Lake birding habitat

Southards Pond Park

New York · Northeast

Habitat
LakeUrban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Southards Pond Park is a productive birding destination in New York, with 220 species recorded on eBird. This lake and urban park habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mute Swan, and Gadwall 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

Ruff

Calidris pugnax

7/17/2026Jones Beach SP--West End1 observed

American Coot

Fulica americana

7/17/2026Patchogue Lake1 observed

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

7/16/2026Fire Island--Sunken Forest1 observed

Western Sandpiper

Calidris mauri

7/16/2026Jones Beach - Coast Guard Station1 observed

Curlew Sandpiper

Calidris ferruginea

7/16/2026Jones Beach SP--Coast Guard Station1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

7/16/2026Jones Beach SP--Coast Guard Station1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

7/16/2026

Mute Swan

27/16/2026

Mallard

57/16/2026

Mourning Dove

17/16/2026

Chimney Swift

147/16/2026

Laughing Gull

17/16/2026

American Herring Gull

207/16/2026

Least Tern

17/16/2026

Forster's Tern

17/16/2026

Great Egret

17/16/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/16/2026

Northern Flicker

17/16/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

17/16/2026

Blue Jay

47/16/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

17/16/2026

Tufted Titmouse

37/16/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

17/16/2026

Carolina Wren

17/16/2026

Gray Catbird

57/16/2026

American Robin

37/16/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Southards Pond Park for birding?
The best months to visit Southards Pond Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Southards Pond Park?
Notable species at Southards Pond Park include Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Gadwall, Mallard, American Black Duck. The area supports lake, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Southards Pond Park?
Birding at Southards Pond Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Southards Pond Park?
Southards Pond Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.