Coastal birding habitat

Buckhorn Island State Park

New York · Northeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Buckhorn Island State Park is a productive birding destination in New York, with 230 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, and Mallard 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

Fish Crow

Corvus ossifragus

6/2/2026715 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, New York, US (42.904, -78.873)1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

6/2/2026Happy Rolph's1 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

6/2/20265 Louis Avenue, St. Catharines, Ontario, CA (43.205, -79.216)2 observed

Wilson's Warbler

Cardellina pusilla

6/2/2026Lytle Nature Preserve

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

6/2/2026stakeout Western Kingbird, Youngstown-Wilson Rd., Youngstown (2025)1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

6/2/2026Willodell by Schisler1 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

6/2/2026Hulbert Road south end1 observed

Ruffed Grouse

Bonasa umbellus

6/1/2026Joseph Davis SP1 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

6/1/2026Four Mile Creek SP1 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

6/1/2026stakeout Western Kingbird, Youngstown-Wilson Rd., Youngstown (2025)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Ring-billed Gull

126/2/2026

American Herring Gull

26/2/2026

Caspian Tern

26/2/2026

Common Tern

46/2/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

76/2/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/2/2026

Turkey Vulture

16/2/2026

Northern Flicker

16/2/2026

Willow Flycatcher

16/2/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

16/2/2026

Eastern Kingbird

16/2/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

16/2/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

16/2/2026

Blue Jay

16/2/2026

Tree Swallow

36/2/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

26/2/2026

Barn Swallow

26/2/2026

Gray Catbird

36/2/2026

American Robin

56/2/2026

Cedar Waxwing

36/2/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Buckhorn Island State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Buckhorn Island State Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Buckhorn Island State Park?
Notable species at Buckhorn Island State Park include Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, Mallard, Green-winged Teal, Bufflehead. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Buckhorn Island State Park?
Birding at Buckhorn Island State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Buckhorn Island State Park?
Buckhorn Island State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.