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

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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

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

6/1/2026Central Park--The Ramble1 observed

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

6/1/2026Central Park--The Ramble1 observed

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

6/1/2026Bryant Park (5th-6th Ave. btwn 40th-42nd St.)1 observed

Mourning Warbler

Geothlypis philadelphia

6/1/2026Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn1 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

6/1/2026Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn1 observed

Swainson's Thrush (Olive-backed)

Catharus ustulatus

6/1/2026Pan American International High School1 observed

Prairie Warbler

Setophaga discolor

6/1/2026Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn1 observed

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher

Empidonax flaviventris

6/1/2026Pugsley Creek Park1 observed

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

6/1/2026Plumb Beach1 observed

Glaucous Gull

Larus hyperboreus

6/1/2026Breezy Point Beach1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

6/1/2026Breezy Point Beach7 observed

Roseate Tern

Sterna dougallii

6/1/2026Breezy Point Beach1 observed

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

6/1/2026Breezy Point Beach2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

55/31/2026

Mallard

25/31/2026

Mourning Dove

35/31/2026

Chimney Swift

45/31/2026

Laughing Gull

55/31/2026

American Herring Gull

25/31/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

15/31/2026

Forster's Tern

15/31/2026

Osprey

25/31/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

25/31/2026

Downy Woodpecker

25/31/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

25/31/2026

Northern Flicker

15/31/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

15/31/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

25/31/2026

Eastern Kingbird

25/31/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

55/31/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

45/31/2026

Blue Jay

65/31/2026

Fish Crow

35/31/2026

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.