Forest birding habitat

Amherst State Park

New York · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Amherst State Park is a productive birding destination in New York, with 211 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Cooper's Hawk 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

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

6/1/2026Stevensville CA1 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

6/1/2026Chestnut Ridge Park--Shale Creek Preserve1 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

6/1/2026University at Buffalo (North Campus)--east side1 observed

Swainson's Thrush (Olive-backed)

Catharus ustulatus

6/1/202628 breezewood

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum

6/1/202628 breezewood1 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

5/31/2026Tonawanda WMA--Paddy 11 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

5/31/20266303 Ditch Road, Middleport, New York, US (43.118, -78.498)2 observed

Fish Crow

Corvus ossifragus

5/31/2026Beaver Island SP2 observed

Prairie Warbler

Setophaga discolor

5/31/202628 breezewood1 observed

Bay-breasted Warbler

Setophaga castanea

5/31/202628 breezewood

Cape May Warbler

Setophaga tigrina

5/31/202628 breezewood1 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

5/30/2026Niagara--Upper Falls (NY)13 observed

Prothonotary Warbler

Protonotaria citrea

5/29/2026Tonawanda WMA--Hunt Club Marsh2 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

5/29/2026Tonawanda WMA--Bartel Rd.-Owen Rd.1 observed

Canvasback

Aythya valisineria

5/29/2026Old Stone Chimney1 observed

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

5/29/2026College Rd1 observed

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

5/28/2026Fort Erie--Cherry Hill GC1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

26/1/2026

Mallard

36/1/2026

Mourning Dove

26/1/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

16/1/2026

Turkey Vulture

16/1/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

26/1/2026

Northern Flicker

26/1/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

26/1/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

26/1/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

16/1/2026

Blue Jay

56/1/2026

American Crow

16/1/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

16/1/2026

European Starling

236/1/2026

Gray Catbird

66/1/2026

American Robin

76/1/2026

Cedar Waxwing

36/1/2026

American Goldfinch

26/1/2026

Song Sparrow

26/1/2026

Baltimore Oriole

36/1/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Amherst State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Amherst State Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Amherst State Park?
Notable species at Amherst State Park include Canada Goose, Mallard, Cooper's Hawk, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Amherst State Park?
Birding at Amherst State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Amherst State Park?
Amherst State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.