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

Loading map...

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 Skimmer

Rynchops niger

8/23/2026Orchard Beach - Scanning from south end of boardwalk2 observed

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

8/23/202681 Aultman Avenue, New York, US (40.575, -74.137)2 observed

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

8/23/2026South Mountain Reservation below Crest Drive1 observed

Western Sandpiper

Calidris mauri

8/23/2026Plumb Beach1 observed

Cape May Warbler

Setophaga tigrina

8/23/2026World Trade Center Memorial1 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

8/23/2026Central Park1 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

8/23/2026Prospect Park1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

8/23/2026Bronx Zoo1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

8/23/2026Jacob Riis Park2 observed

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

8/23/2026Randalls Island--NW fields and shoreline1 observed

Louisiana Waterthrush

Parkesia motacilla

8/23/2026Central Park1 observed

Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa flavipes

8/23/2026Central Park--Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

78/23/2026

Wood Duck

18/23/2026

Rock Pigeon

38/23/2026

Mourning Dove

18/23/2026

Chimney Swift

258/23/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

18/23/2026

Downy Woodpecker

18/23/2026

Northern Flicker

18/23/2026

Gray Catbird

18/23/2026

American Robin

48/23/2026

Northern Cardinal

88/23/2026

Great Blue Heron

18/23/2026

Mallard

18/23/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

18/23/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

18/23/2026

American Redstart

18/23/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

18/23/2026

House Sparrow

28/23/2026

Osprey

18/23/2026

Mute Swan

28/23/2026

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.