Grassland birding habitat

Cow Meadow Park and Preserve

New York · Northeast

Habitat
GrasslandUrban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Cow Meadow Park and Preserve is a productive birding destination in New York, with 206 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and urban park habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

4/17/2026Hempstead Lake SP1 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

4/17/2026Belmont Lake SP1 observed

Veery

Catharus fuscescens

4/17/2026Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge1 observed

Prothonotary Warbler

Protonotaria citrea

4/16/2026Crocheron Park1 observed

Great Crested Flycatcher

Myiarchus crinitus

4/16/2026Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge1 observed

Willet (Eastern)

Tringa semipalmata

4/16/2026Gardiner County Park1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

4/16/2026Welwyn Preserve1 observed

Tufted Duck

Aythya fuligula

4/16/2026Cammanns Pond Park1 observed

Chimney Swift

Chaetura pelagica

4/16/2026Hempstead Lake SP--south end1 observed

Willet

Tringa semipalmata

4/16/2026Cedar state boat channel8 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

14/15/2026

Mute Swan

24/15/2026

Mallard

24/15/2026

Rock Pigeon

24/15/2026

Mourning Dove

24/15/2026

Black-bellied Plover

14/15/2026

Laughing Gull

44/15/2026

American Herring Gull

44/15/2026

Forster's Tern

24/15/2026

Glossy Ibis

54/15/2026

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

54/15/2026

Osprey

14/15/2026

Belted Kingfisher

14/15/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

24/15/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/15/2026

Blue Jay

34/15/2026

Fish Crow

14/15/2026

Tufted Titmouse

14/15/2026

Barn Swallow

14/15/2026

Carolina Wren

14/15/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.

  2. 2

    Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Cow Meadow Park and Preserve for birding?
The best months to visit Cow Meadow Park and Preserve for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Cow Meadow Park and Preserve?
Notable species at Cow Meadow Park and Preserve include Eastern Meadowlark, Dickcissel, Grasshopper Sparrow, Northern Harrier, Bobolink. The area supports grassland, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Cow Meadow Park and Preserve?
Birding at Cow Meadow Park and Preserve is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Cow Meadow Park and Preserve?
Cow Meadow Park and Preserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.