Birdwatching in New York City and on Long Island - 2nd Edition by Deborah Rivel & Kellye Rosenheim (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A new, updated edition of a beloved guide helps birders spot and identify the hundreds of species that inhabit America's largest metropolitan area.

Over five hundred species of birds can be seen in New York City's five boroughs and on Long Island, one of the most densely populated and urbanized regions in North America, which also happens to be situated directly on the Atlantic Flyway. In this fragmented environment where resources are scarce, birds congregate in small spaces--Central Park alone attracts over 225 species of birds (not to mention birders from around the world who flock to the park during spring and fall migration). Beyond Central Park, the five boroughs and Long Island boast numerous wildlife refuges of extraordinary scenic beauty where resident and migratory birds inhabit forests, wetlands, grasslands, and beaches. These places present a unique opportunity to see a wide array of songbirds, endangered nesting shorebirds, raptors, and an unprecedented number and variety of waterfowl.

The fully updated edition of this easy-to-use guide provides year-round information for both popular birding sites as well as those off the beaten path. Precise directions to the best viewing locations within the region's diverse habitats enable birdwatchers to explore urban and wild birding hot spots. Including the latest information on the seasonal status and distribution of more than four hundred species, and featuring thirty-nine maps and over fifty photographs, this full-color guide offers information essential to locals and visitors alike. This is the go-to book for both longtime birders and those exploring the area for the first time.

Review Quotes

"As I've long been an advocate of obtaining the most localized species guides and site guides to any area in which one seeks to undertake naturalist activities, I am in awe of the scope and level of detail that the authors have included in this new edition. . . . So if you're a birdwatcher living in the New York City of Long Island area, or one who is planning a visit there (and bringing your binocular, of course), Birdwatching in New York City and on Long Island is a book that you should indeed consider adding to your reading list."-- "The Well-Read Naturalist"

"From devoted 'listers' to the more relaxed nature-lovers for whom birding is a peaceful practice . . . and of course the family members who get lovingly dragged along . . . our two authors feature the best birding locations for everyone. But I think (there is) a fourth category that will certainly cherish this book more than the others: those who bird to explore new places." -- "NYC Bird Alliance"

"A must-have for anyone birding in New York City and/or Long Island!"-- "The Birdbooker Report"

"A practical guide to finding birds, full of insider info. All my favorite NYC birding haunts and some soon-to-be-discovered ones are described in glorious detail. A must for every NYC-area birder--local and visitor alike."--Victor Emanuel, founder of Victor Emanuel Nature Tours

"Chatty, informative, precise, enthusiastic, and the soul of practicality--in other words, this is exactly what you want in a wise and experienced birding companion. Rivel and Rosenheim share not only the best hot spots but the best vantage points, times of day for photography, whether a scope will help or get you cussed at by joggers, where to eat, where to find a bathroom, how to navigate public transportation, and even suggestions for what else to do when you're finally done birding. Easily one of the best--maybe the best--regional birding guides anywhere."--Scott Weidensaul, author of Peterson Reference Guide to Owls of North America and the Caribbean

"Into birding? Know 400 species populate NYC. Wait. There's even cedar waxwings and great crested flycatchers. Plus we got us chestnut-sided warblers and merlins. See an American redstart. A black skimmer. A Wilson's warbler. Visit my terrace and mix with my nesting mourning dove family. Better yet, read Birdwatching in New York City and on Long Island by Deborah Rivel and Kellye Rosenheim."-- "New York Post"

"Phenomenally well done, beautifully organized, and packed with useful information. From now on, I'll be using this book every time I visit New York."--Kenn Kaufman, author of the Kaufman Field Guides

About the Author

Deborah Rivel is an award-winning wildlife filmmaker, author, and media executive. In 2020, she launched the Strathmere Piping Plover Project, a volunteer initiative protecting endangered beach-nesting birds in New Jersey. Active on various nonprofit boards, including Friends of BirdLife International and Audubon New York, Rivel is also on the BirdLife International Advisory Group and supports avian cognitive research through The Alex Foundation. Kellye Rosenheim leads bird walks in New York City and works at BirdLife International. She has worked for the NYC Bird Alliance (previously known as the New York City Audubon Society) where she edited Las Aves de la Ciudad de Nueva York / The Birds of New York City by Adam Moreno.