Whether you are walking around Emerson Resort & Spa’s trails or off exploring hiking trails nearby, there’s no shortage of beautiful nature and wildlife to discover. This resort, tucked away in the Catskills, is the perfect place to unwind and reconnect with nature. A popular and relaxing pastime is bird watching, and area trails are the perfect place to spot stunning birds native to New York during your stay in the Catskills.
Where to Go Bird Watching
The trails around Emerson Resort are made for a leisurely afternoon spent bird watching. Walk along the Esopus Walk and Woodland Path as you keep your eyes peeled for birds hiding in the trees or flying up above. You can check out binoculars from the front desk, which are available on a first-come, first-serve basis at 8 a.m and returned by 8 p.m.
If you want to venture offsite, visit the Ashokan Rail Trail. This nearly 12-mile trail runs along the Ashokan Reservoir. Make your way through forest glades and valleys, wetlands, mountain streams, and more. With such a diverse ecosystem, you’ll be able to encounter a wide variety of birds and other wildlife. For more information on this trail system, be sure to download a copy of Emerson’s birding at the Ashokan Rail Trail guide.
What Birds You Might See
It doesn’t matter where you go birding; there’s a strong chance you’ll get to see some of these creatures in their natural habitat, including:
- Bald eagles
- Turkey vultures
- Baltimore orioles
- Scarlet tanagers
- Great blue herons
- Blue jays
- Red-tailed hawks
- Red-bellied woodpeckers
The best time to go bird watching is generally in the morning, so be sure to set your alarm early. While having a guide, like the ones provided by the resort, are a useful tool to help identify birds, there are other ways to determine what type of bird you’re looking at. Look at the shape, size, habitat, and field marks to help you narrow down your choices.
Get “Lost” in Nature during a Catskills Getaway
The sound of birds chirping and wind rustling the leaves is the perfect soundtrack for a relaxing getaway at Emerson Resort & Spa. See the birds and other wildlife that call the Hudson Valley and the Catskill Mountains home before enjoying all this Mount Tremper resort has to offer. Offering a range of room options and fantastic onsite amenities like a spa and delicious restaurant, you’ll have everything you need to make the most out of your New York vacation. Call 845-688-2828 to learn more about the resort or booking your stay.
All information is subject to change without notice. Please refer to individual websites for the most current information prior to your visit.