raptor photo
Well-known member
I have a trip to New York coming up, anybody have good locations for birds or mammals within 3 hours of NYC? Thanks! We will already be going to Central Park.
New York Photography
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I would take a look at www.ebird.org. That is my go-to for identifying photographic hot spots when I travel somewhere new.
VinnyH
Active member
There are a lot of small bird sanctuary areas in Westchester County just north of NYC. Dare I say the Bronx Zoo is one of the better zoos in the country and a great place to, at least, practice some of ypur photo skills. No tripods allowed but monopods are fine.
Vinny
Vinny
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Maljo
Well-known member
Nickerson Beach
raptor photo
Well-known member
What do I take photos of there? What animal?
raptor photo
Well-known member
Are there any alternatives to Nickerson beach with similar nesting species closer to NYC?
Amata
New member
Exploring the bird sanctuaries in Westchester County offers peaceful encounters with nature. The Bronx Zoo indeed stands out as a top-notch destination for both animal lovers and aspiring photographers, offering ample opportunities for skill development. Insta Pro Apk Download
Edmund Forsythe Preserve for birding. 3 hr drive, but sensational birding site
www.fws.gov
Or Jamaica Bay Refuge in Brooklyn/Queens
Try to time the semi annual bird migration in either locale
Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge
Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge protects more than 48,000 acres of southern New Jersey coastal habitats. More than 82 percent of Forsythe refuge is wetlands, of which 78 percent is salt marsh, interspersed with shallow coves and bays. The refuge’s location in one of the Atlantic...
Or Jamaica Bay Refuge in Brooklyn/Queens
Try to time the semi annual bird migration in either locale
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What about the New York City street pigeons? They are everywhere!!!!
For what it's worth I used to live in New York City a long time ago. Most New Yorkers have love/hate relationship with the City's crowded condition.
Now I live on the other side of the continent in the Pacific Northwest. Of course it is starting to get crowded out here since everyone wants to move here.
You people need to understand it rains all the time out here, There is no sunshine ever and everyone who stands still for more than ten minutes gets moss growth on their north side.
Miserable place, everyone is depressed all the time and has to drink too much coffee to stay awake.
You don't want to come here you will hate it.
For what it's worth I used to live in New York City a long time ago. Most New Yorkers have love/hate relationship with the City's crowded condition.
Now I live on the other side of the continent in the Pacific Northwest. Of course it is starting to get crowded out here since everyone wants to move here.
You people need to understand it rains all the time out here, There is no sunshine ever and everyone who stands still for more than ten minutes gets moss growth on their north side.
Miserable place, everyone is depressed all the time and has to drink too much coffee to stay awake.
You don't want to come here you will hate it.
Someone above suggested Nickerson Beach, it has nesting Oystercatchers and Black Skimmers all summer long. Also Central Park (as you mentioned already) is pretty darn good for birds!
ricardo00
Well-known member
Are you looking for only wildlife in the wild? There is the wolf conservation center about 2 hours from NYC (they have photographic sessions):
nywolf.org
Wolf Conservation Center
The Wolf Conservation Center teaches people about wolves, their relationship to the environment and the human role in protecting their future.
nywolf.org
You didn't say what month--it makes a difference. From mid-June through mid-July Nickerson beach is tops for nesting Common and Least Terns and Piping Plovers (along with the Oystercatchers and Skimmers George mentioned above.) In May just about anywhere for spring migration warblers etc.; Central Park but Prospect Park in Brooklyn is even better (I'm biased perhaps as I live there.) Also Jamaica Bay Wildlife Sanctuary for warblers and other migrants. And then again in August Jamaica Bay (East Pond) is good for migrating shorebirds.
Woody Meristem
Well-known member
Before I went to college and escaped NYC I birded in the best places in and around the city. Both Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge and Jones Beach State Park for birds and the JFK Wildlife Sanctuary just east of Jones Beach. Jones Beach and JFK have both open ocean and bay sides, on the open ocean you may get seals and marine mammals as well. You didn't say when you're going, but it's best to skip Jones Beach in summer (hordes of people).
rgbiv
New member
Central Park itself is quite large with a variety of different hotspots. Migration season is the best with the North Woods/Loch/Pool area particularly productive. The Ramble is another area that can have lots of migrants. It starts to get more quiet in June when the beaches become better bets.
Oh thank you for this! It's about 90 minutes from me but I've been looking for a solid place I can drive and walk around and see different birds. I'm new to the East Coast, when would be a good time for a first visit?
Best times are the semi annual migrations (generally may/June and Sept/Oct, but varies based on weather) but there are ALWAYS critters and birds plentiful. Winter is a great time to visit. Suggest you check the website or local Audubon websites for more detail. It’s a great birding locale! Adjacent to Atlantic City if you want to spend evenings in casino hotels.
Edit - just noticed you’re in Philadelphia area. Another great winter locale to shoot bald eagles is at the junction of PA, NJ & NY. https://www.nps.gov/upde/index.htm
OR, in the other direction, Conowingo Dam in Maryland. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attract...eviews-Conowingo_Dam-Darlington_Maryland.html
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Highly recommend Edwin B Forsythe refuge, especially this time of year. Several active osprey nest within shooting range. Also an Eagles nest. Tons of egrets and herons as well as several species of warblers.Edmund Forsythe Preserve for birding. 3 hr drive, but sensational birding site
Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge
Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge protects more than 48,000 acres of southern New Jersey coastal habitats. More than 82 percent of Forsythe refuge is wetlands, of which 78 percent is salt marsh, interspersed with shallow coves and bays. The refuge’s location in one of the Atlantic...
Or Jamaica Bay Refuge in Brooklyn/Queens
Try to time the semi annual bird migration in either locale
Erik, right now is a good time. Several active osprey nest, and one eagles nest. Also will see harriers, egrets and herons as well as several species of warblers. I alway make a stop at Gull pond first before entering the loop. It an eight mile loop which gets you within shooting distance to everything. Also many walking trails. If you check my gallery , almost all of the shots taken from March to July come from there.
Here is a map: https://www.fws.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Refuge_HQ_Map.pdf
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Excellent place to shoot. I lived 20 minutes from there and visited often. If you want to see a few of my pics, pm me.Are you looking for only wildlife in the wild? There is the wolf conservation center about 2 hours from NYC (they have photographic sessions):
Wolf Conservation Center
The Wolf Conservation Center teaches people about wolves, their relationship to the environment and the human role in protecting their future.
Couple of quick notes - wolves shed winter coats this time of year and they are pretty ratty looking without the thick fur. Best visited during winter months for photography purposes.
And - it’s closer than 2 hr drive from midtown Manhattan unless you go during rush hour. One can take a 1 hr commuter train ride from Grand Central to Katonah, NY and short Uber ride to wolf center.