Hudson River Audubon Society

Westchester Birding
{over 100 Species} 

In the following parks, sanctuaries and preserves over 100 species have been noted on eBird lists. Each place below has an eBird hotspot link, where you can find the species seen, when, and get directions. Web sites and phone numbers listed for most.

1339 Albany Post Rd, Croton-On-Hudson, NY 10520
Saw Mill River Audubon Sanctuary. 128 acres. Mixed habitat of open meadow, red maple swamp and upland deciduous forest with 5 acre pond.
(914) 666-6503 / ebird hotspot / web site

265 Chestnut Ridge Rd, Mt Kisco, NY 10549
Best place in Westchester for hawk watching in the fall. Owned by the Nature Conservancy. The Bedford Audubon Society sponsors the Robert J. Hammerschlag Memorial Hawk Watch. This hawk watch is staffed from September to November by a paid counter from the Bedford Audubon Society and the Nature Conservancy and offers bleacher seating. A very short, but moderate trail leads to the hawk watch from the parking lot. By September, Osprey and the first Broad-winged Hawks are migrating. Broad-winged Hawks are most common just after cold fronts the 3rd week in September. American Kestrel, Sharp-shinned and Cooper's Hawks peak shortly thereafter. Late October bring Red-shouldered and the beginning of peak Red-tail migration. November gives the best chance for Golden Eagle, Northern Goshawk and Rough-legged Hawks. Bald Eagle may be found anytime during the fall.
(212) 997-1880

1609 Old Orchard St, West Harrison, NY 10604
Cranberry Lake is part of the Westchester County Parks system. It has a nature center, interesting trails, bird feeders in the winter, pond, wetlands, and an old quarry. In the fall, some hawk-watching can be done atop the old quarry. Good in spring migration. Be alert for Virginia Rail in April and May on the board walk in the South Pond. Trails can be very muddy in spring. Breeding birds include Green Heron, Belted Kingfisher, Pileated Woodpecker, Yellow-throated and Red-eyed Vireos, Wood Thrush, Veery and Ovenbird. Bird Checklist and Trail Map (also found below) available at the Nature Lodge
(914) 428-1005 / eBird hotspot / web site

Reservoir Rd, Katonah, NY 10536
The Dam has a large colony of Cliff Swallows and Maple Ave is great for spring and fall migrants. Simply walk the dirt road, being mindful of speeding traffic, especially during weekday morning rush.
eBird hotspot / web site

Dutch St, Montrose, NY 10548
One of the best spots to find wintering Bald Eagles. Early morning and late afternoon offer your the best chance. Look for them on the ice flows or perched in trees, especially the trees on the steep slope north of the park overlooking the Hudson. Common Merganser, Bufflehead and other ducks should also be seen. There are some trails and ponds. Reported to have Least Bittern! George's Island is part of the Westchester County Parks system.
(914)737-7350 / eBird hotspot / web site

613 Riversville Rd, Greenwich, CT 06831
Not in Westchester - but an ideal hawk watching spot, featuring the Quaker Ridge Hawk Watch in the fall. The property also has trails, nature center and book store. This is an education center for the National Audubon Society.
(203) 869-5272 / eBird hotspot / web site

Hastings-on-Hudson, NY 10706
Great natural woods for breeding and migrating birds, lots of Scarlet Tanager, and Rose-breasted Grosbeak. Reliable place for Pileated Woodpeckers in Southern Westchester. Good spring migration, has yielded Gray-cheeked and Bicknell's Thrush.
Two entrances. First: continue on Mt. Hope Boulevard to Lefurgy Ave and turn left. At the school entrance turn right onto Edgewood Ave. At the next street on the right there is a path leading into the woods on the left. Make sure to park legally. (make U-turn and park next to path) Second: if you can't find this path, walk (or drive) down to Lefurgy, turn right along the road toward the school and take the first dirt path on the right. Or follow a dog walker.
eBird hotspot

The excellent trail system is complimented by a network of small bridges and boardwalks. owned by the Bedford Audubon; 338 acres, 5 miles of trails.
(914) 232-1999 / eBird hotspot / web site

170 Mountain Rd, Irvington, NY 10533
400 acres of forested trails and ecosystems; includes the Irvington Reservoir
(914) 591-7736 / eBird hotspot / web site

685 Weaver St., Larchmont, NY 10538
Larchmont Reservoir includes Sheldrake Lake and Goodlife Pond. The reservoir is great for early spring migrants, look for plenty of Yellow-rumped, Palm and Pine warblers in the later half of April. May brings in plenty of other warblers and migrants. A pair of Pileated Woodpeckers breeds here, most recently in the wood on the opposite side of Goodlife Pond. Look for breeding Barn and Rough-winged Swallows too. A variety of ducks can be found here in late fall through early spring. In winter look for Bufflehead and Hooded Merganser. Sixty acre preserve.
(914) 834-1443 / eBird hotspot / web site

