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

Chimney Swift

Chaetura pelagica

4/17/202694 Sickles Ave, Nyack, NY1 observed

Virginia Rail

Rallus limicola

4/17/2026Bryant Park (5th-6th Ave. btwn 40th-42nd St.)1 observed

Bonaparte's Gull

Chroicocephalus philadelphia

4/17/2026Saw Mill Creek Trail8 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

4/17/2026Marshlands Conservancy1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

4/17/2026Indian Pond1 observed

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

4/17/2026Richard W. DeKorte Park1 observed

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

4/17/2026Richard W. DeKorte Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

304/5/2026

Northern Shoveler

34/5/2026

Mallard

114/5/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

14/5/2026

Rock Pigeon

34/5/2026

Mourning Dove

34/5/2026

Ring-billed Gull

454/5/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

14/5/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

24/5/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

24/5/2026

Downy Woodpecker

34/5/2026

Northern Flicker

24/5/2026

Blue Jay

114/5/2026

Fish Crow

24/5/2026

Common Raven

14/5/2026

European Starling

24/5/2026

American Robin

1604/5/2026

House Sparrow

64/5/2026

American Goldfinch

84/5/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

104/5/2026

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.