Croton Point Park, Croton-on-Hudson

    Croton Point Park is one of the top places to bird in Westchester. Bald Eagles can be found here easily in winter.  The capped landfill, once the feeding grounds for thousands of gulls is now the star attractant for birds year round. It is now home to Eastern Meadowlark and Bobolink in the summer.

    Fall and winter bring in many hawks such as American Kestrel and Northern Harrier. Look for Rough-legged Hawk in flight years and an occasional Short-eared Owl.

    The landfill, now meadow, is great for sparrows in the fall, with Song, Savannah and White-throated the most common. All the other eastern sparrows may also show up and have included Vesper, Grasshopper and Henslow's Sparrows.

    Look for American Pipit in the fall and winter, Bald Eagles in the trees, on ice flows or overhead in winter. Another great spot for eagle watching is a small parking lot at the very southern end of the Croton Train Station, past the maintenance hut. Look for eagles in the trees just right of the Route 9 bridge and in the opposite direction in the trees right of the landfill. 

    Waterfowl in Croton Bay during fall and winter include Scaup, Common Merganser, Common Goldeneye and Bufflehead. The marsh to the south is difficult to access but can have Virginia and Sora Rails in migration. The pines south of the landfill can hold Great Horned Owls. 
(914) 862-5290.

508 acres. Entrance Fee in the warmer months.

Directions: Take Route 9 to Croton Point Avenue exit; follow signs.

For more information on the park check out Westchester County Park's Web Site

Back to Where to bird in Westchester