Grassland birding habitat

Sunken Meadow State Park

New York · Northeast

Habitat
Grassland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Sunken Meadow State Park is a productive birding destination in New York, with 271 species recorded on eBird. This grassland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and American Black Duck 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

Louisiana Waterthrush

Parkesia motacilla

4/18/2026Phragmites Park1 observed

Boat-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus major

4/18/2026Stewart B. McKinney NWR--Long Beach Blvd. Pond6 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

4/18/2026Stewart B. McKinney NWR--Long Beach Blvd. Pond1 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

4/18/2026Backyard1 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

4/18/2026Frank Melville Memorial Park and Mill Pond3 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

4/18/2026Cleary School1 observed

Ovenbird

Seiurus aurocapilla

4/18/2026Connetquot River SP1 observed

Blue-winged Warbler

Vermivora cyanoptera

4/18/2026Muttontown Preserve1 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

4/17/2026Backyard1 observed

American Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

4/17/2026Blydenburgh Park1 observed

Swallow-tailed Kite

Elanoides forficatus

4/17/2026Frank Melville Memorial Park and Mill Pond1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Brant

24/17/2026

Canada Goose

84/17/2026

Bufflehead

14/17/2026

Mourning Dove

24/17/2026

Killdeer

24/17/2026

Red-throated Loon

14/17/2026

Common Loon

14/17/2026

Osprey

54/17/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/17/2026

Fish Crow

14/17/2026

Tufted Titmouse

14/17/2026

European Starling

14/17/2026

Northern Mockingbird

34/17/2026

American Robin

84/17/2026

Chipping Sparrow

24/17/2026

White-throated Sparrow

54/17/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

14/17/2026

Common Grackle

164/17/2026

Northern Cardinal

24/17/2026

Mute Swan

34/17/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.

  2. 2

    Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Sunken Meadow State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Sunken Meadow State Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Sunken Meadow State Park?
Notable species at Sunken Meadow State Park include Canada Goose, Mallard, American Black Duck, Ring-billed Gull, American Herring Gull. The area supports grassland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Sunken Meadow State Park?
Birding at Sunken Meadow State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Sunken Meadow State Park?
Sunken Meadow State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.