a river running through a forest

Five Rivers EEC

New York · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Grounds: dawn to dusk daily; Center: Mon-Sat 9 AM - 4:30 PM

About This Location

Five Rivers EEC is a productive birding destination in New York, with 214 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts European Starling, Eastern Bluebird, and Cedar Waxwing 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

Sedge Wren

Cistothorus stellaris

6/3/2026Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Trail, Ferry Rd.1 observed

Cerulean Warbler

Setophaga cerulea

6/3/2026Schodack Island State Park, Schodack Landing US-NY 42.50260, -73.772781 observed

Brant

Branta bernicla

6/3/202612186, Voorheesville US-NY 42.62627, -73.9809150 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

6/2/20261 Sonya Pl, Schenectady US-NY 42.75763, -73.828813 observed

Wilson's Warbler

Cardellina pusilla

6/2/2026back yard1 observed

Short-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus griseus

5/31/2026Old Champlain Canal Trail, Waterford10 observed

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

5/31/2026Albany Pine Bush Preserve--Kings Highway Barrens1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

56/3/2026

Mourning Dove

36/3/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

16/3/2026

Killdeer

16/3/2026

Green Heron

16/3/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/3/2026

Turkey Vulture

26/3/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

46/3/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

36/3/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

16/3/2026

Northern Flicker

16/3/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

36/3/2026

Eastern Phoebe

56/3/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

86/3/2026

Eastern Kingbird

56/3/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

36/3/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

46/3/2026

Blue Jay

46/3/2026

Fish Crow

16/3/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

26/3/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

  4. 4

    Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.

  5. 5

    Waterproof boots are recommended as trails near marshes can be muddy, especially after rain.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Five Rivers EEC for birding?
The best months to visit Five Rivers EEC for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Five Rivers EEC?
Notable species at Five Rivers EEC include European Starling, Eastern Bluebird, Cedar Waxwing, Red-winged Blackbird, Northern Cardinal, Mallard, Mourning Dove, Red-tailed Hawk, Short-eared Owl, American Crow, American Robin, Northern Harrier. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Five Rivers EEC?
Birding at Five Rivers EEC is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Five Rivers EEC?
There is no entrance fee at Five Rivers EEC. Hours: Grounds: dawn to dusk daily; Center: Mon-Sat 9 AM - 4:30 PM.
What amenities are available at Five Rivers EEC?
Five Rivers EEC offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.