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

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

Sedge Wren

Cistothorus stellaris

6/3/2026Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Trail, Ferry Rd.1 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

6/2/20261 Sonya Pl, Schenectady US-NY 42.75763, -73.828813 observed

Western Grebe

Aechmophorus occidentalis

6/2/2026Round Lake Preserve (Saratoga Co.)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Double-crested Cormorant

66/2/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

16/2/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

16/2/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

26/2/2026

Common Raven

16/2/2026

Gray Catbird

16/2/2026

American Robin

26/2/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

16/2/2026

Wood Duck

406/2/2026

Mallard

46/2/2026

Green-winged Teal

26/2/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/2/2026

Turkey Vulture

46/2/2026

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

16/2/2026

Eastern Kingbird

16/2/2026

Tree Swallow

56/2/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

36/2/2026

Barn Swallow

16/2/2026

House Finch

26/2/2026

American Goldfinch

26/2/2026

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.