Prospect Park - Prospect Lake

New York · Northeast

Habitat
LakeUrban Park
Best Seasons
SpringFall
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

Black-capped Chickadee

Poecile atricapillus

3/6/2026Sandy Hook--Spermaceti Cove area2 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

3/6/2026North 5th Street Pier and Park1 observed

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

3/6/2026New York, New York, US (40.799, -73.975)1 observed

Wild Turkey

Meleagris gallopavo

3/6/2026Liberty Island/Statue of Liberty (NY County)1 observed

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

3/6/2026Hudson River Greenway--145th-155th St.3 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

3/6/2026Hudson River Greenway--145th-155th St.1 observed

Eurasian Wigeon

Mareca penelope

3/6/202681 Freeborn St, New York US-NY 40.57679, -74.090611 observed

Bohemian Waxwing

Bombycilla garrulus

3/6/2026Sandy Hook1 observed

Field Sparrow

Spizella pusilla

3/6/2026Stuyvesant Town-Peter Cooper Village1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

3/6/2026Governors Island (N.Y. County)1 observed

American Wigeon

Mareca americana

3/6/2026Governors Island (N.Y. County)4 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

353/5/2026

Mute Swan

23/5/2026

Mallard

503/5/2026

American Black Duck

23/5/2026

Hooded Merganser

53/5/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

13/5/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/5/2026

Blue Jay

43/5/2026

European Starling

203/5/2026

American Robin

13/5/2026

House Sparrow

123/5/2026

White-throated Sparrow

23/5/2026

Song Sparrow

13/5/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

63/5/2026

Common Grackle

23/5/2026

Northern Cardinal

23/5/2026

Snow Goose

73/4/2026

Ring-necked Duck

33/4/2026

Bufflehead

13/4/2026

American Coot

33/4/2026

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.