Rockefeller State Park Preserve

New York · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Parking $6

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

Rockefeller State Park Preserve is a productive birding destination in New York, with 208 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Wild Turkey, Black Vulture, and Turkey Vulture 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

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

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

3/4/2026Hopper St1 observed

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

3/4/2026Pelham Bay Park--Twin Islands1 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

Mourning Dove

23/6/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

53/6/2026

Downy Woodpecker

33/6/2026

Blue Jay

103/6/2026

American Crow

33/6/2026

Common Raven

43/6/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

23/6/2026

Tufted Titmouse

23/6/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

53/6/2026

American Goldfinch

63/6/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

103/6/2026

White-throated Sparrow

23/6/2026

Song Sparrow

13/6/2026

Common Grackle

33/6/2026

Northern Cardinal

53/6/2026

Wild Turkey

53/4/2026

Black Vulture

23/4/2026

Turkey Vulture

33/4/2026

Canada Goose

132/26/2026

Great Blue Heron

12/26/2026

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.

  4. 4

    Consider purchasing an annual parks pass if you plan to visit multiple times.

  5. 5

    Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Rockefeller State Park Preserve for birding?
The best months to visit Rockefeller State Park Preserve for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Rockefeller State Park Preserve?
Notable species at Rockefeller State Park Preserve include Wild Turkey, Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture, Blue Jay, American Crow, Dark-eyed Junco, White-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-shouldered Hawk, Black-capped Chickadee, Rock Pigeon. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Rockefeller State Park Preserve?
Birding at Rockefeller State Park Preserve is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Rockefeller State Park Preserve?
The entrance fee at Rockefeller State Park Preserve is Parking $6. Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at Rockefeller State Park Preserve?
Rockefeller State Park Preserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.