Harkness Memorial State Park

Connecticut · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Harkness Memorial State Park is a productive birding destination in Connecticut, with 276 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Brant, Mallard, and American Black Duck 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

Red-tailed Hawk (abieticola)

Buteo jamaicensis

3/5/2026273 Boom Bridge Rd, North Stonington US-CT 41.42504, -71.815651 observed

American Oystercatcher

Haematopus palliatus

3/4/2026213 Salt Island Rd, Westbrook US-CT 41.27884, -72.442771 observed

Eared Grebe

Podiceps nigricollis

3/2/2026Stonington Town Dock & WWTP1 observed

Golden Eagle

Aquila chrysaetos

3/2/2026Anthony Rd.1 observed

Barred Owl

Strix varia

2/28/2026Fishers Island2 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

2/28/2026Fishers Island4 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Brant

293/1/2026

Mallard

443/1/2026

American Black Duck

63/1/2026

Common Eider

103/1/2026

White-winged Scoter

63/1/2026

Bufflehead

83/1/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

23/1/2026

Killdeer

23/1/2026

Purple Sandpiper

23/1/2026

American Herring Gull

113/1/2026

Common Loon

23/1/2026

Great Cormorant

33/1/2026

American Crow

43/1/2026

Horned Lark

423/1/2026

European Starling

73/1/2026

American Robin

143/1/2026

Song Sparrow

13/1/2026

Canada Goose

173/1/2026

Green-winged Teal

33/1/2026

Horned Grebe

13/1/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Harkness Memorial State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Harkness Memorial State Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Harkness Memorial State Park?
Notable species at Harkness Memorial State Park include Brant, Mallard, American Black Duck, Common Eider, White-winged Scoter. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Harkness Memorial State Park?
Birding at Harkness Memorial State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Harkness Memorial State Park?
Harkness Memorial State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.