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

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

4/18/2026Westmoreland Sanctuary1 observed

Pileated Woodpecker

Dryocopus pileatus

4/18/2026Van Cortlandt Park, New York US-NY 40.90182, -73.892551 observed

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

4/18/2026VCP LAKE

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

4/18/2026Croton Point Park1 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

4/18/2026Croton Point Park1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

4/18/2026Hopper St1 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

4/18/2026Marshlands Conservancy1 observed

Chimney Swift

Chaetura pelagica

4/18/2026Scofieldtown Park2 observed

Clay-colored Sparrow

Spizella pallida

4/17/20267 Banksville Road, North Castle, New York, US (41.131, -73.682)1 observed

Swallow-tailed Kite

Elanoides forficatus

4/17/2026Back Porch1 observed

Wilson's Snipe

Gallinago delicata

4/17/2026Pelham Bay Park1 observed

Boat-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus major

4/17/2026Pelham Bay Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Bufflehead

44/18/2026

Wild Turkey

14/18/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

14/18/2026

Osprey

14/18/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

14/18/2026

Great Horned Owl

24/18/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/18/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

14/18/2026

Northern Flicker

34/18/2026

Eastern Phoebe

24/18/2026

Blue Jay

104/18/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

14/18/2026

Tufted Titmouse

34/18/2026

Tree Swallow

104/18/2026

European Starling

44/18/2026

Northern Mockingbird

14/18/2026

Eastern Bluebird

14/18/2026

American Robin

204/18/2026

Song Sparrow

14/18/2026

Common Grackle

34/18/2026

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.