Spring Warbler Migration in New York City Celebration!
The Black-throated Blue Warbler winters in Central America and the Caribbean, and arrives to rest and “refuel” in Central Park in springtime on its way to breeding grounds in the north. Image: ©Paul Reeves
Celebrating the Spring Warbler Migration in New York City
7 Days - 6 Nights
May 05 - 11, 2027
$ 6338.00 PP ex-flights, Double occupancy
745.00 Single suppliment
Join us for spring migration in New York City!
Discover New York’s “wild” side and see why bird lovers worldwide flock to New York City’s Central Park for the Spring Warbler (and others!) Migration!
10% of your ticket cost is a tax-deductible donation in your name to a U.S. 501(c)(3) bird conservation organization to be named.
The Highlights
In Spring, Manhattan’s Central Park is ablaze with color, both from its lush flowering trees and the migrating birds flitting among them. Image: ©John Anderson
New York City’s Parks are Urban Oases for Atlantic Flyway Migrators!
Cape May Warbler rests in Central Park’s flowering trees. Image: Gerry Griffiths
Concrete canyons, skyscrapers, loud traffic noise, and distracted humans all running to … something. That is the movie version of New York City - but the reality is so much richer. Nature is humming here - and full of nature.
The city’s five boroughs sit directly on the path of the Atlantic Flyway - and at the top of the Northeast’s industrial corridor. Our parks are vital resting and refueling stations for hundreds of thousands of migrating birds, making for some of the nation’s best bird (and people) watching.
New York’s Protected Spaces
Each of New York’s five boroughs has protected (and cherished) parklands that provide habitat for birds and a quiet escape for people. We will visit special places in at least three of New York City’s boroughs, seeking out our beautiful visitors and residents.
✓ The Borough of Manhattan: Central Park is an 843-acre green oasis, an island of serenity nestled in the middle of our (sometimes frenetic) island of skyscrapers. Start at Strawberry Fields and explore all of the Park’s unique makeup of forests, grasslands, wetlands, and manicured gardens.
Bonus: Central Park’s wildlife also includes raccoons, grey squirrels, chipmunks, bats, and … coyotes. Will we see Romeo and Juliet? You never know.
This little Black and White Warbler may have arrived from as far away as Colombia or Ecuador! He may be headed as far as Canada’s Northwest Territories! Image: ©Gerry Griffiths, Avian Adventures
✓ The Borough of Queens: Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. The Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge includes over 12,600 acres of water, saltmarshes, freshwater and brackish water ponds, upland fields and woods, and open bay and islands. It is one of the largest bird habitats in the northeastern United States and is a great place to observe the seasonal bird migration as well as resident species - and is a conservation miracle!
We will look for migrating songbirds and (early) shorebirds, as well as raptors, against the City’s famous skyline. And don't forget the horseshoe crabs!
✓ The Borough of Brooklyn: Green-Wood Cemetery. A cemetery?? Yes! Founded in 1838, the Green-Wood Cemetery is a National Historic Landmark and so famous for birders that you can pick up a bird list at the gate or book a bird guide! Over 163 species, including warblers and other songbirds, are drawn to its Arboretum’s ancient trees, glacial ponds, grasslands, and gardens, but the Monk parrots like its Gothic architecture!
✓ As the sun slowly sets, watch the city lights come on from the water with an evening Harbor Cruise.
Join us to experience the magic of New York City’s Spring Migration; it is unforgettable.
Read More about Spring in New York City:
The Best Place in New York City to See Warblers
Detailed Itinerary
Your Itinerary for “Spring Migration in New York City”
Spring birders in Central Park spot something exciting! Image: ©Nick Woodward Don’t be surprised if a passerby stops to see what the excitement is all about. Image: ©Nick Woodward
Yellow-Rumped Warbler in Central Park, he may have wintered as far away as Panama or northeastern Colombia. Image ©Gerry Griffiths
Arrival Day! (Wednesday, May 05 2027)
Welcome to New York City!
