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

Sharp-shinned Hawk (Northern)

Accipiter striatus

7/21/2026Sunken Meadow SP--East End1 observed

Boat-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus major

7/20/2026Stewart B. McKinney NWR--Long Beach Blvd. Pond1 observed

Northern Pintail

Anas acuta

7/19/2026Stewart B. McKinney NWR--Long Beach Blvd. Pond1 observed

Tricolored Heron

Egretta tricolor

7/19/2026Captree Island1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

7/18/2026Sherwood Island State Park1 observed

American Coot

Fulica americana

7/17/2026Patchogue Lake1 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

7/14/2026Northern State Pkwy E, Melville US-NY 40.79756, -73.421361 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Snowy Egret

17/21/2026

Great Egret

27/21/2026

Osprey

27/21/2026

Laughing Gull

17/21/2026

Ring-billed Gull

407/21/2026

American Herring Gull

137/21/2026

Lesser Black-backed Gull

17/21/2026

Least Sandpiper

607/20/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

1077/20/2026

Piping Plover

47/20/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

37/20/2026

Least Tern

607/20/2026

Common Tern

227/20/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

27/20/2026

Bank Swallow

57/20/2026

Barn Swallow

37/20/2026

Canada Goose

1507/17/2026

Mourning Dove

107/17/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

27/17/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/17/2026

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.