Niagara River Locations

Rating

Late Fall Winter
Spring Summer

Site history/background

The Niagara River connects Lake Erie to Lake Ontario and passes by the cities of Buffalo and Niagara Falls. The crown jewel of the Niagara River is Niagara Falls. Niagara Falls is better known as the honeymoon capitol of the world. The spectacular Niagara Falls is one of the seven wonders of the world and is the largest falls (by water volume) in the world. The waterfalls can be seen on both sides of the river, but (in my opinion) the best viewing of the falls itself is done from the "Canadian side."

Aside from the viewing charm of the waterfalls itself, birders acknowledge the river as the best place in North America to watch gulls. The large volumes of rapid and turbulent waters keep much of the river open in the winter months. The open waters in winter attract the gulls and waterfowl. However, the Niagara River has many great birding locations outside of November and the gull season. It has recently been nominated as the first Important Bird Area in Kingbird Region 1. Because the river courses nearly 30 miles and spans two NYS counties, many birding opportunities present itself. Many of the visiting birders will be travelling to bird the river exclusively in a quest for a variety of gulls, but many other rarities have been found here. Several aspects of birding along the Niagara River will be presented here.

Gulling on the Niagara River

Beyond Gulls : Birding the Niagara River outside November

Gulling on the Niagara River

To read about how to bird the river looking for gulls, check out the following web pages. Several of these sites are also choice spots to view waterfowl and other water birds. An upcoming ABA Guide to Metro Areas will provide a detailed description of where to bird on the river.

Viewing gulls is generally better from the Canadian side. Most gull-watchers frequent the Canadian side; if a rare gull has been seen, it is easier for word to be passed along. The New York side is often very industrial and built up, with fewer opportunities to stop and look along the river. Keep in mind gulls and terns feed in open water and are attracted to churning water.

Warnings

Crossing the Peace Bridge is crossing international lines. The customs agents are familiar with birders crossing over for a day of birding and you can mention this fact to the customs agent. Since 11 Sept 2001, security has been increased. The official line is: you must have personal ID such as a Birth Certificate or documentation proving status as a resident alien. For many people, most of the time, they do not even ask to see ID. However, they can and DO ask to see ID ; and if you are not prepared, you risk not crossing international lines (making a long trip for nothing). If you are a foreign citizen, be sure to bring along proper identification!

Gulling

Gull-watching locales

A list of gull-watching locales on the Niagara River mentioned in the above web sites. The list seems extensive. This is due to two factors: a) many sites are referred to by multiple names, and b) the river is nearly 30 miles long - many sites exist.