1 Dudley St, Yonkers, NY 10701
A 39-acre Westchester County Park situated on a ridge overlooking the Hudson River and Palisades. The park consists of fields, native hardwood forest, imported specimen trees, dragonfly pond, and a large butterfly garden and nature center. Good fall hawk watch and fall migration. A large field overlooking the Hudson River gives a birder an opportunity to not only view migrating hawks, ducks and passerines but also frequently their flight strategies. Depending on the wind and other conditions one can often see hawks try to gain altitude by updraft or thermal then make a decision on whether they are high enough to cross the Hudson and clear the Palisades or to head down river. Waterfowl and other migrating flocks of passerines such as blackbirds, Blue Jay and American Robin can also be viewed streaming down the Hudson in the fall in large numbers. Over 42,000 blackbirds have passed through in a single day. Eastern Meadowlark and sparrows can be in the field in the fall. Red-breasted Nuthatch frequently found in the evergreens in winter. Look for them as well as other winter birds at feeders just outside observation windows at the Nature Center. Recent nest boxes in the field have attracted Tree Swallows.

To bird the site, from the parking lot head up hill to the nature center. In the winter the county and the Hudson River Audubon Society of Westchester maintains a large bird feeding station. The conifers around the center are favored by wintering Red-breasted Nuthatches and spring and fall migrants. Head to the large field west of the Lenoir Mansion. The Lenoir Butterfly Garden is situated on the northwest side of the field. The garden has attracted four Rufous Hummingbirds since 2001; an immature male in late fall and winter of 2001; and immature females in 2002, 2006 -07 and 2011. Sparrows and large concentrations of flickers are frequently seen on the field in the fall.

For hawk watching, situate yourself with good views of the Hudson and the northern sky. Hawks usually come in from the northwest. Also keep an eye back over the mansion as kettles of hawks are seen riding thermals on calmer days. See Lenoir Hawk Watch

(914) 968-5851 / eBird hot spot / web site

167 Mianus River Rd, Bedford, NY 10506
Owned by the non-profit Mianus River Gorge, Inc. Over 1000 acres. Notable for breeding Louisiana Waterthrush, Acadian Flycatcher, Black-throated Green Warbler, and Northern Goshawk. Notes on finding trail head: go left on Miller Mill Road (dirt). Go 50 yards and take a left on Mianus Road. Trail head to the all trails six tenths of a mile on the left. Trail maps are provided at the trail head and are on web site. The trail closes December through April.
(914) 234-3455 / eBird hotspot / web site

82 Pound Ridge Road, Pound Ridge, NY 10576. See web site for directions.
Birders have documented over 120 species of birds in or near the preserve. Among the most frequently sited are: Goldfinches, Northern Orioles, Titmice, Nuthatches, Scarlet Tanagers, Green Herons, Pileated Woodpeckers, Ringed Neck Ducks, Buffleheads, Red-Tailed Hawks and, of course, Great Blue Herons.
A peaceful wooded area. Has a blind on a large lake within the preserve
(914) 589-2217 / eBird hot spot / web site

51 NY-100, Katonah, NY 10536
Muscoot Farm has recently become a more common place to bird. The park's many fields make it a great butterfly place. Spring and summer are best with a host of breeding birds all found without a lot of hiking. The path by the pastures have breeding Eastern Bluebird, Field Sparrow, Prairie Warbler and Indigo Bunting. When the trail enters the woods, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Scarlet Tanager, Wood Thrush, Eastern Wood-pewee and Ovenbird. Wood Ducks may be found in the marsh bordering the pond.

Muscoot Farm on Route 100 in Somers is part of the Westchester County Parks system and offers a living history farm program as well as open field habitats, red maple swamp and deciduous woodlands. "Muscoot" in the local Indian language means "something swampy". The wood "muscoot" was used for the Muscoot River and the Hopkins Farm was known as the Muscoot Farm on the Muscoot River. The Hopkins family owned Hopkins, or Muscoot, Farm for three generations. They were gentleman farmers and used the farm as their summer estate. The family progenitor, Ferdinand T. Hopkins, had made his fortune as the developer of "Mother Sill's Seasick Remedy".
(914) 864- 7282 / eBird hotspot / web site

960 California Rd, Eastchester, NY 10709
Combined, these two parks are comprised of 220 acres of woods, marsh, lakes, ponds and some fields along the Hutchinson River in New Rochelle and Eastchester. The main trail in Nature Study Woods leads to Twin Lakes. Nature Study Woods lies to the south and is comprised of woods covered below with Garlic Mustard and wetlands covered with acres of Skunk Cabbage. A few foot trails break off the single main trail. Look for Rusty Blackbirds in winter and early spring in the wet woodlands. The wetlands appear to stay wet even in drought and may be a good area to look for spring migrants in this situation.

