Lake birding habitat

Flax Pond, Old Field

New York · Northeast

Habitat
LakeGrassland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Flax Pond, Old Field is a productive birding destination in New York, with 212 species recorded on eBird. This lake and grassland habitat attracts Canada Goose, White-winged Scoter, and Black Scoter 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

Boat-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus major

7/20/2026Long Beach5 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

7/20/2026Prestons Pond Complex1 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

7/20/2026Prestons Pond Complex1 observed

Northern Pintail

Anas acuta

7/19/2026Stewart B. McKinney NWR--Long Beach Blvd. Pond1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

7/18/2026Sherwood Island State Park1 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

7/18/2026Paumanok Trail (Jones Pond)2 observed

American Coot

Fulica americana

7/17/2026Patchogue Lake1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Spotted Sandpiper

17/17/2026

Laughing Gull

37/17/2026

Ring-billed Gull

27/17/2026

American Herring Gull

37/17/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

27/17/2026

Least Tern

307/17/2026

Common Tern

387/17/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

167/17/2026

Snowy Egret

17/17/2026

Great Egret

27/17/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/17/2026

Osprey

47/17/2026

Cooper's Hawk

17/17/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

17/17/2026

Blue Jay

27/17/2026

American Crow

17/17/2026

Fish Crow

17/17/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

47/17/2026

Bank Swallow

7/17/2026

Barn Swallow

7/17/2026

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 Flax Pond, Old Field for birding?
The best months to visit Flax Pond, Old Field for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Flax Pond, Old Field?
Notable species at Flax Pond, Old Field include Canada Goose, White-winged Scoter, Black Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, Common Goldeneye. The area supports lake, grassland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Flax Pond, Old Field?
Birding at Flax Pond, Old Field is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Flax Pond, Old Field?
Flax Pond, Old Field offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.