a forest filled with lots of green trees

Sherwood Island State Park

Connecticut · Northeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Parking $15-$22 in season (free off-season)

Hours

Open daily, 8:00 AM - sunset

About This Location

Sherwood Island State Park is a productive birding destination in Connecticut, with 314 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Canada Goose, Gadwall, and American Black Duck among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

8/23/2026Stone Bridge Nighthawk Watch, Setauket2 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

8/23/2026West Meadow Wetlands Reserve2 observed

Wilson's Storm-Petrel

Oceanites oceanicus

8/23/2026Connecticut, US (41.081, -73.079)1 observed

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

8/23/2026Trout Brook Valley Conservation Area1 observed

Upland Sandpiper

Bartramia longicauda

8/22/2026Caumsett SP1 observed

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

8/22/2026Flax pond2 observed

Say's Phoebe

Sayornis saya

8/21/2026Trout Brook Valley Conservation Area1 observed

Horned Lark

Eremophila alpestris

8/20/2026Greenwich Point Park1 observed

Short-billed Dowitcher (hendersoni)

Limnodromus griseus

8/19/2026Stratford Marina (restricted access)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

1758/22/2026

Mallard

38/22/2026

Rock Pigeon

308/22/2026

Mourning Dove

28/22/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

28/22/2026

Laughing Gull

28/22/2026

Ring-billed Gull

28/22/2026

American Herring Gull

78/22/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

158/22/2026

Snowy Egret

88/22/2026

Great Egret

28/22/2026

Osprey

38/22/2026

Cooper's Hawk

18/22/2026

Belted Kingfisher

18/22/2026

Eastern Kingbird

18/22/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

28/22/2026

Blue Jay

18/22/2026

Tree Swallow

18/22/2026

Barn Swallow

568/22/2026

Gray Catbird

18/22/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

  4. 4

    Consider purchasing an annual parks pass if you plan to visit multiple times.

  5. 5

    Onshore winds can push pelagic species closer to shore, making post-storm days excellent for rarities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Sherwood Island State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Sherwood Island State Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Sherwood Island State Park?
Notable species at Sherwood Island State Park include Canada Goose, Gadwall, American Black Duck, White-winged Scoter, Hooded Merganser, European Starling, House Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, Mallard, Mute Swan, Greater Scaup. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Sherwood Island State Park?
Birding at Sherwood Island State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Sherwood Island State Park?
The entrance fee at Sherwood Island State Park is Parking $15-$22 in season (free off-season). Hours: Open daily, 8:00 AM - sunset.
What amenities are available at Sherwood Island State Park?
Sherwood Island State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.