Discovering Wildlife Beyond Central Park
Living in New York City, I’ve come to appreciate how much green space this bustling city actually holds—over 2,300 parks and recreational areas tucked between the streets and skyline. With more than 8 million people on the move, it can feel impossible to find a moment of quiet. But time and again, I’ve discovered that nature is still here—just waiting for us to notice it. Among these places are what I call ‘NYC Underrated Birding Spots’—unexpected corners of the city where birds thrive and stories unfold.
As a wildlife photographer living in NYC, I’ve spent years exploring the city’s green spaces—both the famous and the forgotten. Central Park will always be my home base, but I often feel the pull to explore something new. Over time, I’ve come to rely on a handful of underrated birding spots that never disappoint. These places are rich in wildlife, full of surprises, and a bit off the radar.
Here are five of my favorite NYC birding locations—beyond Central Park.
1. Green-Wood Cemetery: History, Architecture, and Avian Gems in Brooklyn
Founded in 1838, Green-Wood Cemetery was one of the first rural cemeteries in the United States. Spanning 478 acres, it was designed not only as a burial ground but as a peaceful retreat—an early model of combining nature, art, and remembrance. Today, it remains one of Brooklyn’s most tranquil and fascinating places to bird.
Green-Wood is a National Historic Landmark and part of the Civil War Discovery Trail. It played a role in the Revolutionary War as the site of the Battle of Brooklyn (also known as the Battle of Long Island) in 1776. The cemetery’s landscape is dotted with rolling hills, stunning mausoleums, and an incredible variety of statuary and monuments representing multiple architectural styles and eras.
Since the 1970s, a group of Argentine Monk Parrots has famously nested in the Gothic-style entrance gates—a surprising and delightful feature of this historic site.
The grounds also include many miles of paved roads and winding footpaths that make exploring easy and rewarding. Originally designed with scenic drives in mind, the cemetery’s internal road system dates to the 1800s and allows for a leisurely pace, whether you’re on foot or in a car.
Green-Wood is also home to several natural spring-fed ponds—historically known as Sylvan Water, Green-Isle Water, and Arbor Water—which draw in an incredible range of birds. These quiet water features are hotspots for sightings of Great Blue Herons, Great Egrets, Green Herons, and Belted Kingfishers, especially during migration.
Whether you’re scanning the ponds or getting lost in the tranquility of its winding roads, every turn in Green-Wood offers a unique blend of history, architecture, and wildlife. Two of my 1000-piece traditional puzzles—the Red-tailed Hawk Puzzle and the White-eyed Vireo Puzzle—feature birds I photographed right here in Green-Wood Cemetery. These images capture not just the species, but the serene and historic setting that makes this location so special.. It’s a place where I’ve spent full days without realizing the time, completely immersed in the moment—and it’s never the same twice.
2. Inwood Hill Park: Where Old Forests Still Shelter Migrants
Nestled in Upper Manhattan, Inwood Hill Park is one of the last places in NYC where original forest still stands. This 196-acre park offers a glimpse of what the island looked like before development.
Sitting on a ridge above the Hudson River, the park features a mix of old-growth forest, salt marsh, and meadows. I’ve spotted Great Horned Owls, Screech Owls, Red-tailed Hawks, Vultures, and a wide range of warblers. One sunny day this spring, I watched a Screech Owl poke its head out of a tree cavity, eyes wide open in the afternoon light—an unforgettable moment.
Inwood is great year-round, but during migration, it becomes something special. Whether you’re in the deep woods or by the river, there’s always a quiet pocket to explore.
3. Randall’s Island: Shorelines, Grasslands, and Unexpected Visitors
Randall’s Island is one of the most overlooked birding spots in New York City—but it’s full of surprises. Located in the East River between Manhattan, Queens, and the Bronx, it was once two separate islands—Randall’s and Wards—that were later merged into one. Today, the island spans over 480 acres and features more than 60 sports fields, making it one of the city’s largest recreational landscapes.
While most visitors come for athletics or concerts, birders know there’s much more to discover. The island’s shoreline offers sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline and excellent opportunities to spot wildlife. Wading birds like Great Blue Herons, Egrets, and Spotted Sandpipers are regulars along the water’s edge. Meanwhile, the flat fields and isolated groves attract a variety of sparrows, flycatchers, and other migrants.