After the entering Twin Lakes Park from Nature Study Woods, look for waterfowl such as Gadwall, Wood Duck, Northern Shoveller, American Wigeon and Hooded Merganser in the ponds, in cooler months. Twin Lakes Park has a large reservoir. Two stables operate in the park so you’ll share some trails with horse back riders. So, look down as often as you do up!

To reach Nature Study Woods: take the Hutchinson River Parkway north to Exit 16. Proceed straight onto Webster Avenue and go 0.9 miles to the entrance on the right. Parking is along the street.
(914) 961-2192 / Twin Lakes eBird hotspot / Twin Lakes web site / Nature Study Woods eBird hotspot

Croton-On-Hudson, NY 10520
Westchester County purchased the land in 1958 and currently has an intermunicipal agreement with the Town of Cortlandt who uses and operates the property for municipal recreational purposes. Oscawana Island lies along the Hudson River and the river should be scanned for Bald Eagles in winter. The park also has tidal marshlands frequented by Least Bittern and a newly grown forest that contains a river flowing through the mid-northern section. Take Furnace Dock Road (becomes Cortlandt St) 1.1 miles to the parking area. Listen for Least bittern near the parking area. A trail leads to the island. The main trail leads over the railroad tracks to the Hudson River.
eBird hotspot

99 Pine Cliff Rd, Chappaqua, NY 10514
Pinecliff is a Saw Mill River Audubon Sanctuary of 7 acres. It’s a red maple swamp and small open marsh surrounded by upland deciduous woodland. Wheelchair accessible parking area and 1/4 mile boardwalk loop with illustrated trail signs
eBird hotspot / web site

99 Le Fevres Ln, New Rochelle, NY 10801
Boardwalks lead out to two islands; an inlet of the Long Island Sound, good for shorebirds and wintering ducks. Admission fee weekends and during summer.
eBird hot spot

275 Millwood Rd #1422, Chappaqua, NY 10514
A Saw Mill River Audubon Sanctuary and location of Saw Mill River's office. Oak maple woods, rock outcroppings, large red maple swamp with boardwalk, old orchard and meadow; 92 acres. Includes a butterfly and hummingbird garden. Note: park on right side of Woodmill Road; do not to block sanctuary entrance or residential driveways.
(914) 666-6503 / eBird hotspot / web site

873 Boston Post Rd, Rye, NY 10580
One of the hotspots for spring migration, though the reason may be that it is heavily birded by top birders. The center offers public and children's environmental education programs. There are 2.5 miles of trails through forty-seven acres of forest, field, pond, and stream habitats including a 14-station self-guided trail and a paved trail for elderly and handicapped people.
(914) 967-5150 / eBird hot spot / web site

1-59 Old Lake St, West Harrison, NY 10604
Silver Lake Preserve features trails through woodlands and un-mowed fields, some small streams and old stone foundations throughout its 236 acres, as well as the lake. Lake trail does not completely loop around the lake. At the north end, the topography is rugged, rising in steep rock outcrops. Best way to get to the north area is a small lot on Old Lake Street where it meets New Lake Street. At the south end of the lake there are ball fields; follow signs to Silver Lake parking, just north of Liberty Park. From the trail that leads around the western portion of the lake, there is a good view of waterfowl.
Birds during the summer have included; Green Heron, Wood Duck, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Kentucky Warbler, Winter Wren, and Louisiana Waterthrush. Typical woodland birds breed here such as Veery, Wood Thrush, Ovenbird and Scarlet Tanager. During the winter, waterfowl such as Gadwall, Hooded Merganser, Ring-necked Duck and Common Goldeneye can be found.
(914) 231-4500 / eBird hotspot / web site

149 Jackson Ave, Yonkers, NY 10706
A 278-acre Westchester County Park containing mature woodlands bordered by a grassy and bushy power-line. The edge of the woods bordering the power-lines is especially good for migrants. The power-line trail has breeding Prairie Warblers and sparrows in the fall. Some low wet woodlands (former breeding site for Kentucky Warbler). The park is excellent for spring and fall passerine migration. Some hawk migration along the ridge in the fall. Sunny days warm up the edge of the power-line path and woods at first light, concentrating migrants there. Some interesting breeders occur for a park so close to the city. They include: Veery, Wood Thrush, Red-eyed, White-eyed, and Warbling Vireo, abundant Prairie and Blue-winged Warblers along with occasional Orchard Oriole, Pileated Woodpecker, Scarlet Tanager, Chestnut-sided and Black-and-white warblers, Ovenbird and Rose-breasted grosbeak. Great-horned Owls are year round and can be found in the pines in the southern section of the park and the cedars can hold Saw-whets in the fall and winter. Wild Turkey is becoming common.

