shallow focus photo of gray telescope

Rockefeller State Park Preserve

New York · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Parking $6

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

Rockefeller State Park Preserve is a productive birding destination in New York, with 208 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Wild Turkey, Black Vulture, and Turkey Vulture 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

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

7/20/2026Sibbald House1 observed

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

7/20/2026Fort Tryon Park1 observed

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

7/20/2026Path over City Is. Bridge1 observed

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

7/20/2026Piermont Pier1 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

7/20/2026Piermont Pier1 observed

Laughing Gull

Leucophaeus atricilla

7/20/2026Piermont Pier1 observed

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

7/19/202635 Urban St., New Canaan1 observed

Monk Parakeet

Myiopsitta monachus

7/19/2026Inwood Hill Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

17/20/2026

Eastern Screech-Owl

27/20/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/20/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

17/20/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

17/20/2026

Gray Catbird

67/20/2026

American Goldfinch

37/20/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

17/20/2026

Northern Cardinal

17/20/2026

Indigo Bunting

17/20/2026

Mourning Dove

107/19/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/19/2026

Tufted Titmouse

17/19/2026

Carolina Wren

17/19/2026

Veery

17/19/2026

Wood Thrush

17/19/2026

American Robin

27/19/2026

Song Sparrow

27/19/2026

Chimney Swift

27/19/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/19/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

  4. 4

    Consider purchasing an annual parks pass if you plan to visit multiple times.

  5. 5

    Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Rockefeller State Park Preserve for birding?
The best months to visit Rockefeller State Park Preserve for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Rockefeller State Park Preserve?
Notable species at Rockefeller State Park Preserve include Wild Turkey, Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture, Blue Jay, American Crow, Dark-eyed Junco, White-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-shouldered Hawk, Black-capped Chickadee, Rock Pigeon. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Rockefeller State Park Preserve?
Birding at Rockefeller State Park Preserve is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Rockefeller State Park Preserve?
The entrance fee at Rockefeller State Park Preserve is Parking $6. Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at Rockefeller State Park Preserve?
Rockefeller State Park Preserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.