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Bashakill State Wildlife Management Area

New York · Northeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk

About This Location

Bashakill State Wildlife Management Area is a productive birding destination in New York, with 258 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Mallard, American Black Duck, and Mourning Dove 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

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

6/1/2026VanBurenville Rd Swamp1 observed

Golden-winged Warbler

Vermivora chrysoptera

6/1/2026High Point State Park, Montague US-NJ 41.30894, -74.682421 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

5/30/2026Morningside Park (Sullivan Co.)2 observed

Ruddy Turnstone

Arenaria interpres

5/30/2026Morningside Park (Sullivan Co.)1 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

5/30/2026Wallkill River NWR--Liberty Marsh (Sussex Co.)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

26/1/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

36/1/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

16/1/2026

Downy Woodpecker

26/1/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

16/1/2026

Least Flycatcher

16/1/2026

Yellow-throated Vireo

16/1/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

16/1/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

26/1/2026

Tufted Titmouse

16/1/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

26/1/2026

Brown Creeper

16/1/2026

Northern House Wren

16/1/2026

Veery

26/1/2026

American Robin

16/1/2026

American Goldfinch

96/1/2026

Chipping Sparrow

16/1/2026

Song Sparrow

16/1/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

76/1/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

26/1/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

  4. 4

    Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Bashakill State Wildlife Management Area for birding?
The best months to visit Bashakill State Wildlife Management Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Bashakill State Wildlife Management Area?
Notable species at Bashakill State Wildlife Management Area include Mallard, American Black Duck, Mourning Dove, Belted Kingfisher, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Red-winged Blackbird, Turkey Vulture, House Sparrow, American Goldfinch, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Bashakill State Wildlife Management Area?
Birding at Bashakill State Wildlife Management Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Bashakill State Wildlife Management Area?
There is no entrance fee at Bashakill State Wildlife Management Area. Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
What amenities are available at Bashakill State Wildlife Management Area?
Bashakill State Wildlife Management Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.