Kensico Reservoir (Kensico & Rye Lakes)

New York · Northeast

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Kensico Reservoir (Kensico & Rye Lakes) is a productive birding destination in New York, with 202 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

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

3/5/2026Quaker Bridge2 observed

Eastern Phoebe

Sayornis phoebe

3/5/2026Hilltop Hanover Farm and Environmental Center1 observed

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

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

3/4/2026Hopper St1 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

3/4/2026Inwood Hill Park--Dyckman Fields1 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

3/3/2026US-NY-Tomkins Cove-9 Dunderberg Rd1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

3/4/2026

Ring-necked Duck

3/4/2026

Common Merganser

33/4/2026

Ring-billed Gull

3/4/2026

Bald Eagle

23/4/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

23/4/2026

Mute Swan

42/26/2026

Bufflehead

2/26/2026

American Crow

52/26/2026

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 Kensico Reservoir (Kensico & Rye Lakes) for birding?
The best months to visit Kensico Reservoir (Kensico & Rye Lakes) for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Kensico Reservoir (Kensico & Rye Lakes)?
Notable species at Kensico Reservoir (Kensico & Rye Lakes) include Mallard, Ring-necked Duck, Common Merganser, Red-breasted Merganser, Ring-billed Gull. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Kensico Reservoir (Kensico & Rye Lakes)?
Birding at Kensico Reservoir (Kensico & Rye Lakes) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Kensico Reservoir (Kensico & Rye Lakes)?
Kensico Reservoir (Kensico & Rye Lakes) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.