Lake birding habitat

Ashokan Reservoir

New York · Northeast

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Ashokan Reservoir is a productive birding destination in New York, with 210 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Surf Scoter

Melanitta perspicillata

4/18/2026Rhinecliff Landing Park1 observed

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

4/17/2026Old Minnewaska Trail, Gardiner US-NY 41.73520, -74.243673 observed

Chimney Swift

Chaetura pelagica

4/17/2026Old Minnewaska Trail, Gardiner US-NY 41.73520, -74.243671 observed

Eastern Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

4/17/2026Hasbrouck House1 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

4/17/2026Rhinecliff Landing Park1 observed

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

4/16/2026Ashokan Reservoir, Frying Pan2 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

4/16/2026Vlei Marsh Preserve2 observed

Black-throated Green Warbler

Setophaga virens

4/16/2026High Peter’s Kill trail1 observed

Eastern Wood-Pewee

Contopus virens

4/16/2026Bard College, Red Hook US-NY 42.01794, -73.914391 observed

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

4/15/2026Soper sanctuary1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

24/17/2026

Ring-billed Gull

204/17/2026

American Herring Gull

54/17/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

84/17/2026

Osprey

14/17/2026

Fish Crow

24/17/2026

European Starling

14/17/2026

American Robin

24/17/2026

Canada Goose

84/16/2026

Wood Duck

14/16/2026

Gadwall

134/16/2026

American Black Duck

64/16/2026

Green-winged Teal

14/16/2026

Greater Scaup

14/16/2026

White-winged Scoter

24/16/2026

Long-tailed Duck

114/16/2026

Bufflehead

284/16/2026

Common Merganser

154/16/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

14/16/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

114/16/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Ashokan Reservoir for birding?
The best months to visit Ashokan Reservoir for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Ashokan Reservoir?
Notable species at Ashokan Reservoir include Common Loon, Bald Eagle, Double-crested Cormorant, Ring-billed Gull, Bufflehead. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Ashokan Reservoir?
Birding at Ashokan Reservoir is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Ashokan Reservoir?
Ashokan Reservoir offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.