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

Loading map...

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 Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

6/2/2026Minnewaska SP--Awosting Falls3 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

6/1/2026597 Abeel St, Kingston US-NY 41.90852, -74.004691 observed

Red Knot

Calidris canutus

6/1/2026Saugerties Lighthouse1 observed

Brant

Branta bernicla

6/1/2026Kingston Point Rail Trail, Trolley Section150 observed

Bicknell's Thrush

Catharus bicknelli

6/1/2026Hunter Mt. Loop Trail1 observed

Bay-breasted Warbler

Setophaga castanea

6/1/2026Hunter Mt. Loop Trail1 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

5/29/2026353 Union Center Rd, Ulster Park US-NY 41.85629, -73.983781 observed

Ruddy Turnstone

Arenaria interpres

5/27/2026Kingston Point Rail Trail, Trolley Section3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Ring-billed Gull

16/2/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

246/2/2026

Turkey Vulture

16/2/2026

American Crow

16/2/2026

Song Sparrow

16/2/2026

Common Grackle

16/2/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

16/2/2026

Canada Goose

606/2/2026

Mourning Dove

26/2/2026

Killdeer

16/2/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

26/2/2026

Great Blue Heron

26/2/2026

Broad-winged Hawk

16/2/2026

Downy Woodpecker

16/2/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

16/2/2026

Tufted Titmouse

16/2/2026

Cliff Swallow

16/2/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

16/2/2026

Cedar Waxwing

16/2/2026

American Goldfinch

16/2/2026

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.