Pine branch with cones against a bright sky

Sapsucker Woods

New York · Northeast

Habitat
Forest
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk

About This Location

Sapsucker Woods is a productive birding destination in New York, with 238 species recorded on eBird. This forest habitat attracts Mourning Dove, Cooper's Hawk, and Red-bellied Woodpecker 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

Northern Bobwhite

Colinus virginianus

7/21/20261045 Trumbulls Corners Rd, Newfield US-NY 42.36087, -76.619101 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

7/20/2026Groton Ave. Park, Freeville1 observed

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

7/18/2026Myers Point Park1 observed

American Black Duck

Anas rubripes

7/17/2026Hile School Rd. wetland, Dryden1 observed

Purple Martin

Progne subis

7/15/2026Lime Hollow--Nature Center and area W of Gracie Rd.1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

17/21/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/21/2026

Northern Flicker

17/21/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

27/21/2026

Alder Flycatcher

17/21/2026

Eastern Phoebe

17/21/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

17/21/2026

Blue Jay

17/21/2026

American Crow

47/21/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

27/21/2026

Tufted Titmouse

17/21/2026

Northern House Wren

57/21/2026

Gray Catbird

47/21/2026

American Robin

207/21/2026

Cedar Waxwing

87/21/2026

American Goldfinch

87/21/2026

Field Sparrow

37/21/2026

Song Sparrow

87/21/2026

Swamp Sparrow

37/21/2026

Eastern Towhee

27/21/2026

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

    Check eBird hotspot data before visiting to see recent sightings and what species are being reported.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Sapsucker Woods for birding?
The best months to visit Sapsucker Woods for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Sapsucker Woods?
Notable species at Sapsucker Woods include Mourning Dove, Cooper's Hawk, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Bufflehead, Hooded Merganser, Red-breasted Merganser, Blue Jay, Mallard, Ring-billed Gull, American Herring Gull. The area supports forest habitats.
How difficult is birding at Sapsucker Woods?
Birding at Sapsucker Woods is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Sapsucker Woods?
There is no entrance fee at Sapsucker Woods. Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
What amenities are available at Sapsucker Woods?
Sapsucker Woods offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.