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

Virginia Rail

Rallus limicola

4/17/2026Bryant Park (5th-6th Ave. btwn 40th-42nd St.)1 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

4/17/2026Backyard1 observed

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

4/17/2026Bryant Park (5th-6th Ave. btwn 40th-42nd St.)2 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

4/17/2026New Hyde Park Yard: Nassau County1 observed

Blue-winged Warbler

Vermivora cyanoptera

4/17/2026Union Turnpike, New York, US (40.749, -73.742)1 observed

Tufted Duck

Aythya fuligula

4/17/2026Cammanns Pond Park1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

4/17/2026Central Park--The Ramble1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

134/17/2026

Mute Swan

54/17/2026

Wood Duck

34/17/2026

Mallard

74/17/2026

Hooded Merganser

14/17/2026

Mourning Dove

44/17/2026

Laughing Gull

44/17/2026

Ring-billed Gull

64/17/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

314/17/2026

Great Horned Owl

14/17/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

34/17/2026

Downy Woodpecker

54/17/2026

Northern Flicker

24/17/2026

Blue Jay

144/17/2026

Fish Crow

204/17/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

14/17/2026

Tufted Titmouse

14/17/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

14/17/2026

European Starling

184/17/2026

Hermit Thrush

14/17/2026

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 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.