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

Common Loon

Gavia immer

7/14/2026Ashokan Rail Trail--Boiceville Bridge3 observed

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

7/11/2026Wittenberg Mountain1 observed

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher

Empidonax flaviventris

7/5/2026Slide Mountain1 observed

Bicknell's Thrush

Catharus bicknelli

7/1/2026West Kill Mtn.1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

17/10/2026

Eastern Phoebe

17/10/2026

Eastern Kingbird

27/10/2026

Yellow-throated Vireo

17/10/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

17/10/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

17/10/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

17/10/2026

Eastern Bluebird

37/10/2026

Cedar Waxwing

47/10/2026

American Goldfinch

17/10/2026

Chipping Sparrow

27/10/2026

Scarlet Tanager

17/10/2026

Northern Flicker

17/6/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

17/6/2026

Bank Swallow

27/6/2026

Cliff Swallow

127/6/2026

American Robin

17/6/2026

Common Merganser

37/4/2026

Ring-billed Gull

67/4/2026

Common Loon

17/4/2026

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.