Van Cortlandt Park

New York · Northeast

Habitat
Urban Park
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Van Cortlandt Park is a productive birding destination in New York, with 222 species recorded on eBird. This urban park habitat attracts Red-tailed Hawk, Canada Goose, and Mallard 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

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

3/6/2026New York, New York, US (40.799, -73.975)1 observed

Wild Turkey

Meleagris gallopavo

3/6/2026Liberty Island/Statue of Liberty (NY County)1 observed

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

3/6/2026Hudson River Greenway--145th-155th St.3 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

3/6/2026Hudson River Greenway--145th-155th St.1 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

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

Field Sparrow

Spizella pusilla

3/6/2026Stuyvesant Town-Peter Cooper Village1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

3/6/2026Governors Island (N.Y. County)1 observed

American Wigeon

Mareca americana

3/6/2026Governors Island (N.Y. County)4 observed

Iceland Gull

Larus glaucoides

3/5/2026Bush Terminal Piers Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Red-tailed Hawk

13/5/2026

Canada Goose

402/21/2026

Mallard

202/21/2026

American Black Duck

12/21/2026

Hooded Merganser

82/21/2026

Rock Pigeon

302/21/2026

Mourning Dove

62/21/2026

Ring-billed Gull

22/21/2026

Great Blue Heron

12/21/2026

Cooper's Hawk

12/21/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

22/21/2026

Downy Woodpecker

32/21/2026

Blue Jay

62/21/2026

American Crow

22/21/2026

Tufted Titmouse

32/21/2026

Golden-crowned Kinglet

12/21/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

12/21/2026

Red-breasted Nuthatch

12/21/2026

Carolina Wren

22/21/2026

European Starling

202/21/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Visit at dawn for peak songbird activity before crowds arrive.

  2. 2

    Check flowering trees and berry-producing shrubs for seasonal migrants.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

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