The Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG) is a true haven for birdwatchers, boasting a diverse array of bird species that can be spotted throughout the year. From majestic raptors to vibrant songbirds, the garden’s lush landscapes and diverse habitats provide the perfect setting for avian enthusiasts to indulge their passion.
Types of Birds Found in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is home to a wide variety of bird species, each with its own unique characteristics and behaviors. Let’s explore the different types of birds you can expect to see during your visit:
Waterfowl
The Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, the Water Garden, and the Native Flora Garden are prime spots to spot herons, egrets, cormorants, kingfishers, and mallards. These aquatic birds thrive in the garden’s tranquil waterways and wetland areas.
Raptors
Keep an eye out for the impressive presence of red-tailed hawks, peregrines, and Cooper’s hawks soaring overhead or perching in the garden’s tall trees. These majestic birds of prey are frequent visitors to the BBG.
Songbirds
During the spring and fall migrations, the garden comes alive with the vibrant colors and melodious songs of warblers, cardinals, robins, sparrows, and other songbird species. These feathered friends can be spotted flitting through the trees and shrubs.
Woodpeckers
The Native Flora Garden is a prime location to observe the industrious work of red-bellied woodpeckers, yellow-bellied sapsuckers, and northern flickers as they drill into the trees, searching for food and creating nesting cavities.
Other Avian Residents
In addition to the species mentioned above, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is home to a diverse array of other birds, including the eastern phoebe, European starling, gray catbird, great horned owl, house finch, house wren, laughing gull, mallard duck, monk parakeet, mourning dove, northern cardinal, northern flicker, northern gannet, northern mockingbird, osprey, pine warbler, red-winged blackbird, ruby-throated hummingbird, spotted sandpiper, tree swallow, tufted titmouse, and white-breasted nuthatch.
Best Times to Spot Specific Bird Species
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden offers birdwatchers the opportunity to observe a variety of species throughout the year, with certain times being more favorable for specific bird sightings.
Spring Migration
From late March to early May, the garden is a prime destination for spotting flycatchers, cuckoos, warblers, tanagers, orioles, grosbeaks, and other migratory species as they make their way north.
Fall Migration
Similar species can be observed during the fall migration, which typically occurs from late August to early November, as the birds make their way back south.
Winter
During the winter months, from December to February, the garden is a haven for waterfowl, raptors, and some hardy songbird species.
Nesting Season
The summer months are an excellent time to observe nesting behavior, with species such as herons, wood ducks, great horned owls, and red-tailed hawks making their homes in the garden’s lush vegetation and tall trees.
Guided Bird Walks and Tours
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden offers several opportunities for birdwatchers to enhance their experience and learn more about the avian residents of the garden.
Weekend Birding Tours
The garden hosts free, hour-long birding tours led by guest experts on weekends. These tours focus on the resident and visiting bird species, providing valuable insights and opportunities for observation.
Special Events
The garden occasionally hosts special events, such as the “For the Birds” exhibition and program series, which include birding tours and other activities catered to the interests of avian enthusiasts.
NYC Bird Alliance Trips
The NYC Bird Alliance, a local organization, leads occasional trips to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, offering guided bird walks and other resources for birders.
Additional Resources
To further enhance your birdwatching experience at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, consider exploring the following resources:
- Birds of Brooklyn Series: The garden’s website features a series of articles delving into the most familiar and fascinating bird species found in Kings County.
- eBird Hotspot Records: Check the eBird website to view recent bird sightings, species bar charts, and other valuable information to plan your visit and learn about migration patterns.
- Brooklyn Bird Club: This private nonprofit organization offers frequent bird walks, a checklist and map for birdwatchers, and other resources to help you make the most of your birding adventures in the garden.
By combining these resources and visiting the Brooklyn Botanic Garden during the optimal times, you can embark on a truly rewarding birdwatching experience and immerse yourself in the avian wonders that call this urban oasis home.
References:
- Brooklyn Botanic Garden. (n.d.). Birds of Brooklyn. Retrieved from https://www.bbg.org/gardening/birds_of_brooklyn/P12
- Brooklyn Botanic Garden. (n.d.). Weekend Birding Tours. Retrieved from https://www.bbg.org/visit/event/weekend_birding_tours
- Brooklyn Botanic Garden. (n.d.). Birds and Other Wildlife at the Garden. Retrieved from https://www.bbg.org/visit/birds_and_other_wildlife_at_the_garden
- Brooklyn Botanic Garden. (n.d.). For the Birds. Retrieved from https://www.bbg.org/forthebirds
- NYC Bird Alliance. (n.d.). Prospect Park and Brooklyn Botanic Garden Birding. Retrieved from https://nycbirdalliance.org/events-birding/birding-resources/birding-in-nyc/birding-in-brooklyn/prospect-park-and-brooklyn-botanic-garden