Each May, the Shawangunk Grasslands in Wallkill, New York, awakens to the sharp eyes and steady binoculars of bird enthusiasts gathering for the Annual Shawangunk Grasslands Bird Count. This event is not just a checkmark on a birder's calendar—it’s a practical, hands-on adventure that connects you directly with the rhythms of migratory birds fiercely carving their paths through the eastern flyway.

The count takes place across approximately 1,800 acres of grassland habitat, an area shaped by rolling meadows punctuated with utility roads and low fences rather than traditional hiking trails. Expect a terrain that demands sharp attention, careful footing, and a willingness to move through open fields under the push of the wind. Elevation changes are minimal, typically under 100 feet, but the openness invites sun exposure and the occasional chase after elusive species. Prepare for 3 to 5 miles of walking, often off-road and sometimes in wet conditions.

What makes this count uniquely compelling is the direct engagement with a landscape that is more than scenery; it is a fiercely alive ecosystem. The grasslands are home to rarities like the Upland Sandpiper, Short-eared Owl, and Bobolink—all species that rely on these open fields for breeding and migration stopovers. Birds drop in like fleeting characters making their brief appearance, daring you to keep pace.

For seasoned birders and casual hikers alike, the count offers a blend of structured survey zones and spontaneous discovery. Binoculars are your constant companions, your eyes scanning the sky for flashes of white wings or the dark silhouette of a hunting owl. The grasslands’ broad horizons mean horizons themselves become part of the experience, stretching under ever-changing skies that can switch from warm morning gold to brisk, wind-swept chill in moments.

Timing is everything. Early morning counts maximize sightings when birds are most active, while midday can bring harsher sun and restless insect swarms. Staying hydrated, wearing layered clothing, and sturdy footwear with ankle support are practical essentials. Don't forget sun protection; the grasslands dare the sun to take over.

Join local ornithologists, conservationists, and volunteers who come equipped with field guides, apps, and keen enthusiasm. Their knowledge sharpens your observations, turning a walk across open land into an expedition into avian behaviors that have shaped this landscape for centuries.

Parking is available near the Visitor’s Center, but directions can be vague, so check local updates before arrival. Accessibility is moderate; the grasslands are not wheelchair-friendly in most areas. Dogs are discouraged to protect wildlife during the breeding season.

The Annual Shawangunk Grasslands Bird Count is an adventure in attentiveness and appreciation. It reinforces respect for these open fields that remain fiercely themselves—not tamed, not embellished, but real. And that rawness is the reason the count draws anyone who wants to measure their pace alongside the steady heartbeats of migrating wingbeats.