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

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

6/14/2026Mianus River State Park Scenic Reserve1 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

6/14/2026Trout Brook Valley Conservation Area1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat (virens)

Icteria virens

6/14/2026Trout Brook Valley Conservation Area1 observed

Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga magnolia

6/14/2026Nissequogue River SP1 observed

Common Gallinule (American)

Gallinula galeata

6/13/2026Bennett's Pond Trail System1 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

6/13/2026Bennett's Pond Trail System1 observed

Boat-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus major

6/12/2026Stewart B. McKinney NWR--Long Beach Blvd. Pond2 observed

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Contopus cooperi

6/10/2026Caumsett SP1 observed

Willet (Western)

Tringa semipalmata

6/9/2026Milford Point, CT Audubon

Great Blue Heron (Great White)

Ardea herodias

6/9/2026Flower House Drive Open Space1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

1506/14/2026

Rock Pigeon

46/14/2026

Killdeer

16/14/2026

Willet

16/14/2026

American Herring Gull

1306/14/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

26/14/2026

Common Tern

16/14/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

36/14/2026

Snowy Egret

16/14/2026

Osprey

76/14/2026

Fish Crow

96/14/2026

Purple Martin

106/14/2026

Barn Swallow

106/14/2026

European Starling

406/14/2026

Gray Catbird

16/14/2026

Northern Mockingbird

106/14/2026

American Robin

66/14/2026

Cedar Waxwing

46/14/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

46/14/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

36/14/2026

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.