8 “Early Bird” Specials to Watch for in Central New York and Beyond

Dear Bird Enthusiasts,

If you share my passion for birds, you are probably counting down the days to spring migration like a kid before summer vacation, or fans of Muranda Cheese Factory that can’t wait to dance to the summer band picks. This exciting time of year will soon have the skies bustling with colorful, fascinating birds returning to the northern regions. So, dust off your binoculars, practice your “oohs” and “aahs,” and get ready for another season of trying to capture photos of warblers before they disappear faster than a SnapChat video.

Early Spring Migrants (March – Early April)

A black bird with red and yellow markings on its wings in flight, with green leaves and a blurred background.
Photo by Michaele Boncaro

Red-winged Blackbirds: Often the first to return, filling wetlands.

A small bird with bright blue feathers on its head and wings, and a rusty orange-red breast, perched on a thin branch.
https://nestwatch.org

Eastern Bluebirds: Return to nest in open, rural areas.

A close-up of an American Robin perched on a branch, displaying its gray feathers and distinct orange breast.
Alex Eberts/Macaulay Libary

American Robins: Often appearing in large flocks on lawns.

Osprey & Great Blue Herons: Return to waterways.

Killdeer & American Woodcock: Early shorebirds returning to fields.

A small bird with iridescent blue-green feathers and a white throat, flying over water.

Tree Swallows: Feed over open water. 

A close-up of a European starling perched on a wooden post, featuring iridescent green and purple plumage with speckles against a blurred green background.

European Starlings: Noisy pests possess a remarkable ability to gather in large flocks that head straight to your suet feeders.

 As of today, March 28, 2026, I have only heard a Red-winged blackbird and a Robin. Have you heard or seen any spring migrating birds? Let me know in the comments.

Sources:

Finger Lakes Times

All About Birds

National Audubon