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

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

6/2/2026Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge--East Pond, south end2 observed

Pectoral Sandpiper

Calidris melanotos

6/2/2026Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge--East Pond, south end1 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

6/2/2026Jamaica Bay, Yellow Bar Hassock1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

6/2/2026Forest Park2 observed

Arctic Tern

Sterna paradisaea

6/2/2026Nickerson Beach Park, Lido Beach US-NY 40.58869, -73.601951 observed

Swainson's Thrush (Olive-backed)

Catharus ustulatus

6/1/2026Pan American International High School1 observed

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

6/1/2026Plumb Beach1 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

6/1/2026Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge--East Pond, south end1 observed

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

6/1/2026Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge--West Pond1 observed

Nelson's Sparrow

Ammospiza nelsoni

6/1/2026Plumb Beach3 observed

Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla

6/1/2026Plumb Beach4 observed

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

6/1/2026Jamaica Bay, JoCo Marsh--Duck Creek1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Gadwall

15/30/2026

Mallard

25/30/2026

Mourning Dove

45/30/2026

Chimney Swift

105/30/2026

American Oystercatcher

35/30/2026

Killdeer

45/30/2026

Semipalmated Plover

305/30/2026

Willet

15/30/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

505/30/2026

Laughing Gull

155/30/2026

American Herring Gull

15/30/2026

Black Skimmer

35/30/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

25/30/2026

Glossy Ibis

45/30/2026

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

15/30/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

25/30/2026

Great Egret

25/30/2026

Willow Flycatcher

15/30/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

15/30/2026

Tree Swallow

25/30/2026

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.