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

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

4/15/2026Soper sanctuary1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

4/15/2026Long Dock Park, Scenic Hudson1 observed

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum

4/14/2026Shawangunk Grasslands NWR 1 observed

Great Cormorant

Phalacrocorax carbo

4/14/2026Global south terminal piling2 observed

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

4/14/2026Minnewaska SP--Lower Awosting4 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wild Turkey

24/15/2026

Turkey Vulture

74/15/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

24/15/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/15/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/15/2026

American Kestrel

24/15/2026

Eastern Phoebe

24/15/2026

American Crow

24/15/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

14/15/2026

Tufted Titmouse

24/15/2026

Tree Swallow

144/15/2026

Purple Martin

14/15/2026

Barn Swallow

24/15/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

14/15/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

24/15/2026

European Starling

44/15/2026

Eastern Bluebird

44/15/2026

American Robin

44/15/2026

House Finch

24/15/2026

American Goldfinch

44/15/2026

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.