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

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

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

4/16/2026Bayard Cutting Arboretum SP1 observed

Willet (Eastern)

Tringa semipalmata

4/16/2026Gardiner County Park1 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

4/16/2026Luci's Backyard1 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

4/16/2026Fort Salonga (Suffolk Co.)3 observed

Tufted Duck

Aythya fuligula

4/16/2026Cammanns Pond Park1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

4/16/2026Hempstead Lake SP--south end1 observed

Chimney Swift

Chaetura pelagica

4/16/2026Hempstead Lake SP--south end1 observed

Willet

Tringa semipalmata

4/16/2026Cedar state boat channel8 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

4/15/2026New Hyde Park Yard: Nassau County1 observed

Pileated Woodpecker

Dryocopus pileatus

4/15/2026Hope Goddard Iselin Preserve1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

84/14/2026

Mute Swan

24/14/2026

Gadwall

64/14/2026

Mallard

124/14/2026

American Black Duck

14/14/2026

Mourning Dove

14/14/2026

Laughing Gull

44/14/2026

Ring-billed Gull

24/14/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

24/14/2026

Osprey

24/14/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

24/14/2026

Downy Woodpecker

24/14/2026

Northern Flicker

14/14/2026

Blue Jay

64/14/2026

Carolina Wren

24/14/2026

American Robin

14/14/2026

American Goldfinch

14/14/2026

White-throated Sparrow

14/14/2026

Song Sparrow

34/14/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

124/14/2026

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.