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

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

7/13/2026College Point Wetlands (formerly Flushing Airport)2 observed

Curlew Sandpiper

Calidris ferruginea

7/13/2026Jones Beach SP--Theodore Roosevelt Nature Center1 observed

Ruff

Calidris pugnax

7/13/2026Jones Beach SP--Theodore Roosevelt Nature Center1 observed

Cliff Swallow

Petrochelidon pyrrhonota

7/13/2026Plumb Beach1 observed

Tricolored Heron

Egretta tricolor

7/13/2026Captree Island1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

607/11/2026

Gadwall

87/11/2026

Mallard

207/11/2026

Mourning Dove

27/11/2026

American Oystercatcher

27/11/2026

Laughing Gull

57/11/2026

American Herring Gull

17/11/2026

Glossy Ibis

47/11/2026

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

17/11/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

27/11/2026

Willow Flycatcher

27/11/2026

Tree Swallow

27/11/2026

Barn Swallow

37/11/2026

European Starling

1057/11/2026

Gray Catbird

27/11/2026

Northern Mockingbird

27/11/2026

American Robin

177/11/2026

Song Sparrow

37/11/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

27/11/2026

Common Grackle

27/11/2026

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.