Lake birding habitat

Prospect Park - Prospect Lake

New York · Northeast

Habitat
LakeUrban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Prospect Park - Prospect Lake is a productive birding destination in New York, with 245 species recorded on eBird. This lake and urban park habitat attracts Snow Goose, Mallard, and American Black Duck 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

7/18/2026Inwood Hill Park2 observed

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

7/18/2026Richard W. DeKorte Park1 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

7/18/2026College Point Wetlands (formerly Flushing Airport)2 observed

Manx Shearwater

Puffinus puffinus

7/18/202640.46728, -73.890012 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

7/18/2026Central Park, New York US-NY 40.77936, -73.968991 observed

Louisiana Waterthrush

Parkesia motacilla

7/18/2026Canarsie Beach Park1 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

7/18/2026New York Botanical Garden1 observed

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

7/18/2026Plumb Beach3 observed

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

7/18/2026Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge--East Pond1 observed

Piping Plover

Charadrius melodus

7/18/2026Plumb Beach1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

107/18/2026

Mute Swan

27/18/2026

American Black Duck

87/18/2026

Rock Pigeon

47/18/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/18/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

17/18/2026

European Starling

27/18/2026

Gray Catbird

17/18/2026

Wood Thrush

17/18/2026

American Robin

157/18/2026

Wood Duck

37/13/2026

Mallard

277/13/2026

Mourning Dove

47/13/2026

Chimney Swift

57/13/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

37/13/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/13/2026

Northern Flicker

17/13/2026

Eastern Kingbird

37/13/2026

Blue Jay

17/13/2026

Northern Mockingbird

17/13/2026

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 Prospect Park - Prospect Lake for birding?
The best months to visit Prospect Park - Prospect Lake for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Prospect Park - Prospect Lake?
Notable species at Prospect Park - Prospect Lake include Snow Goose, Mallard, American Black Duck, Ring-necked Duck, Bufflehead. The area supports lake, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Prospect Park - Prospect Lake?
Birding at Prospect Park - Prospect Lake is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Prospect Park - Prospect Lake?
Prospect Park - Prospect Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.