a small colorful bird perched on a thin branch

Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge

New York · Northeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in New York, with 208 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Northern Harrier, and Short-eared Owl 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

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

6/1/2026VanBurenville Rd Swamp1 observed

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

5/29/2026Bucolic Acres East1 observed

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

5/28/2026Minnewaska SP--Awosting Falls1 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

5/25/2026Long Dock Park, Scenic Hudson1 observed

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

5/25/2026Long Dock Park, Scenic Hudson3 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

5/20/2026Hyde Park Marina, Poughkeepsie1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

26/1/2026

Killdeer

16/1/2026

Turkey Vulture

56/1/2026

Northern Flicker

16/1/2026

American Kestrel

16/1/2026

Willow Flycatcher

16/1/2026

Least Flycatcher

16/1/2026

Eastern Kingbird

26/1/2026

American Crow

16/1/2026

Tufted Titmouse

26/1/2026

Tree Swallow

26/1/2026

Purple Martin

46/1/2026

Barn Swallow

26/1/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

16/1/2026

Northern House Wren

16/1/2026

European Starling

26/1/2026

Gray Catbird

16/1/2026

Eastern Bluebird

16/1/2026

American Robin

26/1/2026

American Goldfinch

46/1/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

  4. 4

    Stop at the visitor center for current bird sighting reports and trail maps.

  5. 5

    Check the refuge website for seasonal road and trail closures before visiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge include Canada Goose, Northern Harrier, Short-eared Owl, Eastern Bluebird, Red-winged Blackbird, Northern Flicker, Downy Woodpecker, Northern Cardinal, Mourning Dove, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Wren, House Sparrow. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge?
There is no entrance fee at Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge. Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge?
Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.