Tifft Nature Preserve

New York · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free (donations welcome)

Hours

Grounds: dawn to dusk daily; Center: Wed-Sat 10 AM - 4 PM

About This Location

Tifft Nature Preserve is a productive birding destination in New York, with 270 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Mourning Dove 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

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

3/5/2026Fort Erie--Point Abino Rd and Church Rd1 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

3/5/2026Buffalo River Ohio St. Fishing Access Site1 observed

Snow x Ross's Goose (hybrid)

Anser caerulescens x rossii

3/5/20262474 Point Abino Road North, Fort Erie, Ontario, CA (42.941, -79.094)1 observed

Mallard x Northern Pintail (hybrid)

Anas platyrhynchos x acuta

3/5/20262001–2625 Carl Rd, Port Colborne CA-ON (42.9116,-79.2029)1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/5/2026Yard & Lyons Creek2 observed

Fish Crow

Corvus ossifragus

3/4/2026140 North Street, Buffalo, New York, US (42.902, -78.875)

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

103/5/2026

Mallard

83/5/2026

Mourning Dove

23/5/2026

American Herring Gull

33/5/2026

Downy Woodpecker

23/5/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

23/5/2026

American Robin

23/5/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

53/5/2026

Northern Cardinal

23/5/2026

Ring-billed Gull

133/4/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/4/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

13/4/2026

American Crow

133/4/2026

Tufted Titmouse

13/4/2026

Golden-crowned Kinglet

23/4/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

13/4/2026

European Starling

53/4/2026

Rock Pigeon

53/3/2026

Bald Eagle

13/3/2026

Brown Creeper

13/3/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

  4. 4

    Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.

  5. 5

    Waterproof boots are recommended as trails near marshes can be muddy, especially after rain.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Tifft Nature Preserve for birding?
The best months to visit Tifft Nature Preserve for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Tifft Nature Preserve?
Notable species at Tifft Nature Preserve include Canada Goose, Mallard, Mourning Dove, American Herring Gull, Downy Woodpecker, Common Merganser, Ring-billed Gull, American Crow, Dark-eyed Junco, Wild Turkey, Northern Cardinal, Black-capped Chickadee. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Tifft Nature Preserve?
Birding at Tifft Nature Preserve is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Tifft Nature Preserve?
The entrance fee at Tifft Nature Preserve is Free (donations welcome). Hours: Grounds: dawn to dusk daily; Center: Wed-Sat 10 AM - 4 PM.
What amenities are available at Tifft Nature Preserve?
Tifft Nature Preserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.