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

Loading map...

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

Mourning Warbler

Geothlypis philadelphia

6/3/2026Neff Road and Second Concession1 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

6/3/2026University at Buffalo (North Campus)--east side1 observed

Fish Crow

Corvus ossifragus

6/2/2026715 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, New York, US (42.904, -78.873)1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

6/2/2026Willodell by Schisler1 observed

Swainson's Thrush (Olive-backed)

Catharus ustulatus

6/2/202628 breezewood

Canada Warbler

Cardellina canadensis

6/2/202628 breezewood1 observed

Bay-breasted Warbler

Setophaga castanea

6/1/202628 breezewood1 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

6/1/2026Chestnut Ridge Park--Shale Creek Preserve1 observed

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum

6/1/202628 breezewood1 observed

Yellow-throated Vireo

Vireo flavifrons

5/31/2026Humberstone Marsh CA1 observed

Prairie Warbler

Setophaga discolor

5/31/202628 breezewood1 observed

Cape May Warbler

Setophaga tigrina

5/31/202628 breezewood1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

126/3/2026

Wood Duck

206/3/2026

Mallard

26/3/2026

Ring-billed Gull

66/3/2026

Caspian Tern

16/3/2026

Common Tern

26/3/2026

Great Egret

36/3/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/3/2026

Turkey Vulture

16/3/2026

Osprey

16/3/2026

Belted Kingfisher

16/3/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

16/3/2026

Downy Woodpecker

16/3/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

16/3/2026

Alder Flycatcher

16/3/2026

Willow Flycatcher

16/3/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

16/3/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

26/3/2026

American Crow

46/3/2026

Tree Swallow

256/3/2026

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.