuries from collisions survive, even with the highest standards of wildlife rehabilitator care. 

We're thrilled to share the new name of our organization: as of June 6, 2024, we’re now NYC Bird Alliance! In Spring 2023, we embarked on a process to choose a new name that is more welcoming and representative of our mission to protect wild birds and habitat across New York City. While our name has changed, our work will not. We remain a committed chapter of National Audubon and bird conservation organizations across the country, and are proud to have a name that represents our inclusive work and growing impact.  Learn more at nycbirdalliance.org/name.

For over 40 years, NYC Bird Alliance scientists have monitored and protected 10 species of herons, egrets, and ibis—collectively known as the Harbor Herons—that nest on wild islands throughout our City’s waterways. This past year, NYC Bird Alliance surveyed 19 harbor islands revealing some amazing highs and concerning lows. We found that wading birds are demonstrating resilience to rising sea levels, and Great Blue Herons have nested in Manhattan—a first for modern times! But populations like the Black-crowned Night Heron and Glossy Ibis are also in steady decline. Learn what factors are affecting our NY Harbor wildlife–and how we can help—in our State of the Harbor Herons Report.

Our collision monitoring program works with the City's most dangerous buildings for birds to implement solutions such as bird-friendly glass retrofits, green roof installations, and/or "Lights Out" protocol implementations -- helping to reduce the 250,000 annual bird deaths from collisions in New York City! Our high-profile work on retrofits at Circa Central Park made the front page of the Oct. 17 New York Times. It is one of many buildings we're working with to make our City safe for birds. Learn about the ever-growing list of "bird-safe actors" we work with!