The NYS Conservationist sent this along for ID'ing and this was in reply:

Hi Folks, This is a great flash close-up shot of the spider. Yes, it is an orb-weaver. It is probably in the genus Araneus. The ventral pattern is consistent with that of the cross spider, A. diadematus. Unfortunately, in NY there are at least 8 other Araneus species closely related to A. diadematus, and several of similar size. The two others most commonly seen this time of year are the marbled spider, A. marmoratus, and the shamrock spider, A. trifolium. But there is also a relatively common orb weaver in the genus Nuctenea, which may be called Labrinioides now, that also looks similar and can be found around buildings. The dorsal surface of the abdomen of each is distinctive, but the ventral surfaces look similar enough that I can not confirm that the individual in the image is the cross spider. They make similar orb webs and have similar behavior, i.e., during the day they hide in a retreat near the orb. All four typically like to hide above the orb if possible. So check for a rolled up leaf or a crevice in an overhanging eave near the top corner of the orb. This is certainly a big female – males are about half the size and would not be in a web this time of year. Even if the orb is in tatters from successful prey catching the previous night, the female in the retreat will maintain a silk line to the center of the orb . This time of year there is not very much prey to catch, although we just had a crop of Bruce spanworm moths emerge. They are common across NY and fly this time of year, which is unusual for moths. They are sometimes called hunter’s moths, because they are out in the rural areas when deer hunters are also out and about. If this spider were able to catch some of them she might be able to get enough energy to lay another egg sac before it gets really cold and she dies. Cheers, Cole Gilbert Dept Entomology Cornell

cross spiderA. diadematus photo