Welcome to Manhattan - a center of arts and culture, and as you will discover this week, a vibrant hub of resident and migrating birds! Settle into the Art House Hotel, conveniently located on Broadway in Manhattan’s exciting Upper West Side, just 2 blocks from Central Park.
Arriving early? Stash your bags and take a stroll down Broadway, explore the neighborhood, relax in a cafe with a coffee or glass of wine; New York is the best place on Earth for people-watching, too. Or check out Lincoln Center, or the American Museum of Natural History located just two blocks east at the Park. Inspired by the Art House? The Met is just across the park on the East side.
At 5:00 pm, we will meet in the lobby and walk to our welcome dinner.
Meals: Welcome dinner
Accommodation: The Arthouse Hotel
Day 2 - 3: (Thursday and Friday, May 06 and 07 2027)
Explore Central Park!
Over the next two days, you will discover why birders from across the globe flock to Central Park for the Spring Migration! Together with your guide, Alan Drogan, a long-time birder and member of the New York Linnean Society, and your leader, Kristen Cooney, an avid birder and conservationist, we will seek out resident and migrant species in such storied areas as The Ramble, The Pond, the North Woods, Strawberry Fields, Summit Rock, and more! Each area of the Park attracts different species.
Target Species: Central Park is a vital stop for migrating warblers, including Hooded, Black-throated Green, Black-throated Blue, Yellow, Common Yellow-throat, Black and White, Magnolia, and Palm warbler, Blackburnian and Towhee, Warbling Vireo, Baltimore Oriole, Swainson’s and Hermit thrush, Northern Waterthrush, Ovenbird, Summer Tanager and Ruby-Crowned Kinglet, woodpeckers, hawks and others.
After lunch, it’s time to rest because…
Thursday Evening (May 06): This evening we will meet for an early dinner and an evening stroll in the Park.
Friday: After our morning in the Park and a delicious lunch, you have the rest of the day free to explore the city, or join me at the Explorers Club for an evening of conversation. We never know who we will meet there.
Meals:
Thursday: B, L, and D
Friday: B and L. Dinner is on your own.
Accommodation: The Arthouse Hotel
Another Central American migrant, this Tree Swallow was captured in Jamaica Bay where they breed. Image: ©Sakernas
Baltimore Oriole taking a dip in one of Central Park’s water features. We welcome them from their wintering grounds as far as Venezuela and Colombia. Image: ©Michael Woodruff
Day 4: (Saturday, May 08, 2027)
Brooklyn’s Famous Green-Wood Cemetery and Sundown Cruise
We will start the day early with coffee at the hotel, then we head to the subway for our ride to Brooklyn.
Green-Wood Cemetery is a favorite of birders and nature lovers alike - in fact, so many people go seeking birds there, including a few rarely seen in New York (Monk Parrots!), that they actually run birding tours! More than 270 avian species, including 185+ migrants, have been recorded here.
Green-Wood is a world-renowned arboretum featuring a dynamic living collection of trees and shrubs. Some of Green-Wood’s oldest specimens predate the Cemetery’s founding in 1838, and the collection continues to grow—each new planting is selected for its climate adaptiveness, wildlife value, enhancement of the beauty of the landscape, and resilience. Every year Green-Wood’s living collection is responsible for sequestering 264,000 lbs. of carbon dioxide, removing 12,000 lbs. of pollution from the air we breathe, and mitigating 2,620,000 gallons of stormwater from overwhelming Brooklyn’s sewage system.
Target Birds: Monk Parrot, Cape May, Nashville, Hooded, Prothonotary, and Chestnut-sided warbler, Scarlet tanager, Spotted Sandpiper.
We will head back to Manhattan on the subway after lunch. Make sure to rest after our morning’s adventure because tonight we have a special treat.
