Inspiration Guide

Birding with a Wingman

Let Schoharie County Be Your Wingman

Welcome to Schoharie County, where your birding adventure begins! Whether you’re a fledgling to the hobby or already have an eagle eye, we’ll guide you through the best spots and resources for your next birding adventure. Schoharie County offers calm countryside, diverse habitats, and beginner-friendly resources. With unbeatable experiences, quiet trails, and stunning views, we’re the perfect destination for your birding hobby to take flight.

From majestic bald eagles to charming bluebirds, you'll find plenty here to have you chirping with excitement.

Plan the Perfect Getaway

Check out curated itineraries featuring the region’s top birding spots. Pair your birding adventure with serene farm-to-table
dining or a cozy stay in one of our local inns. For novice birders, we’ve even added stops to learn about local ecosystems or snap envy-worthy eagle pics (don’t forget to use #BirdSchoHard on social for bragging rights).

Spring Birding

View Itinerary

Winter Birding

View Itinerary

Schoharie County Birding Locations

These local spots are the ideal place to start your birding adventures. The diverse habitats and rural nature of Schoharie County means that you have a great chance of spotting the birds that may be on your list. Here’s where to go for a beak-tastic day of birding.

Schoharie
County Eagle Trail

Keep your eyes on the sky. A self-guided route through the heart of the county in search of eagles.

Learn More

Landis Arboretum

A designated Audubon Important Bird Area with 40 bluebird nesting boxes, winding trails, and year-round birding worth the visit.

View Listing

Mine Kill State Park

Waterfalls, fresh air, and an
abundance of feathered friends. Don’t forget your binoculars!

View Listing

Vroman's Nose

Hike to the top and find yourself eye level with the hawks. The views are not bad either.

View Listing

Schoharie County Eagle Trail Stops

Schoharie County Eagle Trail

Birding Resources

Need Gear?

We’ve got you covered. You can borrow binoculars for free (no library card required!) at our local libraries. Or, download resources from local organizations like the Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission and Delaware Otsego Audubon Society to learn about bird habitats and migration patterns.

The Community Library: Cobleskill

The Middleburgh Library

The Sharon Springs Free Library

New York State Breeding Bird Atlas

Audobon New York Advocacy Guide for New York

​Eagle Watching Etiquette, NYS DEC

​Landis Arboretum's Bird Blog

​​Landis Arboretum's Bluebird Trail

I BIRD NY Challenge

The I BIRD NY Challenge invites birders of all ages to identify 10 bird species in New York, with fun variations, prizes, and a chance to win birding gear.

Learn More

Build Your Life List

Track your sightings, contribute to real scientific research, and connect with a global community of birders who are just as serious about it as you are.

Learn More

Identify Birds

Not sure what you just spotted? A free bird identification app can help you name any species in seconds, using guided questions or a simple photo.

Learn More

Meet the Experts

Bill Combs Jr.

Bill Combs Jr., affectionately dubbed “The Eagle Man,” is the visionary behind the Schoharie County Eagle Trail. With an uncanny ability to spot bald eagles where others see empty skies, Bill has transformed birdwatching in the region into an unforgettable experience. A gifted storyteller and passionate educator, he shares captivating tales, eagle facts, and stunning photographs with visitors, raising awareness about the majestic birds.

Fred Breglia

As Executive Director of Landis Arboretum and an ISA Certified Arborist, Fred brings deep expertise and genuine passion to one of Schoharie County’s most beloved natural spaces. Known for his engaging educational outreach and hands-on approach, Fred has spent years inspiring visitors to connect with nature and care for the world around them. Whether hosting events or sharing his knowledge of trees, he is a true champion for conservation.

The Best Birding is Right Here

Schoharie County's diverse habitats, from open fields and forest edges to ridgelines and creek corridors, create ideal conditions for birders of every level. Pack the binoculars and see what finds you.

Birding Places to Explore in Richmondville, NY

Static place cards remain readable before the live widget becomes interactive.

