Prospect Park Beginner Birdwatching Tour: Learn to Spot Birds

Nearly 200 bird species pass through Prospect Park each year, and the season you visit determines what you'll see.

A beginner birdwatching tour of Prospect Park led by bird expert Steph, starting near the Ice Skating Rink and following the shoreline of Prospect Park Lake. You'll learn what to look and listen for, get comfortable with binoculars, and search for Cardinals, Blue Jays, Sparrows, and other resident and migratory birds. The tour runs one hour and fifty minutes and is open to children from age 5. Binoculars are available to borrow.

Step-by-step itinerary

Birdwatching tour in Prospect Park

• Meet near Prospect Park Ice Skating Rink
• Overview of birds and landmarks
• Walk and spot birds around the park
• Pause at Prospect Park Lake shore
• Discuss birds and park interaction
• End birdwatching near Prospect Park Lake

The experience

You'll meet near the Prospect Park Ice Skating Rink, where the tour begins with an overview of the birds you're most likely to encounter that day and the landmarks you'll pass. Steph allows a 10-minute grace period for arrival, then covers how to spot birds and seasonal patterns in the park before the walk starts. The route takes you along the shore of Prospect Park Lake, where the dense foliage and winding paths create ideal habitat for the species you're searching for.

The tour focuses on teaching you what to look and listen for rather than rushing through a checklist. You'll get comfortable using binoculars, no experience needed, and learn why different birds show up in different seasons. Winter brings ducks and year-round residents; spring and fall bring colorful migrants passing through; summer highlights nesting birds raising the next generation. Steph shares stories about the birds and the park's history as you walk, so no two tours are the same.

The walk ends alongside Prospect Park Lake, where you pause to spot Northern Cardinals, Hermit Thrushes, White-Throated Sparrows, and Blue Jays. If you want to return and see what a different season brings, the park's nearly 200 species mean you'll encounter a whole new set of birds.

What’s included

• One hour and fifty minutes of guided birdwatching with Steph, a bird expert and host of That Quirky Bird Girl.
• binoculars available to borrow.
• instruction on how to spot birds and use binoculars.
• a walk along Prospect Park Lake and the shoreline.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 14:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (19 to 69 years) · Senior (70 and older) · Youth (9 to 18 years) · Child (5 to 8 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 14

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Italian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by That Quirky Bird Girl

Is this one for you?The tour starts at the Prospect Park Ice Skating Rink, accessible by subway and bus, so you don't need a car or a ride to get there. If you're staying elsewhere in Brooklyn or Manhattan and have a free afternoon, the meeting point is easy to reach by public transit.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (9 to 18 years); Child (5 to 8 years). Under 5: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What birds am I most likely to see on this tour?

You'll search for Northern Cardinals, Blue Jays, White-Throated Sparrows, Hermit Thrushes, Robins, and other species depending on the season. Winter brings resident ducks and year-round birds; spring and fall bring colorful migrants; summer highlights nesting birds.

Do I need binoculars or any experience with birdwatching?

No experience is required. The tour is designed for beginners. Binoculars are available to borrow, and Steph teaches you how to use them and what to look and listen for during the walk.

How long is the tour and where does it start?

The tour runs one hour and fifty minutes and begins near the Prospect Park Ice Skating Rink. Arrive on time. Steph allows a 10-minute grace period before the walk starts.

What should I expect to learn on this tour?

You'll learn how to spot and identify birds, how to listen for their calls, and how to use binoculars comfortably. Steph also shares stories about the birds and how seasonal changes affect which species you'll see in the park.