Warblers in the Ramble area of Central Park during spring migration

Central Park

New York · Northeast

Habitat
Urban ParkForest
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

6:00 AM – 1:00 AM daily

About This Location

Central Park is an urban birding oasis in the heart of Manhattan, attracting over 280 species. The Ramble and North Woods act as migrant traps, concentrating warblers and other songbirds during spring and fall migration.

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

Laughing Gull

Leucophaeus atricilla

7/22/2026Piermont Pier1 observed

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

7/22/2026Piermont Pier10 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

7/22/2026McCarren Park1 observed

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

7/22/2026Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge2 observed

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

7/22/2026Piermont Pier1 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

7/22/2026Piermont Pier1 observed

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

7/22/2026Breezy Point Tip1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

7/22/2026Prospect Park1 observed

Sedge Wren

Cistothorus stellaris

7/22/2026Freshkills Park--North Park (Phase l)1 observed

Sora

Porzana carolina

7/21/2026Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge--East Pond1 observed

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

7/21/2026Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge--East Pond1 observed

Louisiana Waterthrush

Parkesia motacilla

7/21/2026Prospect Park--Prospect Lake1 observed

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

7/21/2026307 Nelson Ct, Edgewater US-NJ 40.80986, -73.982921 observed

Ruff

Calidris pugnax

7/21/2026Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge--East Pond, south end1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Red-tailed Hawk

27/22/2026

Killdeer

37/22/2026

Barn Swallow

87/22/2026

Snowy Egret

117/22/2026

Osprey

17/22/2026

Mallard

207/22/2026

Rock Pigeon

157/22/2026

Mourning Dove

17/22/2026

Laughing Gull

207/22/2026

Ring-billed Gull

127/22/2026

American Herring Gull

157/22/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

87/22/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

77/22/2026

Blue Jay

27/22/2026

American Crow

17/22/2026

Tree Swallow

17/22/2026

European Starling

67/22/2026

Gray Catbird

17/22/2026

American Robin

107/22/2026

House Sparrow

257/22/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    The Ramble is the best area for spring warblers

  2. 2

    Join a NYC Audubon guided walk for expert help

  3. 3

    Visit during spring migration (April-May) for the greatest species diversity

  4. 4

    Fall migration (September-October) brings waves of southbound warblers and raptors

  5. 5

    Arrive at dawn for peak bird activity, especially during migration seasons

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Central Park for birding?
The best months to visit Central Park for birding are April-May. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Central Park?
Notable species at Central Park include Blackburnian Warbler, Wood Thrush, Red-tailed Hawk, Mandarin Duck, Great Horned Owl, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Bufflehead, American Herring Gull, American Robin. The area supports urban park, forest habitats.
How difficult is birding at Central Park?
Birding at Central Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Central Park?
There is no entrance fee at Central Park. Hours: 6:00 AM – 1:00 AM daily.
What amenities are available at Central Park?
Central Park offers the following amenities: Restrooms, Trails, Water Fountains.