Bashakill State Wildlife Management Area

New York · Northeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk

About This Location

Bashakill State Wildlife Management Area is a productive birding destination in New York, with 258 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Mallard, American Black Duck, and Mourning Dove 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

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

3/6/2026Black Dirt Region--Skinners Lane1 observed

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

3/2/2026Black Dirt - Celery Ave1 observed

Red-tailed Hawk (abieticola)

Buteo jamaicensis

2/28/2026Shawangunk Grasslands NWR 1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

103/6/2026

Ring-necked Duck

123/6/2026

Hooded Merganser

13/6/2026

Canada Goose

53/6/2026

Wood Duck

183/6/2026

American Black Duck

133/6/2026

Common Merganser

23/6/2026

Ring-billed Gull

23/6/2026

Northern Harrier

13/6/2026

Bald Eagle

33/6/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

23/6/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/6/2026

Blue Jay

23/6/2026

American Crow

33/6/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

23/6/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

13/6/2026

Carolina Wren

13/6/2026

American Robin

23/6/2026

American Tree Sparrow

43/6/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

183/6/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

  4. 4

    Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Bashakill State Wildlife Management Area for birding?
The best months to visit Bashakill State Wildlife Management Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Bashakill State Wildlife Management Area?
Notable species at Bashakill State Wildlife Management Area include Mallard, American Black Duck, Mourning Dove, Belted Kingfisher, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Red-winged Blackbird, Turkey Vulture, House Sparrow, American Goldfinch, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Bashakill State Wildlife Management Area?
Birding at Bashakill State Wildlife Management Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Bashakill State Wildlife Management Area?
There is no entrance fee at Bashakill State Wildlife Management Area. Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
What amenities are available at Bashakill State Wildlife Management Area?
Bashakill State Wildlife Management Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.