Sterling Forest State Park
New York · Northeast
Moderate
May-September
Free
Dawn to dusk daily
About This Location
Sterling Forest State Park encompasses nearly 22,000 acres of forested highlands in Orange County, forming part of the largest contiguous forest in the New York-New Jersey Highlands region. The park is recognized as a globally significant Important Bird Area for its breeding populations of forest-interior species, particularly Cerulean Warblers, which nest in the mature deciduous canopy.
The diverse habitats range from rocky ridgetop forests to hemlock-shaded ravines and open wetlands, supporting over 200 bird species. Fall hawk migration is spectacular from the fire tower, with Broad-winged Hawks, Sharp-shinned Hawks, and occasional Golden Eagles riding thermals along the ridgeline. Breeding season brings Worm-eating Warblers, Hooded Warblers, and Blue-winged Warblers to the understory.
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
Wood Thrush
Hylocichla mustelina
Eastern Warbling Vireo
Vireo gilvus
Marsh Wren
Cistothorus palustris
Northern Yellow Warbler
Setophaga aestiva
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Archilochus colubris
Yellow-throated Vireo
Vireo flavifrons
Baltimore Oriole
Icterus galbula
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Pheucticus ludovicianus
Glossy Ibis
Plegadis falcinellus
Bonaparte's Gull
Chroicocephalus philadelphia
Red-breasted Merganser
Mergus serrator
Black-and-white Warbler
Mniotilta varia
Gray Catbird
Dumetella carolinensis
Chimney Swift
Chaetura pelagica
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Turkey Vulture
Broad-winged Hawk
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Pileated Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Eastern Phoebe
Blue Jay
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
Tree Swallow
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Northern Mockingbird
American Robin
House Finch
American Goldfinch
Chipping Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
White-throated Sparrow
Birding Tips
- 1
Hike the Fire Tower Trail for fall hawk watching from the summit
- 2
Listen for Cerulean Warblers singing from the tallest canopy trees in late May
- 3
The Indian Hill loop trail passes through prime breeding warbler habitat
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
- Greenwood Lake
- Harriman State Park
More in New York
Central Park
Manhattan's surprising migrant trap with 280+ species in the heart of NYC.
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
NYC's premier shorebird and waterfowl refuge with 330+ species recorded.
Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge
Finger Lakes wetland refuge with massive waterfowl concentrations during migration.
New York Birding Guide
Complete guide to birding in New York →