The evening will begin with a trip downtown and dinner at The Landmark. Built in 1868, it is one of New York City's oldest pub/restaurants. Afterward, we will watch the sunset on New York’s iconic skyline from the water. We will enjoy the iconic Circle Line with a river cruise to Lady Liberty herself, past Ellis Island, the South Street Seaport, the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges, and more.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: The Arthouse Hotel
Day 5: (Sunday May 09, 2017, )
Jamaica Bay National Wildlife Refuge
After an early light breakfast, we will head back to the subway for our ride to Jamaica Bay National Wildlife Refuge (part of Gateway National Recreation Area) in Queens, a 9,000-acre urban wetland and miracle of conservation. Over 330 bird species have been recorded here, as well as Horseshoe Crabs, Diamondback terrapins, and numerous small mammals including Red fox, Muskrats, and the occasional Harbor Seal.
Rare and shy, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is one of the few places to spot L’Hoest’s Monkeys. Will we be lucky? Image: ©Martin Mecnarowski
Target Species: Black-crowned Night Heron, Eastern Towhee, Scarlet Tanager, Flycatchers, cuckoos, warblers (Blackburnian, Yellow-rumped, Magnolia,) Tree swallows, American Goldfinches
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: The Arthouse Hotel
Day 6 (Monday, May xx, 2026)
Central Park Reduex
Farewell Dinner
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: The Arthouse Hotel
Day 7: July 24, 2026
After an early breakfast, we check out of the hotel, then, perhaps head to the park for one final look before we head home filled with
Meals: Breakfast
The Hooded Warbler, a much sought-after favorite of one of our favorite Central Park birders, my dear friend, Elise Boeger. Image: ©Pnaturephotography.
Accommodations
Our Accommodations
The Arthouse Hotel
Located on Broadway at West 77th St, in the heart of the Upper West Side, the Arthouse Hotel puts you steps away from Central Park, cultural landmarks, and everything New York City has to offer. The centuries-old (freshly renovated) hotel combines vintage charm with a hip, artsy vibe. Step into the timeless yet cozy lobby, where custom artwork, the original antique fireplace, and a 1920s French elevator system marry comfort with cutting-edge design, sophisticated style, and whimsical fun.
At the Arthouse Hotel, you are within walking distance of NYC icons including Central Park, Lincoln Center, the Museum of Natural History, and numerous city subways and buses, while still in a quiet escape from Manhattan's hustle and bustle.
What to Expect & Packing List
What to Expect on Our New York City Migration Experience
The view from the Jacquelin Kennedy Onassis Reservoir in Central Park underscores the importance of the park for the birds (and the people!) Image: ©Nick Woodward
Included
Full-time Naturalist Leader
Local Birding Guide
Accommodation for 6 nights
6 Breakfasts, 5 lunches and 5 dinners
Metro cards for use during the week
Harbor Lights Sundown Cruise
All entry fees to parks or other included activities
Excluded
International & domestic transportation or parking fees
Dinner on Day 5
Laundry services and Items of a personal nature
Gratuities and tips
Other beverages/ drinks
Activities, transportation, or extras not mentioned in the itinerary above
Your Packing List for Our Celebration of Spring Migration in New York City
We believe in packing light and packing smart. This is our suggested packing list for an urban birding expedition! Questions? Give us a shout!
Is this Trip Right For Me?
Theme: Spring Migration in New York City
Trip Duration: 7 Nights / 7 Days
Trip Type: Birdwatching
Max: 9 guests + Destination: Wildlife Bird Specialist and local experienced birdwatching guides from the Linnean Society.
Service Level: Good
Activity level: Easy to Moderate. New York is a walking city. Expect to log 4 to 10+ miles a day on pavement and paths.
While in most of the US, cars are the only way to travel, cars (including taxis and Ubers) can be the worst choice in New York City. We will make extensive use of New York’s great (but older) subway system, the fastest, most reliable, and cost-effective way to travel. Expect multiple flights of stairs at every station.
