Best Trails For Bird Photography at Rockefeller State Park Preserve

Rockefeller State Park Pervers has miles and miles of trails to explore! I you’re visiting the park to spot or photograph birds, I’ve found the trails below give me great results during all four seasons. Some other trails might be a bit better during the spring and fall migrations, but that depends on where the birds end-up as they stop over at the park. Take a look at the list and add them to your hike when you visit Rockefeller State Park Preserve!

You can download the New York State Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Map of Rockefeller State Park Preserve here.

The Overlook Trail

A winding gravel path through a forest with leafless trees under a clear blue sky. A small sign marked "Birds of Rockefeller" is visible in the bottom right corner.

The Overlook Trail is immediately to your right when you get to Swan Lake on the trail from the Park Office. As you go up the first hill, you can find birds in the bushes on the right side of the trail. At the top of the hill on the right, I’ve discovered warblers, parulas, woodpeckers, sparrows, and more. The large fields on either side of the trail have nesting boxes home to tree swallows and bluebirds in the spring. I’ve seen bluebirds at these nesting boxes year-round. I’ve seen and photographed hawks and osprey in the tall trees at the far end of the fields, so be sure to check them out.

Farm Meadow Trail between Brother’s Path and Ash Tree Loop

A snow-dusted path stretches through a leafless forest under a clear blue sky.

I’ve photographed many birds on both sides of this trail. These include hawks, cardinals, bluejays, turkey vultures, cedar waxwings, dark-eyed juncos, and nuthatches. As you walk on the trail from the Ash Tree Loop toward Swan Lake, look at the swampy area on the right as you approach the Brother’s Path. This swampy area seems to appeal to different types of birds during all seasons.

Ash Tree Loop between Farm Meadow Trail and Overlook Trail

A snow-dusted path forks into a wooded area, with a trail sign on the side. Sparse trees and undergrowth are visible in the background.

This area attracts many birds during the spring and fall migrations. While walking this trail, I’ve seen different types of warblers, finches, grosbeaks, wrens, and more. There are fewer birds here during the summer, and I’ve found the winter particularly quiet, but this trail is still high on my list.

Maple Loop between Stone Barn and Farm to Meadow Trails

Snow-dusted path through a field with bare trees on the horizon. A blue sign on the right reads "Maple Loop" with sparse bushes along the sides.

The “corral” on this trail seems to come alive with birds during the spring and fall migrations (NOTE: Unfortunately, as of the end of February, 2025 the corral has been taken down). I’ve photographed many species, including palm warblers, yellow warblers, house finches, bluejays, orioles, common yellow throats, and more. Also, check the tall trees on this trail for hawks and other raptors.

Canter Alley

A snow-covered path bordered by bare trees, with a clear blue sky overhead. A green signboard with "Rockefeller" is visible in the bottom right corner.

I like this trail because it has a big field on one side and a swampy area on the other. This combination attracts many birds, including turkeys, hawks, bluebirds, warblers, wrens, orioles, and towhees. I’ve even seen a northern harrier hunting on both sides of Canter Alley; during the spring migration, bluebirds and swallows battle for the boxes in the field where they’ll build their nests. You can get great shots as they “negotiate” who gets what.

Douglas Hill Loop from Canter Alley, then onto Shady Lane

Snow-covered path flanked by bare trees and dry grass on a clear day. A small sign is visible on the left side, and a landscape of fields and hills is in the background.

This trail extends from Canter Alley and is part of a loop around the “field side” of Canter Alley. I’ve had a lot of luck finding warblers hiding in the bushes on the right side of this trail. I’ve also found virios, baltimore orioles, bluebirds, cardinals, and woodpeckers on this trail. Pay attention on the left side of the trail, and maybe you’ll spot a hawk in the trees on the far side of the field. Hawks also hunt here, and I’ve photographed one as it finished eating their prey in the field.

 

Pocantico River Trail between the Stone Bridge and Gory Brook Trail

A snow-covered path curves through a leafless, winter landscape with bare trees under a clear blue sky. A signpost and a small wooden box are visible beside the path.

I often find hawks perched in the high trees along this trail. There’s also a large field with nesting boxes active with bluebirds and tree swallows during the spring migration and nesting season. I’ve captured flycatchers, baltimore orioles and cedar waxwings in the brush by the smaller bridge on this trail. The Poctantico River that this trail follows is also a great bird photography location. With various trees and brush, I’ve seen and photographed many types of birds, including a great blue heron hunting in different areas along the river.