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

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

Evening Grosbeak

Hesperiphona vespertina

4/18/2026119 Yaple Rd, Berkshire US-NY (42.3464,-76.2882)30 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

4/18/2026Turkey Hill SF1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

4/18/2026Eastern Heights Park1 observed

Black-throated Green Warbler

Setophaga virens

4/18/2026Michigan Hollow, silo house3 observed

Least Flycatcher

Empidonax minimus

4/18/2026Level Green Road, OUR YARD3 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

4/17/2026Bluegrass Lane Natural Area1 observed

Evening Grosbeak (Eastern or type 3)

Hesperiphona vespertina

4/17/2026Yaple X McGrath Road Intersection2 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

4/17/2026109 Eastern Heights Dr, Ithaca US-NY 42.42456, -76.455441 observed

Palm Warbler (Western)

Setophaga palmarum

4/17/2026White Church Rd. trail1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

4/17/2026

Belted Kingfisher

4/17/2026

Downy Woodpecker

4/17/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

4/17/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

4/17/2026

Mourning Dove

14/17/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

14/17/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

14/17/2026

Northern Flicker

14/17/2026

American Robin

34/17/2026

Northern Cardinal

34/17/2026

Mallard

24/17/2026

Osprey

14/17/2026

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

24/17/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

24/17/2026

Eastern Phoebe

14/17/2026

Blue Jay

24/17/2026

Tufted Titmouse

24/17/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

44/17/2026

European Starling

14/17/2026

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.