Discover Downtown Gloversville

Looking for a Family Activity This Labor Day? Bird the Weekend Away in Gloversville’s Trail Station Park and on the FJ&G Rail Trail

Trail Station Park

Labor Day weekend is here, and Upstate New York is alive with summer’s last sweet songs. Instead of sticking to the usual backyard routine, why not take the family outdoors for a new adventure—birding right here in Gloversville?

This year, Trail Station Park and the FJ&G Rail Trail were officially added to the New York State Birding Trail, making them perfect new destinations for both seasoned birders and curious beginners.

Announcement from the NYS DEC E-Newsletter on the additions to the NYS Birding Trail

Where to Go

Trail Station Park (Gloversville)

📍 Coordinates: 43.05107897263968, -74.34971070092844🔗 eBird HotspotBirds you might see: Downy Woodpecker, Cooper’s Hawk, Northern Cardinal, Red-eyed Vireo, Killdeer. Trail Station Park is beautifully renovated—complete with a splash pad, shaded seating, and accessible paths—making it an ideal spot for families. It’s peaceful, inviting, and now part of the official state birding trail.

FJ&G Rail Trail (Johnstown Segment)

📍 Coordinates: 43.00125957821602, -74.38040597472305🔗 eBird Hotspot Birds you might see: Hairy Woodpecker, Killdeer, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Eastern Phoebe, Carolina Wren, Yellow-rumped Warbler. This smooth, paved trail follows the historic Fonda, Johnstown & Gloversville Railroad. It’s perfect for walking or biking while keeping an ear out for bird calls and enjoying Adirondack history along the way.

FJ&G Rail Trail (Vail Mills/Broadalbin Segment)

📍 Coordinates: 43.04854171721597, -74.216477718902Birds you might see: White-throated Sparrow, White-breasted Nuthatch, Downy Woodpecker, Song Sparrow, American Goldfinch. A quieter section of the Rail Trail, this stretch offers plenty of opportunities to see common sparrows and woodpeckers—great for beginners working on their bird ID skills.

Local Connection

Local locations shown at the NYS Birding Trail website

Former Fulton County Supervisor, current Fulton County Center for Regional Growth Board Member, and local ornithologist Warren Greene helped with the application that got these sites on the NYS Birding Trail. He also shared many of the bird photos taken right here in Fulton County!

Photo taken by Warren Greene

Why Birding Is Worth Your Time This Weekend

• Convenience & Comfort – Trail Station Park’s renovations make it family-friendly and accessible.

• Scenic Walking or Biking – The Rail Trail combines natural beauty with local history.

• New & Noteworthy – Gloversville is now part of the 402 destinations across the state that make up the NYS Birding Trail.

  
  

Make It a Challenge

Looking for an easy way to make birding extra fun? Try the I BIRD NY Challenge!

• Identify 10 different bird species anywhere in New York between March 1 and November 1.

• Submit your checklist by November 15.

• Earn a commemorative patch, certificate, and a chance at bird-themed prizes.

• Bonus: include a photo for an extra entry!

🔗 Learn more: DEC I BIRD NY Challenge

What to Look For

New York is home to more than 450 bird species. Around Gloversville, you might spot:

• Year-round residents like cardinals and woodpeckers

• Fall migrants such as warblers, sparrows, and ducks making their way south

Bring binoculars if you have them, or simply keep your eyes and ears open—you’ll be surprised how many species you can spot even on a short stroll.

Photo by Warren Greene

Keep Exploring

Why stop at just one park? Visit www.downtowngloversville.org to download the city’s parks guide and see what species you can find throughout Gloversville!

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