Onondaga Lake Park - Marshy Spits Area

New York · Northeast

Habitat
LakeUrban Park
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Onondaga Lake Park - Marshy Spits Area is a productive birding destination in New York, with 218 species recorded on eBird. This lake and urban park habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mute Swan, and Tundra Swan 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

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

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

2/26/2026Phoenix Dam and Lock1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

2/25/2026Inner Harbor1 observed

Ruddy Duck

Oxyura jamaicensis

2/25/2026Phoenix Dam and Lock1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

43/5/2026

Northern Shoveler

33/5/2026

Gadwall

103/5/2026

Mallard

503/5/2026

American Black Duck

53/5/2026

Redhead

6003/5/2026

Ring-necked Duck

203/5/2026

Greater Scaup

63/5/2026

Lesser Scaup

23/5/2026

Bufflehead

73/5/2026

Common Goldeneye

1503/5/2026

Hooded Merganser

83/5/2026

Common Merganser

4003/5/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

103/5/2026

Ring-billed Gull

153/5/2026

American Herring Gull

83/5/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

23/5/2026

Great Blue Heron

43/5/2026

Bald Eagle

133/5/2026

Blue Jay

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 Onondaga Lake Park - Marshy Spits Area for birding?
The best months to visit Onondaga Lake Park - Marshy Spits Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Onondaga Lake Park - Marshy Spits Area?
Notable species at Onondaga Lake Park - Marshy Spits Area include Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Tundra Swan, Gadwall, Mallard. The area supports lake, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Onondaga Lake Park - Marshy Spits Area?
Birding at Onondaga Lake Park - Marshy Spits Area is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Onondaga Lake Park - Marshy Spits Area?
Onondaga Lake Park - Marshy Spits Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.