Green Lakes State Park

New York · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Green Lakes State Park is a productive birding destination in New York, with 202 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Red-bellied Woodpecker 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

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Corthylio calendula

3/4/2026Oakwood Cemetery, Syracuse1 observed

Scarlet Tanager

Piranga olivacea

3/4/20265 Erregger Terr, Syracuse US-NY (43.0270,-76.1047)1 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

3/2/2026110 Jacob Ln, Chittenango US-NY 43.03260, -75.869711 observed

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

3/1/2026Morgan Hill SF--Shackham Rd., north (Onondaga Co.)2 observed

Red Crossbill (Northeastern or type 12)

Loxia curvirostra

3/1/2026Morgan Hill SF--Shackham Rd., north (Onondaga Co.)9 observed

Red Crossbill (Ponderosa Pine or type 2)

Loxia curvirostra

3/1/2026Morgan Hill SF--Shackham Rd., north (Onondaga Co.)4 observed

Northern Shrike

Lanius borealis

2/28/20266071–6099 Corporate Dr, East Syracuse US-NY 43.10596, -76.087701 observed

Green-winged Teal

Anas crecca

2/27/2026Onondaga Lake Park--Marshy Spits Area1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

2/25/2026Inner Harbor1 observed

Evening Grosbeak (Eastern or type 3)

Hesperiphona vespertina

2/22/2026DeRuyter Reservoir--E Lake Rd suet feeder house 115 (42.8049,-75.8833) ‘Buffalo Bills Big Fan’ (12/29/23) EVGR eating sunflower seed (02/22/26) (1310 ft.)67 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

13/5/2026

Mallard

53/5/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

43/5/2026

Downy Woodpecker

43/5/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

13/5/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

13/5/2026

Northern Flicker

13/5/2026

Blue Jay

23/5/2026

American Crow

3/5/2026

Common Raven

33/5/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

73/5/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

43/5/2026

Red-breasted Nuthatch

13/5/2026

American Robin

63/5/2026

Pine Siskin

13/5/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

103/5/2026

Northern Cardinal

13/5/2026

American Black Duck

203/4/2026

Mourning Dove

13/4/2026

Ring-billed Gull

73/4/2026

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 Green Lakes State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Green Lakes State Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Green Lakes State Park?
Notable species at Green Lakes State Park include Canada Goose, Mallard, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Green Lakes State Park?
Birding at Green Lakes State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Green Lakes State Park?
Green Lakes State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.