To bird the site, head towards the east side of the park to pick up the power-line trail. From the pool parking lot, go back past the pool to the entrance road. A paved road leads steeply up into the woods on the left. This is a fire road that divides the park in half heading directly south. Half way up the hill on the left is a wide dirt trail that leads to the power-line trail. Head south and bird along trail. It will eventually turn back into the woods. The first main path on the right is a short cut, back to the fire road, but continue on. The trail merges back to the fire road, which is now gravel and dirt. Turn right to head back. Access to the park in summer when the pool is open is restricted to Westchester residents holding a park pass. Foot access can be obtained from the northbound rest stop on the New York State Thruway (87) north of Tuckahoe Road. Look for the path just south of the gas station. This footpath consists of a steep uphill climb.
(914) 231-3450 / eBird hotspot / web site

Neperan Rd, Tarrytown, NY 10591
A paved path runs through the woods and along side the reservoir. Good for finding breeding birds in summer including Green Heron, Pine Warbler in evergreens on west side of the reservoir, Yellow-throated Vireo along path, and occasional Hooded and Golden-winged Warblers. Up into the woods you'll find breeding Worm-eating Warbler and Ovenbird. Ducks in fall and winter. Eurasian Wigeon recorded here once.
(914) 631-8389 / eBird hotspot

1600 Spring Valley Rd, Ossining, NY 10562
One of the largest and most habitat diverse preserves in Westchester. Offers a wide variety of public and children's environmental education programs. A species list and trail map is available at the Visitors Center. Entrance fee charged; memberships available.
(914) 762-2912 / eBird hotspot / web site

355 Midland Ave, Yonkers, NY 10704
A multi-use park with some pockets of good habitat. Good birding except during summer when it's overrun with people. The southern end has breeding Baltimore Oriole, Warbling Vireo, Yellow Warbler and an occasional Orchard Oriole. In spring, warblers and other migrants can be active in the evening as well as the morning. All 5 swallows may be seen feeding over the lakes in May. A Glossy Ibis once showed up in a wet field during August. Look for Wood Duck, Hooded Merganser, Pied-billed Grebe and other ducks in winter.
(914) 231-2865 / eBird hotspot / web site

Reservation Rd, Pound Ridge, NY 10576
The largest park, 4000 acres, in the Westchester County Parks system. Purchased in 1925, one couldn't imagine the county having enough money to have bought it even in 1950. It's a mixture of streams, woodland and open fields. Bluebirds can be common here and the park offers good birding even in the middle of summer due to large list of breeding birds. They include: Cooper's and Goshawks, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Belted Kingfisher, Yellow-throated , Warbling and Red-eyed Vireos, Brown Creeper, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, 14 species of warblers including Black-throated Green, Worm-eating and Pine Warblers. It's also the best place for butterflies in the NY area.

(914) 864-7317 / eBird hotspot / web site

260 Chestnut Ridge Rd, Mt Kisco, NY 10549
This privately-funded sanctuary covers 625 acres of diverse habitat and also offers a full schedule of public and children's environmental education programming. It is directly across the street from Butler Sanctuary.
(914) 666-8448 / eBird hotspot / web site

in V.E. Macy Park, Irvington, NY
Best birding is off the Saw Mill River Parkway, first exit northbound after exit 17 Dobbs Ferry/Ardsley. Turn right off northboud lane at the sign for the Great Hunger Memorial, V E Macy Park. The memorial commemorates Ireland’s 19th century famine. Lake has some wintering waterfowl and even some shorebirds in May and August. The ballfield / picnic area in V.E. Macy Park is of little birding interest.
eBird hotspot

• Brinton Brook Sanctuary

• Arthur W. Butler Memorial Sanctuary

• Cranberry Lake Preserve

• Cross River Reservoir

• Five Islands Park

• George's Island Park

• Greenwich Audubon Center

• Hillside Park & Woods

• Hunt Parker Audubon Sanctuary

• Irvington Woods & the O'Hara Nature Center

• Larchmont Reservoir, Sheldrake Environmental Ctr

• Lenoir Nature Preserve

• Mianus River Gorge Preserve

• Henry Morgenthau Preserve

• Muscoot Farm

• Nature Study Woods Twin Lakes Park County Park

• Oscawana Island Nature Preserve

• Pinecliff Audubon Sanctuary

• Pruyn Sanctuary

• Rye Nature Center

• Silver Lake Preserve

• Sprain Ridge Park

• Tarrytown Lakes Park

• Teatown Lake Reservation

• Tibbetts Brook Park

• Ward Pound Ridge Reservation

• Westmoreland Sanctuary