There’s something magical about May. The world bursts into bloom, the air hums with life—and for bird lovers, it’s prime time for one of nature’s most thrilling performances: spring migration. As the days grow longer and warmer, birds that spent the winter in Central and South America make their way north, bringing color, song, and a whole lot of joy with them.
If you’re like us, you’ve been eagerly waiting for the return of some feathered favorites. The Gray Catbirds, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, tiny, zippy Hummingbirds, and, of course, the crown jewels of spring migration: warblers and Broad-winged Hawks.
Let’s take a closer look at each of these springtime stars and see where you can spot them in the Hudson Valley in New York.
Gray Catbirds: The Backyard Comedians
Catbirds are among the first to announce their arrival with their quirky, mewling calls and nonstop chatter. These slate-gray mimics are high drama in the best way—curious, bold, and always up for a backyard performance. Look for them skulking in shrubs or perched on fences, fluffing their feathers with flair.
Where to spot them: Just about anywhere with dense shrubs—your backyard, local nature centers like the Greenburgh Nature Center, or along the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail.
Rose-breasted Grosbeaks: The Heartthrobs of the Forest
When you see your first male Rose-breasted Grosbeak of the season, it’s a showstopper. Jet black and snow white with a bold red splash across the chest—it’s like Valentine’s Day arrived on wings. These songbirds serenade from the canopy, and once you hear their rich, warbling song, you’ll know why people call them the “robins who went to music school.”
Where to spot them: Forest edges and wooded parks like Rockefeller State Park Preserve, where mature trees provide prime nesting real estate.
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds: Pocket Rockets of Spring
These pint-sized powerhouses travel up to 2,000 miles to return to your feeders and flowerbeds every year. The arrival of the first hummingbird is a springtime thrill that never gets old. Don’t blink—they’re fast, feisty, and fabulous. Make sure your feeders are cleaned and filled with sugar water (4:1 ratio of water to sugar—no dye needed!).
Where to spot them: Gardens with native flowers, wooded trails, and hummingbird-friendly habitats like the Stone Barns Center or your yard with bee balm, columbine, and salvia.
Warblers: The Feathered Fireworks Show
Warblers are what birders live for in May. These tiny songbirds, often no bigger than a leaf, dazzle with vivid colors and constant motion. Each one is a prize: Blackburnian with its flaming throat, Yellow-rumped zipping through trees, and the elusive Cerulean flitting high in the canopy.
Where to spot them: Wooded areas, river trails, and migration hotspots like the Constitution Marsh Audubon Center in Garrison or the Great Swamp in Patterson, a known magnet for warbler species.
Broad-winged Hawks: The Sky Riders
These raptors aren’t flashy like the warblers, but seeing a kettle of Broad-winged Hawks soaring on thermals in May is breathtaking. They migrate in massive groups, gliding long distances using rising warm air currents. One minute, the sky is empty; the next, it’s filled with swirling wings riding the wind.
Where to spot them: Watch the skies from high points like Bear Mountain State Park or the Mount Peter Hawk Watch in Warwick, a known spot for raptor migration.
Why May in the Hudson Valley is a Birder’s Dream
May is peak spring migration because the timing aligns with longer daylight hours, warmer temperatures, and the budding of trees and blooming of insects—perfect fuel for tired travelers. The Hudson Valley is part of the Atlantic Flyway, a major bird migration route that funnels birds north through a mix of habitats—forests, wetlands, and river corridors.
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a curious newbie, there’s something deeply grounding about witnessing spring migration. It’s a reminder of resilience, of instinct, and of the incredible journey life makes each year. And when the birds return, they also bring us back to life.
Our Favorite Spots to Soak in Spring Migration in the Hudson Valley
Rockefeller State Park Preserve (Pleasantville) – Wooded trails and open fields make it a warbler wonderland.
Croton Point Park (Croton-on-Hudson) – A great place to catch raptors, warblers, and surprises like orioles and flycatchers.
Constitution Marsh (Garrison) – A peaceful, protected marsh perfect for spotting warblers, herons, and osprey.
Teatown Lake Reservation (Ossining) – Offers a mix of habitats and often hosts migration walks in spring.
Bear Mountain Lookouts – Great for both birds and views, especially for Broad-winged Hawks and early swifts.
Ashokan Reservoir (Olive, NY) – With sweeping water views and mountain backdrops, it’s a fantastic place to catch flyovers of migrating hawks, swallows, and even loons. Bonus: the peaceful walking trails let you bird and unwind at once.
Buttercup Farm Audubon Sanctuary (Stanfordville, NY) – A hidden gem for birders, this 640-acre preserve has fields, forests, and wetlands that attract a diverse mix of warblers, sparrows, and raptors during spring migration.
A Season of Wonder, Wingbeats, and Renewal
Spring migration is more than just a seasonal event—it’s a celebration of life in motion. Each returning bird carries a story of survival, instinct, and awe-inspiring endurance. For those of us lucky enough to live in the Hudson Valley, May offers front-row seats to this extraordinary show. Whether you’re watching a hummingbird hover outside your window or scanning the treetops for that flash of warbler yellow, these moments invite us to slow down, look up, and reconnect with the rhythms of the natural world.
So dust off those binoculars, pack a field guide and head outside. The birds are back—and the world feels just a little more alive.
Comments
Loading…