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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

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum

4/14/2026Shawangunk Grasslands NWR 1 observed

Chimney Swift

Chaetura pelagica

4/14/2026Glenmere Lake1 observed

Yellow-throated Vireo

Vireo flavifrons

4/9/202658 Meadows Ln, Middletown US-NY 41.44427, -74.347741 observed

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

4/9/2026Hummingbird Hill1 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

4/8/2026Bruynswick-New Prospect Road1 observed

Laughing Gull

Leucophaeus atricilla

4/5/2026Kiamesha Lake1 observed

Blue-headed Vireo

Vireo solitarius

4/5/2026Hummingbird Hill1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

4/14/2026

Wood Duck

144/14/2026

Mallard

64/14/2026

Mourning Dove

14/14/2026

Wilson's Snipe

54/14/2026

Turkey Vulture

34/14/2026

Bald Eagle

34/14/2026

Broad-winged Hawk

14/14/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

24/14/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

14/14/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

14/14/2026

Northern Flicker

24/14/2026

Eastern Phoebe

34/14/2026

Blue Jay

14/14/2026

American Crow

44/14/2026

Common Raven

14/14/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

34/14/2026

Tufted Titmouse

34/14/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

44/14/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

44/14/2026

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.