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

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

4/19/2026Inwood hill park1 observed

Glaucous Gull

Larus hyperboreus

4/19/2026Bush Terminal Piers Park1 observed

Wild Turkey

Meleagris gallopavo

4/19/2026The Battery, Manhattan1 observed

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

4/19/2026Central Park--The Ramble1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

4/19/2026Central Park--The Ramble1 observed

Ovenbird

Seiurus aurocapilla

4/19/2026Brooklyn Bridge Park1 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

4/19/2026Ernest L. Oros Wildlife Preserve1 observed

King Rail

Rallus elegans

4/19/2026Ernest L. Oros Wildlife Preserve1 observed

Scarlet Tanager

Piranga olivacea

4/19/2026Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn1 observed

Prothonotary Warbler

Protonotaria citrea

4/19/2026Prospect Park1 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

4/19/2026Central Park--North Woods1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

4/19/2026Central Park--North Woods1 observed

Black-throated Green Warbler

Setophaga virens

4/19/2026Central Park1 observed

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

4/19/2026Ernest L. Oros Wildlife Preserve1 observed

Black-throated Blue Warbler

Setophaga caerulescens

4/19/2026Ernest L. Oros Wildlife Preserve1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

14/19/2026

Mute Swan

14/19/2026

Mallard

24/19/2026

Rock Pigeon

24/19/2026

Laughing Gull

154/19/2026

American Herring Gull

44/19/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/19/2026

Osprey

14/19/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/19/2026

Northern Flicker

14/19/2026

Blue Jay

34/19/2026

Tufted Titmouse

14/19/2026

Barn Swallow

14/19/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

24/19/2026

American Robin

104/19/2026

House Sparrow

184/19/2026

White-throated Sparrow

64/19/2026

Song Sparrow

14/19/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

54/19/2026

Common Grackle

44/19/2026

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.