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

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

6/2/2026Marshlands Conservancy3 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

6/2/2026home 11 observed

Boat-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus major

6/2/2026Marshlands Conservancy2 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

6/2/2026Inwood Hill Park1 observed

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

6/2/2026Piermont Pier1 observed

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Calidris pusilla

6/1/2026Inwood Hill Park1 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

6/1/2026Inwood Hill Park1 observed

Bonaparte's Gull

Chroicocephalus philadelphia

6/1/2026Marshlands Conservancy3 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

6/1/2026Pelham Bay Park--Southern Meadow and environs1 observed

Fox Sparrow

Passerella iliaca

6/1/2026Marshlands Conservancy1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

6/1/2026Halifax Road1 observed

Brant

Branta bernicla

6/1/2026Piermont Pier1 observed

Pileated Woodpecker

Dryocopus pileatus

5/31/2026Van Cortlandt Park--NW Forest1 observed

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

5/31/2026Pelham Bay Park--Hunter Island3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

26/2/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

16/2/2026

Great Blue Heron

36/2/2026

Black Vulture

16/2/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

16/2/2026

Northern Flicker

26/2/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

16/2/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

16/2/2026

Eastern Kingbird

16/2/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

56/2/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

56/2/2026

Blue Jay

16/2/2026

Tree Swallow

56/2/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

16/2/2026

Northern House Wren

26/2/2026

Gray Catbird

56/2/2026

Northern Mockingbird

16/2/2026

American Robin

106/2/2026

House Sparrow

26/2/2026

American Goldfinch

46/2/2026

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.