Urban Park birding habitat

Van Cortlandt Park

New York · Northeast

Habitat
Urban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Van Cortlandt Park is a productive birding destination in New York, with 222 species recorded on eBird. This urban park habitat attracts Red-tailed Hawk, Canada Goose, and Mallard 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

Common Nighthawk

Chordeiles minor

7/20/2026Forever Wild1 observed

Willow Flycatcher

Empidonax traillii

7/20/2026Governors Island (N.Y. County)1 observed

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

7/20/2026Richard W. DeKorte Park1 observed

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

7/20/2026Sibbald House1 observed

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

7/20/2026Fort Tryon Park1 observed

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

7/20/2026Path over City Is. Bridge1 observed

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

7/20/2026Piermont Pier1 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

7/20/2026Piermont Pier1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

7/20/2026Brooklyn Bridge Park1 observed

Louisiana Waterthrush

Parkesia motacilla

7/20/2026Prospect Park1 observed

Cliff Swallow

Petrochelidon pyrrhonota

7/20/2026Manhasset - Private: No Access5 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Red-bellied Woodpecker

27/20/2026

Northern Flicker

37/20/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

47/20/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

27/20/2026

Blue Jay

37/20/2026

Gray Catbird

107/20/2026

Wood Thrush

17/20/2026

American Robin

127/20/2026

House Sparrow

107/20/2026

Baltimore Oriole

47/20/2026

Common Grackle

27/20/2026

Northern Cardinal

47/20/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

7/17/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

7/17/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

7/17/2026

Canada Goose

267/17/2026

Wood Duck

57/17/2026

Mallard

147/17/2026

Rock Pigeon

77/17/2026

Mourning Dove

27/17/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Visit at dawn for peak songbird activity before crowds arrive.

  2. 2

    Check flowering trees and berry-producing shrubs for seasonal migrants.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Van Cortlandt Park for birding?
The best months to visit Van Cortlandt Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Van Cortlandt Park?
Notable species at Van Cortlandt Park include Red-tailed Hawk, Canada Goose, Mallard, American Black Duck, Hooded Merganser. The area supports urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Van Cortlandt Park?
Birding at Van Cortlandt Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Van Cortlandt Park?
Van Cortlandt Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.