Outings, Educational Programs, and Events
NYC Bird Alliance connects New Yorkers of all ages and backgrounds with the magical world of birds in the City through educational programs, outings, and events across the five boroughs.
Most of our events are free, and great for beginners! We believe birds belong to everyone and we welcome all New Yorkers—from curious newcomers to experienced naturalists—to explore the City's diverse bird life with us.
"Let’s Go Birding Together" Tour, Central Park, 2018. Photo: NYC Bird Alliance
Outings and Classes
NYC Bird Alliance offers over 200 bird outings and classes yearly. Join expert-guided park explorations to discover our urban bird species, or enhance your birding skills through virtual and in-person classes.
NYC Bird Alliance Bird Guide Annie Barry leads a bird outing on Governors Island. Photo: NYC Bird Alliance
Governors Island Activities
Visit our seasonal nature center on Governors Island, just off Manhattan's coast! Explore bird conservation exhibits, a kids' book nook and craft room, and bird-inspired art. Enjoy our porch for bird discussions, join free outings, or borrow binoculars to explore on your own.
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"A Fireside Chat with Amy Tan," a virtual NYC Bird Alliance lecture held in March, 2024. Screenshot: NYC Bird Alliance
Lectures & Talks
Join us for virtual talks on a wide variety of topics related to conservation, birds, or advocacy. Our lectures take place via zoom from late fall through the winter and feature a lineup of exciting authors, researchers, and experts.
Participant holds an Atlantic Horseshoe Crab at our annual Horseshoe Crab Festival at Jamaica Bay. Photo: Camilla Cerea
Festivals
NYC Bird Alliance connects New Yorkers with nature through engaging, family-friendly festivals. In partnership with organizations across the City, we offer free events featuring educational programs about wild birds and their habitats.
Wilson's Warbler by Cara Lynch, located at 1805 Amsterdam Ave., New York NY 10031. Photo: NYC Bird Alliance
Audubon Mural Project
The Audubon Mural Project, a collaboration between the National Audubon Society and Harlem's Gitler & ____ Gallery, is a public art initiative inspired by John James Audubon's paintings. It highlights National Audubon Society's findings that climate change threatens nearly half of North American bird species.
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NYCHA in Nature participants bird at the Beach 41st Street NYCHA housing complex
NYCHA in Nature
NYCHA in Nature is a collaboration with NYCHA residents and local organizations to engage people in urban biodiversity and climate resilience. We envision that every campus will have a set of nature and sustainability programs, with tenant associations taking the lead on programming and promotion.
Black Birders Week 2024: Wings of Justice
Black Birders Week
Celebrate Black Birders Week with NYC Bird Alliance! Black Birders Week was created in 2020 by the BlackAFinSTEM Collective to celebrate and highlight Black birders, scientists, naturalists, and outdoor enthusiasts who deserve to enjoy their time in nature without fear of harassment.
Inaugural "Let's Go Birding Together" outing in Central Park, June 2018. Photo: Andrew Maas
Let's Go Birding Together
The arrival of June marks Pride Month for the LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and other sexual orientations and gender identities) community. Celebrations in New York City include pride parades, picnics, parties, and, in the case of NYC Bird Alliance, bird outings!
Common Terns and American Oystercatchers in Jamaica Bay. Photo by Don Riepe.
Climate Week NYC Events
Climate Week NYC is the largest annual climate event of its kind, bringing together hundreds of events and activities across the City each September, with leaders from business, science, tech, politics, academia, and civil society.
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World Migratory Bird Day at Inwood Hill Park, with Natural Areas Conservancy. Photo: Tessa O'Connell
World Migratory Bird Day
NYC Bird Alliance is a proud participant in World Migratory Bird Day, an annual global awareness-raising campaign that celebrates the amazing journeys of migratory birds and inspires worldwide conservation of migratory birds and their habitats. To celebrate this day, we're offering free outings across the five boroughs of New York City
Tom Stephenson, NYC Bird Alliance advisory council member and author of "The Warbler Guide," explains how to look for warblers during members event in Central Park. Photo: NYC Bird Alliance
Members-Only Outings
NYC Bird Alliance contributing members enjoy many benefits, including access to free members-only bird outings led by board and advisory council members.
Chestnut-sided Warbler found injured by Project Safe Flight volunteer. Photo: Sophie Butcher
Volunteer Opportunities
NYC Bird Alliance could not be successful in carrying out its mission of protecting the wild birds and habitats of New York City without the help of its corps of brilliant community scientists and dedicated volunteers. See how you can help make a difference for the City's birds. No expertise required!
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Guide Alyssa Bueno leading an outing at Madison Square Park. Photo: Emily Dickinson
Birding Guides and Educators
NYC Bird Alliance employs a friendly and knowledgeable group of naturalists and educators to help New Yorkers discover the city's wildlife and natural areas. Learn about the people who lead our trips, outings, and classes.
Photo: Luke Franke / Audubon
Birding Resources
Want to discover the City's natural areas and bird life on your own? Find in-depth birding profiles of over 100 New York City parks, beginners' birding tips, and more in our comprehensive Birding Resources section.
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