Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary & Rye Playland (incl. Playland Lake)

New York · Northeast

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary & Rye Playland (incl. Playland Lake) is a productive birding destination in New York, with 259 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Brant, Canada Goose, and Gadwall 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-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

3/5/2026Piermont Pier1 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

3/4/2026Inwood Hill Park3 observed

Horned Lark

Eremophila alpestris

3/4/2026Inwood Hill Park3 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

3/4/2026Marshlands Conservancy1 observed

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

3/4/2026City Island, Belden Point2 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

3/4/2026Randalls Island5 observed

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

3/4/2026Randalls Island12 observed

Field Sparrow

Spizella pusilla

3/4/2026Randalls Island2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Brant

163/5/2026

Canada Goose

93/5/2026

Gadwall

23/5/2026

Mallard

93/5/2026

American Black Duck

43/5/2026

Ring-necked Duck

13/5/2026

Long-tailed Duck

63/5/2026

Bufflehead

213/5/2026

Common Merganser

53/5/2026

Wild Turkey

23/5/2026

Mourning Dove

23/5/2026

Ring-billed Gull

623/5/2026

American Herring Gull

113/5/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

13/5/2026

Common Loon

13/5/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

23/5/2026

Downy Woodpecker

23/5/2026

Blue Jay

53/5/2026

Fish Crow

43/5/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

13/5/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary & Rye Playland (incl. Playland Lake) for birding?
The best months to visit Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary & Rye Playland (incl. Playland Lake) for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary & Rye Playland (incl. Playland Lake)?
Notable species at Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary & Rye Playland (incl. Playland Lake) include Brant, Canada Goose, Gadwall, Mallard, American Black Duck. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary & Rye Playland (incl. Playland Lake)?
Birding at Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary & Rye Playland (incl. Playland Lake) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary & Rye Playland (incl. Playland Lake)?
Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary & Rye Playland (incl. Playland Lake) offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.