  • Outdoors, Hiking & Trails, Birding, Parks & Natural Areas | Richmondville, NY 12149, USA

    Mallet Pond State Forest

    Mallet Pond State Forest Outdoors, Hiking & Trails, Birding, Parks & Natural Areas located at Richmondville, NY 12149, USA

    Explore place

  • Outdoors, Hiking & Trails, Experiences, Birding, Winter Recreation, Parks & Natural Areas | 161 Mine Kill Rd, North Blenheim, NY 12131, USA

    Mine Kill State Park

    Mine Kill State Park Outdoors, Hiking & Trails, Experiences, Birding, Winter Recreation, Parks & Natural Areas located at 161 Mine Kill Rd, North Blenheim, NY 12131, USA

    Explore place

  • Outdoors, Hiking & Trails, Birding, Parks & Natural Areas, Winter Recreation, Experiences | 219 Mill Valley Rd, Middleburgh, NY 12122, USA

    Vroman's Nose Hiking Trail

    Family-friendly trail system up to the cliffs at the mountaintop has benches, plus scenic views (including of the valley), as well as parking.

    Explore place

  • Agritourism, Hiking & Trails, Birding, History & Heritage, Parks & Natural Areas, Winter Recreation, Outdoors, Wedding Venue, Weddings & Events, Event Venue, Community Center | 174 Lape Rd, Esperance, NY 12066, USA

    Landis Arboretum

    Landis Arboretum Agritourism, Hiking & Trails, Birding, History & Heritage, Parks & Natural Areas, Winter Recreation, Outdoors, Wedding Venue, Weddings & Events, Event Venue, Co...

    Explore place

  • Camping & Glamping Stay, Stay, Camping & Glamping, Birding, Hiking & Trails, Parks & Natural Areas | 3075 NY-30, Fultonham, NY 12071, USA

    Max V. Shaul State Park

    Clean campground and park featuring tree-shaded sites and a creek.

    Explore place

  • Experiences, Arts & Culture, Birding, Hiking & Trails, History & Heritage, Shopping | 324 Caverns Rd, Howes Cave, NY 12092, USA

    Iroquois Museum

    Collection of indigenous art and artifacts plus interactive exhibits for kids.

    Explore place

  • Birding, Hiking & Trails, History & Heritage, Parks & Natural Areas, Winter Recreation | 1378 NY-30, North Blenheim, NY 12131, USA

    New York Power Authority Blenheim-Gilboa Visitor Center

    New York Power Authority Blenheim-Gilboa Visitor Center Birding, Hiking & Trails, History & Heritage, Parks & Natural Areas, Winter Recreation located at 1378 NY-30, North Blenh...

    Explore place

  • Outdoors, Hiking & Trails, Birding, Parks & Natural Areas | Middleburgh, NY 12122, USA

    Franklinton Vlaie Wildlife Management Area

    Lakeside park offering hiking plus kayaking and canoe launch points.

    Explore place

If JavaScript is disabled, this place listing remains readable in the raw HTML.

Ideas for Your Next Escape

Birding Through the Seasons in Schoharie County

Whether you're a seasoned birder with a life list longer than your grocery list or a...

4 Unexpected Museums in Rural New York

Think museums are just for big cities? Rural New York would like a word...

Visit Schoharie County Becomes Upstate Vacations

Visit Schoharie County is officially becoming ‘Upstate Vacations’ - a new brand identity...

Local Farm

Skip The Produce Aisle - Opt For The Farm Stand!

Growing great food is Schoharie County’s claim to fame for a ton of good reasons...

Live Music & Events

Live Music in Schoharie County: Your Complete Summer

Schoharie County's summer soundtrack runs from hophouse taprooms to..

Scenary

3 Jaw Dropping Hikes Under 4 Hours From NYC

Think you need to trek to the far corners of the state to find incredible hiking? Think...

More Stories

Inspiration Guide

Start planning with our official travel guide, featuring curated itineraries, local recommendations, and seasonal experiences.

View Guide

Stay Connected

Subscribe to our newsletter for seasonal travel ideas, upcoming events, local stories, and the latest from Schoharie County.

Subscribe
  • Weddings
  • Groups
  • Stories
  • Newsletter
  • Community
Inspiration Guide