an aerial view of a wooded area with a house in the distance

Tifft Nature Preserve

New York · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
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

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

7/18/2026Niagara--Waterfowl Observation Area1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

7/17/2026Lyons Creek, Niagara Falls3 observed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

7/15/2026Lyons Creek, Niagara Falls1 observed

Fish Crow

Corvus ossifragus

7/14/2026Buckhorn Island SP1 observed

Ruffed Grouse

Bonasa umbellus

7/12/202610180 Partridge Rd, Holland US-NY 42.65081, -78.616611 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

7/11/2026Home1 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

7/11/2026Point Abino--Marcy's Woods1 observed

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum

7/11/2026Tillman Rd. WMA1 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

7/8/2026West Side Rowing Club1 observed

Franklin's Gull

Leucophaeus pipixcan

7/8/2026Fort Erie--Peace Bridge (Ontario side)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

17/19/2026

Mallard

17/19/2026

Great Egret

17/19/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/19/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

17/19/2026

Marsh Wren

17/19/2026

European Starling

17/19/2026

Gray Catbird

17/19/2026

American Robin

17/19/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

17/19/2026

Ring-billed Gull

17/19/2026

Caspian Tern

27/19/2026

Osprey

37/19/2026

Bald Eagle

17/19/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

17/19/2026

American Crow

27/19/2026

Tree Swallow

127/19/2026

Chipping Sparrow

37/19/2026

Song Sparrow

27/19/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

37/19/2026

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.