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

7/20/2026Work1 observed

Canvasback

Aythya valisineria

7/19/2026St. Catharines--Brock University (Lake Moodie)1 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

7/19/2026Snyder Dr.1 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

7/18/2026Niagara--Waterfowl Observation Area1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

7/17/2026Lyons Creek, Niagara Falls3 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

7/17/2026Fort Niagara SP1 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

7/15/2026Niagara--Queenston (Locust Grove Picnic Area)1 observed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

7/15/2026Lyons Creek, Niagara Falls1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

57/18/2026

Rock Pigeon

17/18/2026

Ring-billed Gull

27/18/2026

American Herring Gull

17/18/2026

Caspian Tern

27/18/2026

Common Tern

17/18/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

67/18/2026

Osprey

17/18/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/18/2026

Northern Flicker

37/18/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

17/18/2026

Willow Flycatcher

17/18/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

27/18/2026

Eastern Kingbird

17/18/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

17/18/2026

Blue Jay

37/18/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

27/18/2026

Bank Swallow

27/18/2026

Tree Swallow

27/18/2026

Purple Martin

67/18/2026

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.