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

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

Pectoral Sandpiper

Calidris melanotos

6/3/2026Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge--East Pond, south end1 observed

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

6/3/2026Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge--East Pond, south end2 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

6/3/2026South Mountain Reservation below Crest Drive1 observed

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

6/3/2026Path over City Is. Bridge2 observed

Chestnut-sided Warbler

Setophaga pensylvanica

6/3/2026Path over City Is. Bridge1 observed

Mourning Warbler

Geothlypis philadelphia

6/3/2026Prospect Park1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)

Setophaga coronata

6/3/2026Prospect Park1 observed

Tricolored Heron

Egretta tricolor

6/3/2026Oakwood Beach--tidal marshes, NW to Mill Rd.1 observed

Hooded Merganser

Lophodytes cucullatus

6/3/2026Richard W. DeKorte Park1 observed

Piping Plover

Charadrius melodus

6/3/2026Plumb Beach1 observed

Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga magnolia

6/3/2026Maplewood Memorial Park

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

6/3/2026Prospect Park1 observed

Canada Warbler

Cardellina canadensis

6/3/2026Clove Lakes Park1 observed

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

6/2/2026Great Kills Park--Mudflats1 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

6/2/2026Central Park--The Pool1 observed

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

Stelgidopteryx serripennis

6/2/2026Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

26/2/2026

Wood Duck

126/2/2026

Mallard

106/2/2026

Mourning Dove

26/2/2026

Chimney Swift

46/2/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

16/2/2026

Green Heron

26/2/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/2/2026

Cooper's Hawk

16/2/2026

Eastern Kingbird

26/2/2026

Gray Catbird

26/2/2026

Cedar Waxwing

46/2/2026

American Goldfinch

46/2/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

116/2/2026

Common Grackle

46/2/2026

Boat-tailed Grackle

46/2/2026

Black-and-white Warbler

16/2/2026

Rock Pigeon

16/2/2026

Great Egret

16/2/2026

Osprey

16/2/2026

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.