Niagara Falls comprises three waterfalls at the southern end of Niagara Gorge and spans the border between Ontario in Canada and New York State in the USA.

Horseshoe Falls, the largest of the three, straddles the border of the two countries.

Niagara Falls,USA the city is a gateway to the Falls and a number of hiking trails and scenic terrain.

It is a year-round destination offering fishing, boating, birdwatching, hiking, biking and snowmobiling in the winter.

This is also a wine region with a climate that makes it one of the few regions to produce ice wine.

Birding in and around Niagara Falls, USA

Niagara Falls USA is surrounded by waterways such as the Niagara River and makes an excellent destination for bird watching.

It attracts range of birds from Harlequin ducks, Purple sandpipers, Tundra swans and over 19 species of gulls.

The prime birding seasons are spring and autumn, when migration is underway.

Niagara River shoreline

Known as a globally significant Important Bird Area (IBA), the Niagara River is famous for its gulls and other migrating birds.

The area provides a plethora of fish, crayfish and mussels that help the migrants replenish for long flights.

Along the Upper Niagara River there are Tundra swans and Waterfowl, while the lower Lower Niagara River has Snowy owls, Short-eared owls, Bald eagles and Rough-legged hawks.

Near the river in Lewiston, birders may even spot some overwintering Black vultures.

The state parks along the Niagara Scenic Parkway and the Niagara Gorge provide excellent birdwatching opportunities at several areas including Joseph Davis State Park, Artpark, Fort Niagara State Park, Devil's Hole and Whirlpool State Park.

Niagara Falls State Park

In fall and winter, Bonaparte's, herring and ring-billed gulls arrive at Niagara Falls State Park and can be seen with large populations of waterfowl such as canvasbacks, common mergansers, common goldeneyes and other diving ducks.

Then, in spring and summer, birders can spot double-crested cormorants, black-crowned night herons, great blue herons and a ring-billed gull breeding colony nearby Cave of the Winds on Goat Island, one of the largest in the region.

For the perfect stakeout spots visitors can head to the Observation Tower or Goat Island.

Lake Ontario

Lake Ontario attracts Scooters, Long-tailed ducks, Eiders, Loons and Gulls and occasionally Parasitic jaegers and Razorbills.

For birdwatching off Lake Ontario, visit Four Mile Creek State Park, Wilson-Tuscarora State Park,

Useful links

​ www.niagarafallsusa.com