Lake birding habitat

Tomhannock Reservoir

New York · Northeast

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Tomhannock Reservoir is a productive birding destination in New York, with 200 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Clay-colored Sparrow

Spizella pallida

7/22/2026Saratoga National Historical Park1 observed

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

7/19/2026Stillwater Public Library1 observed

Red Crossbill (Northeastern or type 12)

Loxia curvirostra

7/18/2026Oblong - Phelps Tr - TCT - Berlin Pass Tr - Berlin Rd, Williamstown US-MA (42.6894,-73.2840)6 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

7/15/2026Albany Pine Bush Preserve--Karner Barrens East1 observed

White-rumped Sandpiper

Calidris fuscicollis

7/14/2026Albany Boathouse1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Double-crested Cormorant

37/19/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

17/19/2026

Cedar Waxwing

17/19/2026

American Goldfinch

27/19/2026

Common Grackle

17/19/2026

Canada Goose

107/14/2026

Mallard

37/14/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

27/14/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

37/14/2026

Tree Swallow

17/14/2026

Barn Swallow

37/14/2026

American Robin

27/14/2026

Song Sparrow

17/14/2026

Northern Cardinal

17/14/2026

Common Loon

17/11/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

17/9/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

27/9/2026

Eastern Kingbird

27/9/2026

Blue Jay

17/9/2026

American Crow

17/9/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Tomhannock Reservoir for birding?
The best months to visit Tomhannock Reservoir for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Tomhannock Reservoir?
Notable species at Tomhannock Reservoir include Common Loon, Bald Eagle, Double-crested Cormorant, Ring-billed Gull, Bufflehead. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Tomhannock Reservoir?
Birding at Tomhannock Reservoir is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Tomhannock Reservoir?
Tomhannock Reservoir offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.