Lake birding habitat

Kensico Reservoir (Kensico & Rye Lakes)

New York · Northeast

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Kensico Reservoir (Kensico & Rye Lakes) is a productive birding destination in New York, with 202 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

Monk Parakeet

Myiopsitta monachus

7/17/2026Inwood Hill Park2 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

7/17/2026Piermont Pier1 observed

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

7/17/2026Piermont Pier1 observed

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

7/17/2026Piermont Pier1 observed

Least Flycatcher

Empidonax minimus

7/17/2026New York Botanical Garden1 observed

Laughing Gull

Leucophaeus atricilla

7/16/2026Piermont Pier1 observed

Glossy Ibis

Plegadis falcinellus

7/16/2026Pelham Bay Park--Southern Meadow and environs1 observed

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

7/16/2026Pelham Bay Park, New York US-NY 40.86933, -73.799221 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black-crowned Night Heron

17/8/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/8/2026

Belted Kingfisher

27/8/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

27/8/2026

Barn Swallow

307/8/2026

Cliff Swallow

57/8/2026

American Robin

17/8/2026

Cedar Waxwing

27/8/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

17/8/2026

Chimney Swift

47/7/2026

Ring-billed Gull

67/7/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/7/2026

Eastern Kingbird

17/7/2026

Tree Swallow

17/7/2026

Gray Catbird

17/7/2026

Great Egret

17/7/2026

Peregrine Falcon

27/7/2026

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 Kensico Reservoir (Kensico & Rye Lakes) for birding?
The best months to visit Kensico Reservoir (Kensico & Rye Lakes) for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Kensico Reservoir (Kensico & Rye Lakes)?
Notable species at Kensico Reservoir (Kensico & Rye Lakes) include Mallard, Ring-necked Duck, Common Merganser, Red-breasted Merganser, Ring-billed Gull. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Kensico Reservoir (Kensico & Rye Lakes)?
Birding at Kensico Reservoir (Kensico & Rye Lakes) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Kensico Reservoir (Kensico & Rye Lakes)?
Kensico Reservoir (Kensico & Rye Lakes) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.