For over 40 years, NYC Bird Alliance's conservation programs have studied and advocated on behalf of the City's wild birds. Working with a network of volunteers and scientists as part of programs such as Project Safe Flight collisions monitoring and Waterbirds of New York Harbor, we protect birds and preserve their habitat, from marshlands and nesting islands for herons and egrets to woodland park areas so important to migrating and nesting species.

We believe the best way to create the next generation of conservationists is to instill a love of birding in them. To do that, we conduct over 300 education programs a year, including bird outings at local birding hotspots across the five boroughs, a lecture series, classes, community-science opportunities, seasonal bird surveys, and volunteer events.

Since our founding, we've engaged in advocacy work in all five boroughs to speak up for our birds and their habitats. In 1978, a cadre of regular Central Park bird watchers successfully opposed a Central Park Conservancy plan to “restore” the Ramble through changes such as tree removal. These fledgling activists soon founded NYC Bird Alliance and launched 40 years of dedicated advocacy for habitat preservation and protection for birds.

SATURDAY, JULY 25
5 EVENTS
City of Water Day is a region-wide day of free, family-friendly events celebrating our New York and New Jersey Harbor and waterways. Join us across the boroughs!

TUESDAY, JULY 28, 6PM
FREE
Join us for an evening with Senior Manager of Green Infrastructure Myles Davis to explore how small urban green spaces like Jefferson Market Garden are vital stops along one of the largest bird migration routes in the Americas. Discover how this green corner of the West Village supports migratory and sensitive bird species, and learn about the critical role community gardens can play in creating habitat in the heart of New York City.

Lecture sponsored by Jefferson Market Garden. 

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13
AT TRIBECA 360
Join us at the 2026 Fall Roost gala as we honor Google and Dr. Eric W. Sanderson for their leadership in advancing urban biodiversity in New York City. Proceeds from the Roost provide critical operating funds to support NYC Bird Alliance's mission to protect birds and their habitats. Buy your ticket today.

Over 100 of the nearly 500 bird species that depend on New York City are of conservation concern. NYC Bird Alliance’s conservation programs research the dangers facing the birds that live in and migrate through New York City, engage our dedicated grassroots network of community scientists and volunteers, and provide innovative solutions that help birds. 

For 45 years, NYC Bird Alliance's conservation programs have studied and advocated on behalf of the City's wild birds. NYC Bird Alliance, working with a network of volunteers and scientists, has fought to preserve all bird habitat, from marshlands and nesting islands for herons and egrets to woodland park areas so important to migrating and nesting species.

The greatest global threat to birds is habitat loss and degradation. New York City, the most densely populated major city in the United States, is nevertheless traced by a vast network of viable bird habitat: 30,000 acres of forests, grasslands, wetlands, and islands, and 578 miles of waterfront. Nearly 500 bird species  depend on this habitat during the year. 

NYC Bird Alliance has a 40-year history of protecting the wading birds, shorebirds, and waterfowl that depend on New York City’s wetland and coastal habitats. Our rich and recovering harbor is home to an incredible diversity of these waterbirds: wild islands host nesting egrets, herons, and ibis, while sandy beaches and marshes provide both breeding and migratory foraging grounds for endangered waterbirds like terns, skimmers, and sandpipers.