The door through which many enter wildlife observation is Bird Watching, or “Birding”, and few places in the world rival New York City. Thanks to its position on the Atlantic Flyway, more than 350 species can be observed in the 5 boroughs. From the mighty Bald Eagle to the tiny Ruby-throated Hummingbird, the size and shape of New York’s avian population will surprise and delight

But it’s not all sunshine and roses. The birds living and traveling through the Big Apple faces some deadly challenges. Glass skyscrapers stop migrating warblers dead in their tracks. Rodenticide poisons the young Raptors trying to become the next New York Icon. And habitat loss affects birds here even more keenly than the global population. If you love birds, there’s no better time to get involved in their protection. From lights out initiatives, to bird safe glass, to native plantings— there’s a lot we can do to help out our feathered friends.

Click the images below to start exploring.