Best For: Adults with some birding experience.
Age Requirements: 18+ years
The Blackburnian warbler is spring migration favorite! This beauty, captured in Central Park, may have flown from as far as Peru or Bolivia. Welcome weary traveler! Image: ©Ray Tripper
Travel Notes
► Activity Level: Easy. However, expect to log 4-10+ miles of walking per day, plus long periods of standing, and multiple flights of stairs.
► Weather and Temperature Changes: Average temperatures in Manhattan in May range from 69 F (Daytime) to 49F (Evenings)
Expect a 30% chance of rain.
► Health: It is always wise to keep current with immunizations, including flu. If you are arriving from abroad, please review: Passport Global Health
► Visa Requirement: No Visa or passport is generally necessary for US citizens traveling between states; however, a passport or other federal ID is required of US citizens flying or traveling by train. For Guests arriving from abroad: requirements for visitors entering from abroad are presently in flux; visitors should check Travel.State.Gov for more information
► Drinking water: New York water is among the top-rated in the US and tap water is readily available in all restaurants and the hotel. If you plan to use bottled water, please remember that single-use bottles are not allowed on the tour. Please bring a refillable personal container for daytime use.
► Single-Use Plastics: The policy at Destination: Wildlife is to Ban or Limit Single-Use Plastics on our tours, as possible. That includes beverage bottles, plastic bags, containers, single-use straws, etc. Clean drinking water is available at the hotel and all restaurants and cafes. Please bring your own refillable water container.
► Group Size: 9 guests maximum, including your host from Destination: Wildlife, and an experienced bird guide from the Lineanne Society.
► Packing: As always, pack as lightly as possible; we recommend one soft-sided bag plus your carry-on. A packing list will be provided.
► Recommended Equipment: binoculars, camera, short lens, long lens, personal, reusable water bottle or canteen, insect repellent, sunscreen, and hat. The paths are easy, but the days can be long, a walking stick can be useful.
► Travel insurance: ** Travel insurance is highly recommended ** for all travel. Ask us about the best policy for your needs.
Travel Insurance
For all of Destination: Wildlife’s tours, guests must have a minimum level of travel insurance coverage for medical emergencies. We highly recommend comprehensive travel protection for your tour. If you decide against Travel insurance, you must sign a waiver of release before departure. Travel insurance may cover cancellation due to illness, lost bags, missed flights, and other unexpected events. Please see our cancellation policy
Important note: Most travel insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions unless purchased within 14 days (of the initial deposit and 7 days for some carriers). A pre-existing condition can be anything from an allergy to a back problem to a heart issue. We highly recommend purchasing your travel insurance immediately after making a deposit. Also, if your job, business, or a family member's condition may cause you to cancel after your deposit, ask about specific plans to help protect your investment.
Please contact us if you need assistance.
Terms and Conditions
Your deposit holds your spot. We strongly recommend Travel Insurance.
Due to the nature of our tours, no refunds are available once a tour has started or for any package, accommodation, meals, or other services included. We understand that sometimes, even the most eagerly anticipated plans may need to be canceled. We strongly recommend that every traveler purchase travel insurance. Cancellation Policy.
Cancellation: More than 120 Days
Forfeiture of 10% of trip fees, including extensions, plus any specified donations to the sponsor, and any non-refundable train/airfare. *
Cancellation 120 to 90 Days
Forfeiture of 50% of trip fees, including extensions, plus any specified donations to the sponsor, and any non-refundable train/airfare.*
Cancellation 90 or Less
Forfeiture of 100% of trip fees, including extensions, plus any specified donations to the sponsor, and any non-refundable train/airfare.*
*Where another guest fills the space, a portion of your fees may be eligible for an additional partial refund, subject to Destination: Wildlife's sole and exclusive discretion.
Making a Difference
How Your Trip Makes A Difference
10% of your trip cost will be donated in your name to a 501(c)(3) organization working to conserve birds and their habitat.
