Many bird experts point out that Bird Watchers should go bird watching in the spring and in the fall.  These are the best seasons to bird watch.

Luckily, the Hudson Valley region is home to many  types of birds and any season is a good time to get out and start birding.

The Hudson Valley is on the eastern migrating flyway.  Different species of birds come here or travel through here to more northern regions  like Canada.

The Hudson Valley  has a variety of habitats for birds from mountains, woodlands, and farm fields to lakes and the marshy areas. 

Rhinebeck High School has their own bird expert.  Mr Welch teaches French, and he bird watches.  See my interview below, and follow this link to parks where birding events take place near you. 

Interview with Ernie Welch

Kaiya:  When did you become interested in birding?

Mr. Welch: 1984 while on a hike in the mountains in New Paltz.  As a kid I was always interested in nature and science.

Kaiya: What is your favorite local place to bird watch?

Mr. Welch: Across the street from my house is the Vassar College at the logical preserve I go there after work sometime.

Kaiya: What is your favorite place ever?

Mr Welch: The Andes mountains in Ecuador,  the mountains around Tucson, Arizona are a close second.

Kaiya: What equipment should someone have to go bird watching?

Mr Welch: The basic equipment is  a pair of binoculars and a good field guide to the area you are in, and   being relaxed and patient is important too. It helps you tune into nature.

Kaiya:  Do you keep a list of birds you have seen?  

Mr Welch:  I absolutely do keep  a list of birds, it is called a life list .

Kaiya: How many birds are on your life list?

Mr Welch: 1051.  Some might find that impressive, but  it’s a small number among birders.

Kaiya: What is your favorite bird?

Mr Welch: It depends. Locally, my favorite bird is the Eastern Bluebird,  and outside of the U.S., I like a hummingbird called the Ecuadorian Hillstar.