Lullwater and forested ravine in Prospect Park Brooklyn

Prospect Park

New York · Northeast

Habitat
Urban ParkForestLake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

5:00 AM – 1:00 AM daily

About This Location

Prospect Park is Brooklyn's premier birding destination, a 585-acre urban oasis designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Samuel Parsons. With over 280 species recorded, the park's mix of mature woodlands, meadows, and a 60-acre lake provides exceptional habitat diversity in the heart of one of New York City's most densely populated boroughs.

The Ravine and Midwood sections harbor migrant warblers, thrushes, and flycatchers during spring and fall, while the Lake and Lullwater attract herons, egrets, and waterfowl year-round. Prospect Park's position along the Atlantic Flyway makes it one of the most important stopover sites for Neotropical migrants in the urban Northeast.

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

Wild Turkey

Meleagris gallopavo

6/19/2026The Battery, Manhattan1 observed

Wilson's Storm-Petrel

Oceanites oceanicus

6/19/2026AP Whale Watch - Queens Return1 observed

Cliff Swallow

Petrochelidon pyrrhonota

6/19/2026Udall's Mill Pond3 observed

Great Cormorant

Phalacrocorax carbo

6/19/2026Plumb Beach--West1 observed

Black-throated Green Warbler

Setophaga virens

6/19/2026Prospect Park1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

6/19/2026AP Whale Watch - Queens list 1 on Jun 19, 20262 observed

Cory's Shearwater

Calonectris borealis

6/19/2026Lower New York Bay, Brooklyn5 observed

Swamp Sparrow

Melospiza georgiana

6/19/2026Bryant Park (5th-6th Ave. btwn 40th-42nd St.)2 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

6/19/2026Prospect Park1 observed

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

6/19/2026Central Park--North End (N of 97th St. Transverse)1 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

6/19/2026Alley Pond Park--Restoration Pond1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Rock Pigeon

316/19/2026

Blue Jay

26/19/2026

European Starling

126/19/2026

Gray Catbird

16/19/2026

American Robin

196/19/2026

House Sparrow

156/19/2026

Northern Cardinal

56/19/2026

Cooper's Hawk

46/19/2026

Mute Swan

26/19/2026

Mourning Dove

16/19/2026

Wood Duck

106/19/2026

Chimney Swift

26/19/2026

Cedar Waxwing

46/19/2026

Common Grackle

26/19/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

16/19/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

16/19/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

16/19/2026

Canada Goose

306/19/2026

Mallard

16/19/2026

Laughing Gull

16/19/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    The Ravine and Midwood are the best areas for spring warbler fallouts

  2. 2

    Check the Lullwater for herons, Wood Ducks, and kingfishers year-round

  3. 3

    Join Brooklyn Bird Club walks for guided access and expert identification help

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Prospect Park for birding?
The best months to visit Prospect Park for birding are April-May. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Prospect Park?
Notable species at Prospect Park include Black-crowned Night-Heron, Wood Duck, Blackburnian Warbler, Rusty Blackbird, Green Heron, Eastern Screech-Owl. The area supports urban park, forest, lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Prospect Park?
Birding at Prospect Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Prospect Park?
There is no entrance fee at Prospect Park. Hours: 5:00 AM – 1:00 AM daily.
What amenities are available at Prospect Park?
Prospect Park offers the following amenities: Restrooms, Trails, Water Fountains, Parking.