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

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

4/21/2026Oak Lawn Cemetery1 observed

Common Yellowthroat

Geothlypis trichas

4/21/2026Franl Melville Memorial Foundation3 observed

Boat-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus major

4/21/2026Stewart B. McKinney NWR--Long Beach Blvd. Pond2 observed

Red-eyed Vireo

Vireo olivaceus

4/21/2026Veteran's Park & Nature Study Area / Knoll's Park1 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

4/20/2026my yard1 observed

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

4/20/2026South Norwalk Reservoir, Wilton1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

4/20/2026Mondo Ponds1 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

4/20/2026Zygala South Salem home1 observed

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

4/20/2026Grass Island Natural Area3 observed

Blue-winged Warbler

Vermivora cyanoptera

4/20/2026Ward Pound Ridge Reservation1 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

4/19/2026Lakeview Cemetery1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

114/21/2026

Rock Pigeon

214/21/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

44/21/2026

Osprey

24/21/2026

Blue Jay

14/21/2026

Barn Swallow

14/21/2026

European Starling

24/21/2026

American Robin

54/21/2026

Song Sparrow

24/21/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

54/21/2026

Northern Cardinal

14/21/2026

Mallard

14/21/2026

American Black Duck

344/21/2026

Bufflehead

164/21/2026

Hooded Merganser

14/21/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

84/21/2026

Mourning Dove

24/21/2026

Ring-billed Gull

14/21/2026

American Herring Gull

54/21/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

24/21/2026

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.