Newburgh, New York

Great Black-backed Gull, from “The birds of America; from drawings made in the United States and their territories” (1840), Biodiversity Heritage Library

In the winter, the Newburgh waterfront is a great place to see waterfowl and eagles and to search for Orange County rarities among the thousands of gulls that congregate on the river in the late afternoon. Bring a scope, or a friend who has one!

While you’re in the area, head a few miles south to Kowawese Unique Area at Plum Point or across the Newburgh–Beacon Bridge to Dennings Point State Park for different views of the river and its birds.

Hooded Merganser. Photo by Alan Wells.

Common Merganser. Photo by Alan Wells.

Iceland Gull. Photo by Alan Wells.

Bald Eagle. Photo by Maryangela Buskey.

Black Vulture. Photo by Alan Wells.

American Wigeon. Photo by Alan Wells.

Juvenile Bald Eagle. Photo by Dave Baker.