Lake birding habitat

Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary & Rye Playland (incl. Playland Lake)

New York · Northeast

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary & Rye Playland (incl. Playland Lake) is a productive birding destination in New York, with 259 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Brant, Canada Goose, and Gadwall 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

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

7/14/2026Alley Pond Park--Restoration Pond1 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

7/14/2026College Point Wetlands (formerly Flushing Airport)2 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

7/14/2026Northern State Pkwy E, Melville US-NY 40.79756, -73.421361 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

7/14/2026New York Botanical Garden4 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

7/14/2026Piermont Pier1 observed

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

7/14/2026Piermont Pier1 observed

Cliff Swallow

Petrochelidon pyrrhonota

7/14/2026Randalls Island--NE fields and shoreline1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

127/8/2026

Mallard

27/8/2026

Wild Turkey

17/8/2026

Mourning Dove

27/8/2026

Chimney Swift

17/8/2026

American Oystercatcher

47/8/2026

Killdeer

37/8/2026

Least Sandpiper

17/8/2026

Laughing Gull

17/8/2026

Ring-billed Gull

87/8/2026

American Herring Gull

127/8/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

37/8/2026

Common Tern

117/8/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

127/8/2026

Snowy Egret

47/8/2026

Great Egret

47/8/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/8/2026

Osprey

27/8/2026

Northern Flicker

17/8/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

17/8/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary & Rye Playland (incl. Playland Lake) for birding?
The best months to visit Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary & Rye Playland (incl. Playland Lake) for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary & Rye Playland (incl. Playland Lake)?
Notable species at Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary & Rye Playland (incl. Playland Lake) include Brant, Canada Goose, Gadwall, Mallard, American Black Duck. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary & Rye Playland (incl. Playland Lake)?
Birding at Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary & Rye Playland (incl. Playland Lake) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary & Rye Playland (incl. Playland Lake)?
Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary & Rye Playland (incl. Playland Lake) offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.