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

Black-throated Green Warbler

Setophaga virens

6/2/2026Heckscher SP, East Islip1 observed

Boat-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus major

6/2/2026Stewart B. McKinney NWR--Long Beach Blvd. Pond5 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

6/2/2026Heckscher SP, East Islip2 observed

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

6/1/2026Stewart B. McKinney NWR--Railroad Track Tr.1 observed

Tricolored Heron

Egretta tricolor

6/1/2026Timber Point Golf Course1 observed

Mourning Warbler

Geothlypis philadelphia

6/1/2026Uplands Farm Sanctuary1 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

6/1/2026Muttontown Preserve2 observed

American Pipit

Anthus rubescens

5/31/2026Sunken Meadow State Park, Northport US-NY (40.9074,-73.2536)1 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

5/31/2026Connetquot River State Park - North Entrance1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Killdeer

15/31/2026

Osprey

25/31/2026

Eastern Bluebird

15/31/2026

American Robin

15/31/2026

Chipping Sparrow

25/31/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

15/31/2026

Northern Cardinal

15/31/2026

Mute Swan

25/30/2026

Piping Plover

75/30/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

305/30/2026

Ring-billed Gull

125/30/2026

American Herring Gull

245/30/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

25/30/2026

Least Tern

355/30/2026

Common Tern

65/30/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

15/30/2026

Bank Swallow

55/30/2026

Snowy Egret

25/30/2026

Great Egret

25/30/2026

Bald Eagle

25/30/2026

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.