Reviews
Reviews for Destination: Wildlife
Read more reviews for Destination: Wildlife’s Unforgettable Journeys that Do Good!
Sherri R, Minnesota
2026 Newfoundland Puffins, Palegics, and Whales
I rated the trip a 10. Absolutely loved it, and it's all my friends and family have heard about, so yes, I recommend it. Loved it and ready to go back to Newfoundland.
Niki B, New York State
2026 Newfoundland Puffins, Palegics, and Whales
I would/have definitely recommend this trip to friends! It was a ten for sure! Jared was a wonderful guide and Kristen was lovely and helpful in so many ways. They both brought incredible expertise to the group and gave so much of themselves…Thank you for your help and expertise! It was a great trip! I wish I was still there!
Conne H, New York State
2026 Newfoundland Puffins, Palegics and Whales!
Exceeded [expectations]. Jared was a fantastic guide - an amazing birder, botanist, and historian.
Liz G, New York State
Southern Spain Birding and Culture, 2025
The GBT [Grassland Bird Trust] trips are a sparkling jewel that lights up our year. Each day was totally different and totally wonderful. Nacho was amazing -full of knowledge, tireless, sensitive to individuals’ needs and skills. I constantly marveled at his vocabulary. He totally understood our humor, and I felt he liked our group a lot. I feel we get very personal attention with Destination Wildlife, and the group size is terrific.
Isabella, K, Illinois
Winter Wolf Watching and Learning in Yellowstone, 2025
On a scale of 1 to 10
10, I’ve already been bragging to everyone.
What was your favorite part of the trip?
..my heart’s/soul’s desire was to visually experience a Wolf in the wild, simply being Wolf, and this trip afforded me that.
Is there anything Destination: Wildlife could have done to improve your experience?
For me, the trip, as a whole, was perfect. From the L&C in Bozeman (best beds ever!!) and all points in between. I can find no fault. I must say, the people that made up the group, less included, were the best 💖 What a fortunate stroke of serendipity as a group’s makeup can easily make or break a trip.
Cara was magnificent, I couldn't imagine a better guide!! How fortunate we were! Exceeded expectations.
Roberta R., New York
Southern Colombia Birding and Culture, 2024
Exceed - Roger was amazing… talented, professional, passionate about his work, skilled, kind, helpful in every way, and a good sense of humor.
Cathy H., Maryland
Southern Colombia Birding and Culture, 2024
It was a 10+. Communication was great. I feel taken care of on your trips.
Kathy R., New York
Birding and Safari in Namibia, 2023
We were so impressed with Destination Wildlife's meticulous organizational skills as well as the wonderful choice of lodges. Marc (the guide) more than exceeded our expectations. What was your favorite part of the trip? Seeing new birds for the first time with all of our new friends on the trip.
John C., Connecticut
Birding and Safari in Namibia, 2023
[What was your favorite moment?] I am at a loss, as the whole trip was filled with so many memorable moments. One just has to go and see, and they’ll understand. The guides were more than expected and so knowledgeable in so many other areas. Roberta, Les, and Destination Wildlife met my expectations 100%. The whole experience for me was a 10.
Kate S, New York state
Birding in Costa Rica
10, it was an amazing trip (Please rate from 1- worst to 10 – best)
Liz and Alan G, New York state:
Birding Costa Rica and Private Sail Cruise 2021
We are in awe of the care that you took to make our trip successful. The attention to detail and your ready availability when things didn’t go as planned. Your excitement as our trip progressed and the supervision to the very end to make sure everything turned out alright. Thank you for all that you do. Liz & Alan
Noreen Q, New York State
Exploring Women’s Winter Wolf Trek
The trip was fabulous and couldn't have been much better. My one suggestion is around the Zoom call. I was impressed that you did a Zoom call rather than just sending a gear list - it is an example of how much personal attention you devoted to us.