Hempstead Lake State Park

New York · Northeast

EasyView on eBird

Habitat

Lake

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Hempstead Lake State Park is a productive birding destination in New York, with 234 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Mallard, Ring-necked Duck, and Common Merganser among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

Loading map...

Notable Species

Mallard Ring-necked Duck Common Merganser Red-winged Blackbird Northern Cardinal

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

3/6/2026North 5th Street Pier and Park1 observed

Rough-legged Hawk

Buteo lagopus

3/6/2026Jones Beach SP--Coast Guard Station1 observed

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

3/6/2026Central Park2 observed

Pacific Loon

Gavia pacifica

3/6/2026Jones Beach SP--West End1 observed

American Goshawk

Astur atricapillus

3/6/2026Jones Beach SP--Hawkwatch1 observed

Mute Swan

Cygnus olor

3/6/2026East River, on the NY Ferry, 6th St to Wall St1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

32/28/2026

Ring-necked Duck

72/28/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

12/28/2026

Northern Cardinal

12/28/2026

Merlin

32/21/2026

Birding Tips

1
Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.
2
Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.
3
Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Amenities

Parking

Restrooms

Trails

Visitor Center

More in New York

Central Park

Manhattan's surprising migrant trap with 280+ species in the heart of NYC.

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge

NYC's premier shorebird and waterfowl refuge with 330+ species recorded.

Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge

Finger Lakes wetland refuge with massive waterfowl concentrations during migration.

New York Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in New York →

Birding Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

How to Identify Birds Like an Expert: The Four Keys to Field Identification

11 min read

The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Birdwatching: Gear, Identification, and Etiquette

8 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Hempstead Lake State Park for birding?▼

The best months to visit Hempstead Lake State Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Hempstead Lake State Park?▼

Notable species at Hempstead Lake State Park include Mallard, Ring-necked Duck, Common Merganser, Red-winged Blackbird, Northern Cardinal. The area supports lake habitats.

How difficult is birding at Hempstead Lake State Park?▼

Birding at Hempstead Lake State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.

What amenities are available at Hempstead Lake State Park?▼

Hempstead Lake State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.