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One of my most memorable sightings here was a Fork-tailed Flycatcher perched and hunting in an overgrown, abandoned driving range—tall grasses, quiet surroundings, and soft afternoon light made it a dream setting for photography. And even more unexpectedly, I once photographed a Black-chinned Hummingbird, a rare western visitor, feeding from a small patch of flowers nearby.
Randall’s Island also features an urban farm, and an evolving marshland restoration area that has improved habitat for both birds and pollinators. It’s easy to access—via pedestrian bridges from Manhattan or by bus—and never feels overcrowded. Whether you’re birding along the shoreline or exploring its quieter corners, Randall’s Island delivers unexpected magic in the middle of the city.
4. Bryant Park: A Midtown Migration Magnet in Miniature
Yes, that Bryant Park—nestled between Fifth and Sixth Avenue in Midtown—is a surprising gem for birders. At just 9.6 acres, it’s tiny compared to other city parks, and it’s almost always full of people. Office workers on lunch break, tourists grabbing coffee, readers lounging in chairs—this is not a quiet corner of New York. And yet, it regularly produces fantastic bird sightings.
I’m always amazed by what turns up here. During migration, I’ve seen Common Yellowthroats, American Woodcocks, and even a Yellow-breasted Chat darting between flower beds and park benches. The birds seem completely unfazed by the constant flow of people, which makes for some great photographic opportunities. I once captured a Yellow-breasted Chat perched calmly on one of the Bryant Park chairs, the park name stamped right beneath its feet.
Also worth mentioning Bryant Park has one of the nicest and cleanest public bathrooms in the entire city. Seriously. It’s not only a great birding spot, but one of the most comfortable urban locations to spend time in, especially if you’re hopping between sites in Midtown.
If you’re short on time or just want a lunchtime birding break, Bryant Park is a reliable and rewarding choice. One of my most popular products—a 1000-piece traditional puzzle—features a Virginia Rail I photographed right here among the flower beds and café tables.
5. Riverside Park: Hudson River Flyways and Monumental Moments
Running along the Hudson River from 59th Street all the way up to 158th, Riverside Park is a long, narrow ribbon of green that winds its way up Manhattan’s West Side. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and later expanded, the park blends natural beauty, recreation, and history across its roughly four-mile stretch.
The park’s riverside location means you can spot ducks, cormorants, and herons along the shoreline, while the trees and grassy areas attract warblers and songbirds during migration. I’ve even photographed a Bald Eagle perched in a tree above the park—a powerful moment that now appears in my NYC wildlife photography prints collection and on a ceramic coaster available in my shop, perfect for bringing a bit of Riverside’s wild spirit into your space.
Riverside Park is also rich in history. It’s home to several significant monuments, including Grant’s Tomb and the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument. At Grant’s Tomb, I’ve documented a nesting pair of Red-tailed Hawks—capturing both the adults tending the nest and, later, the fledglings as they began to explore the world. Moments like these are what make this park so memorable.
Whether you’re seeking a quiet birding moment or a beautiful place to unwind, Riverside Park offers plenty—often with far fewer people than Central Park just a few blocks east.
Final Thoughts: The Wild is Closer Than You Think – Underrated NYC Birding Spots
These are just five of the many places I bird in New York City—outside of my home base, Central Park. Each offers its own rhythm, surprises, and sense of place. And I’m far from finished exploring. In future blog posts, I look forward to diving into even more green spaces across the city—some hidden in plain sight, others tucked away and waiting to be discovered. From tucked-away corners of Queens to under-birded spots in the Bronx, there are still so many underrated NYC birding locations to highlight, each with its own story.
It just goes to show there’s always more to share, more to see, and more to learn.
Through my photography, I aim to bring these locations—and the wildlife that inhabit them—into your view, your home, and your office. Discover NYC’s wildlife through my photography—shop prints, note cards, coasters, puzzles & more at DennisNewsham.com.
Discover NYC’s wildlife through my photography—shop prints, puzzles, coasters & more at DennisNewsham.com.
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