New York's Watchable Wildlife
Whether it's the spectacle of a soaring eagle or a glimpse of a river otter, here you'll find what you need to plan a great wildlife viewing experience in New York State. DEC's wildlife experts help you learn where to find wildlife, what sounds to listen for, or when to look for your favorite animal. Find a full list of wildlife viewing sites in New York State with many new locations just released and see our full list of wildlife species.
Have you checked out the new New York Wildlife Viewing Guide? In it you'll find more than 100 of New York's best sites to see wildlife near home or while on a trip. New York State has millions of acres of state parks and forests, preserves, and wildlife management areas (WMAs) each offering tremendous opportunities for wildlife and nature viewing. Take along the New York Wildlife Viewing Guide on your next outdoor adventure! Available soon for your E-reader and electronic devices; purchase a copy on the web, in bookstores, or at watchablewildlife.org.
As a special offer for wildlife enthusiasts, subscribe to NYS Conservationist magazine and you will get the Guide (a $14.95 value) for FREE!
Watch a clip about wildlife photography or bird watching on DEC TV.
Discover Great Wildlife Viewing Areas Near You
Click on the Play button to view.
Visit a Watchable Wildlife site, walk interpretive trails, stop at a visitor center or attend a nature workshop. See a full list of wildlife viewing sites or find information about Watchable Wildlife events near you.
Watchable Wildlife Photographs
This male, Eastern Bluebird photo was sent to us from Laurie Dirkx from Rochester, NY who enjoys capturing nature and wildlife. The second photo of bluebird boxes in a garden landscape was taken at one of DEC's environmental education centers.
Do you have a favorite wildlife photograph that you would like to send us? Each month we will pick a photograph to showcase on our Watchable Wildlife webpage or in an issue of DEC's award-winning magazine Conservationist.
Photos can be submitted via e-mail at Watchable@gw.dec.state.ny.us or mailed to NYSDEC, Bureau of Public Outreach, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4500. For possible inclusion in Conservationist, please follow the guidelines outlined in the magazine's contributors' guide.
Birds - Species List and Facts
Find out more about your favorite birds. See a complete list of birds found in New York State.
Nominate a Favorite Wildlife Viewing Site in New York
If you have a favorite wildlife viewing site in New York, tell us where it is! E-mail us at Watchable@gw.dec.state.ny.us. Include as much information as you can about the site. Your wildlife viewing site could be our next site added to New York's Watchable Wildlife!
Other Watchable Wildlife Topics Include
- What do butterflies eat?
- What's the difference between a wolf and a coyote?
- Get fascinating facts about your favorite wildlife species and learn what and where to look for wildlife during your visit.
Explore New York's Marine Life on the Web!
On the DEC website you can explore a variety of New York's marine life without getting your feet wet! Find facts and information on New York's marine fish, crabs, lobsters, mussels, clams, sea turtles, whales, and more. Place a bookmark on the Marine Life webpage so you can come back and check for other sea creatures that will be added to our website periodically.
Be Respectful of Nature
When you are looking for wildlife and are visiting a Watchable Wildlife site:
- Don't feed the wildlife. Leave wild baby animals where you find them.
- Keep quiet, move slowly and be patient. Allow time for animals to enter the area you are in.
- Check out DEC's NY Nature Explorer - an online tool for finding out about plants and habitats in your neighborhood
You Can Help the Species You Love to Watch
By purchasing a habitat access stamp (only $5.00)
you can help conserve wildlife habitat and increase
public access to wildlife related recreation.
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