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

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Winter Birding

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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.

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Landis Arboretum

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

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Mine Kill State Park

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

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Vroman's Nose

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

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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.

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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

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

    Mallet Pond State Forest

    17 acre pond on NYS Public Lands with parking area 1/4 mile north of pond for walking access (not accessible by vehicle). There are marked hiking & snowmobile trails. Stocked wi...

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

    Mine Kill State Park

    Located in the scenic Schoharie Valley, Mine Kill State Park overlooks the NY Power Authority's Blenheim-Gilboa Reservoir as part of the Pumped Storage Power Project. Summertime...

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

    Vroman's Nose Hiking Trail

    Vroman's Nose is a prominent land mark overlooking the beautiful and fertile Schoharie Valley. The view is spectacular from the flat "dance floor" feature found on the top of th...

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  • 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 is an arboretum and public garden incorporating hundreds of acres in Schoharie and Montgomery Counties of New York State. We're close to Albany, Schenectady, and the rest...

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

    Max V. Shaul State Park

    Max V. Shaul State Park is a small, quiet camping area with 30 wooded tent and trailer sites. A group campsite is also available to rent, perfect for families, friends, scout tr...

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

    Iroquois Museum

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

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

    New York Power Authority Blenheim-Gilboa Visitor Center

    The visitor experience at Blenheim-Gilboa is a triple play: The science of electricity and hydropower is on exhibit at the Visitors Center. Right beside it, history is preserved...

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

    Franklinton Vlaie Wildlife Management Area

    The Franklinton Vlaie Wildlife Management Area (WMA) consists of about 195 acres of open water, wetland, and upland habitat in Schoharie County. It was acquired from private lan...

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  • Parks & Natural Areas, Hiking & Trails, Birding, Outdoors | Rum Hill Rd, Jefferson, NY 12093, USA

    THE PAULSON PRESERVE

    Located in the towns of Jefferson and Summit in Schoharie Co., the Paulson Preserve encompasses 342 acres of land donated to the Land Trust in 1997 by Liselotte Paulson. The pre...

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  • Outdoors, Birding, Hiking & Trails, Parks & Natural Areas | Old Smoky Hollow Road, Cobleskill, NY, USA

    Settles Mountain Nature Preserve

    A 270 Acre nature preserve to enjoy non-motorized recreation. Offering marked trails for easy to follow hikes.The land, along the Cobleskill Creek, consists of upland forest, la...

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  • Outdoors, Birding, Parks & Natural Areas | 182 Barnerville Rd, Cobleskill, NY 12043, USA

    Schoharie County Eagle Trail

    Schoharie County's love of eagles is shared on this new Eagle Trail. The majestic beauty of these birds are often observed in the following areas: Blenheim-Gilboa Project, New Y...

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Inspiration Guide

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

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Inspiration Guide