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

Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)

Setophaga coronata

6/3/2026Prospect Park1 observed

Bobolink

Dolichonyx oryzivorus

6/3/2026Piermont Pier--Art Rittenberg Ball Field & Ferry Road to Scheffold Memorial1 observed

Hooded Merganser

Lophodytes cucullatus

6/3/2026Richard W. DeKorte Park1 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

6/3/2026Prospect Park1 observed

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

6/3/2026Piermont Pier1 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

6/2/2026Marshlands Conservancy3 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

6/2/2026Central Park--The Pool1 observed

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

Stelgidopteryx serripennis

6/2/2026Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn1 observed

Canada Warbler

Cardellina canadensis

6/2/2026Central Park--North End (N of 97th St. Transverse)1 observed

Mourning Warbler

Geothlypis philadelphia

6/2/2026Prospect Park1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

6/2/2026Socrates Sculpture Park2 observed

Boat-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus major

6/2/2026Marshlands Conservancy2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

6/2/2026

Wood Duck

6/2/2026

Mallard

6/2/2026

Rock Pigeon

6/2/2026

Chimney Swift

6/2/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

16/2/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

16/2/2026

Green Heron

16/2/2026

Great Egret

16/2/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/2/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

26/2/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

6/2/2026

Blue Jay

6/2/2026

Tree Swallow

6/2/2026

Northern House Wren

16/2/2026

European Starling

6/2/2026

Gray Catbird

6/2/2026

American Robin

6/2/2026

House Sparrow

6/2/2026

Baltimore Oriole

6/2/2026

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.