The Birding Hub
The Birding Hub

Southards Pond Park

New York · Northeast

EasyView on eBird
Habitat
LakeUrban Park
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Southards Pond Park is a productive birding destination in New York, with 220 species recorded on eBird. This lake and urban park habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mute Swan, and Gadwall among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

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Notable Species

Canada GooseMute SwanGadwallMallardAmerican Black Duck

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Rough-legged Hawk

Buteo lagopus

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

Pacific Loon

Gavia pacifica

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

American Goshawk

Astur atricapillus

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

Wild Turkey

Meleagris gallopavo

3/5/2026Home1 observed

Black-headed Gull

Chroicocephalus ridibundus

3/4/2026Point Lookout--Town Park1 observed

Short-eared Owl

Asio flammeus

3/4/2026Jones Beach SP--West End1 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

3/4/2026Massapequa Preserve1 observed

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.

Amenities

Parking
Restrooms
Trails

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