Lake birding habitat

Hempstead Lake State Park

New York · Northeast

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Hempstead Lake State Park is a productive birding destination in New York, with 234 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Mallard, Ring-necked Duck, and Common Merganser among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

Loading map...

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

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

7/20/2026Central Park1 observed

Sora

Porzana carolina

7/20/2026Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge--East Pond, south end1 observed

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

7/20/2026Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge--East Pond1 observed

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

7/20/2026Breezy Point Tip4 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

7/20/2026Breezy Point Tip1 observed

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

7/20/2026Path over City Is. Bridge1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

7/20/2026Fort Tilden--Fishermans Parking Lot4 observed

Louisiana Waterthrush

Parkesia motacilla

7/20/2026Prospect Park1 observed

Cliff Swallow

Petrochelidon pyrrhonota

7/20/2026Manhasset - Private: No Access5 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Red-bellied Woodpecker

37/17/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/17/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

17/17/2026

Blue Jay

47/17/2026

American Crow

17/17/2026

Fish Crow

17/17/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

17/17/2026

Gray Catbird

67/17/2026

Northern Mockingbird

17/17/2026

American Robin

97/17/2026

Cedar Waxwing

17/17/2026

House Sparrow

17/17/2026

House Finch

17/17/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

17/17/2026

Northern Cardinal

37/17/2026

Mallard

47/16/2026

Mourning Dove

47/16/2026

Laughing Gull

17/16/2026

Forster's Tern

17/16/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

17/16/2026

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 Hempstead Lake State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Hempstead Lake State Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Hempstead Lake State Park?
Notable species at Hempstead Lake State Park include Mallard, Ring-necked Duck, Common Merganser, Red-winged Blackbird, Northern Cardinal. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Hempstead Lake State Park?
Birding at Hempstead Lake State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Hempstead Lake State Park?
Hempstead Lake State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.