New York State Birding Trail Has More Than 400 Locations That Connect New Yorkers to Birding Hotspots

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today released the latest episode of “DEC Does What?!”, the agency’s podcast that features conversations with DEC experts covering wide-ranging efforts to protect New Yorkers and the environment. Episode 34—“For the Birds”— continues the feathered fun from last week’s World Migratory Bird Day observation by discussing ways the State monitors bird and mammal diversity and helps connect New Yorkers with nature through birding activities.

With peak spring bird migration season underway, hosts DEC Chief of Staff and Deputy Commissioner for Equity and Justice Adriana Espinoza and Region 4 Director Sean Mahar talk with DEC wildlife biologists Abby Valachovic and Meghan Oberkircher about the science and biology behind annual migration patterns of more than 450 native bird species, how DEC tracks bird species and protects local habitats across the State, and tips for New Yorkers to protect birds living in their community. 

The episode also features Tom Collins, environmental program specialist with DEC’s Office of Outdoor Recreation, who shares how the New York State Birding Trail and I BIRD NY program areis helping New Yorkers “Get Offline and Get Outside.” as part of the I BIRD NY Challenge. 

All episodes of “DEC Does What?!” are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music, and all major podcast platforms.  

For more information on "DEC Does What?!," visit http://dec.ny.gov/podcast

Episode Title: For the Birds 

Episode Description: This week, we explore DEC’s work monitoring bird and mammal diversity and helping connect New Yorkers with nature through birding activities.

Episode Notes: 

With peak spring bird migration season underway, hosts Adriana Espinoza and Sean Mahar talk with DEC wildlife biologists Abby Valachovic and Meghan Oberkircher about the science and biology behind annual migration patterns of more than 450 native bird species, how DEC tracks bird species and protects local habitats across the State, and tips for New Yorkers to protect birds living in their community. 

The episode also features Tom Collins, environmental program specialist with DEC’s Office of Outdoor Recreation, who shares how the New York State Birding Trail and I BIRD NY program areis helping New Yorkers “Get Offline and Get Outside.” as part of the I BIRD NY Challenge.

• Birds - NYSDEC
• I BIRD NY Challenge
• New York State Birding Trail
• DEC Launches I BIRD NY Library Lending Program
• DEC and OGS Remind New Yorkers to Keep 'Lights Out' to Protect Migrating Birds

About: 

“DEC Does What?!” is a bi-weekly podcast that features conversations with DEC experts about the agency’s wide-ranging efforts to protect New Yorkers and the environment. Hosted by DEC Chief of Staff and Deputy Commissioner for Equity and Justice Adriana Espinoza and Region 4 Director Sean Mahar. For more information, visit http://dec.ny.gov/podcast

Have an idea about a future episode? Want to share your feedback? Send us an email at contact@dec.ny.gov using the subject line “DEC Podcast”.