Information on Rockefeller State Park Preserve's Many Bird Species

One of the things I've grown to appreciate spending time at Rockefeller State Park Preserve in Pleasantville, NY is the number of bird species I can see at the Park. Having hiked hundreds of miles there in the past few years I've found there are very few trips when I come home without any pictures of birds. Sometimes these are just the "regular birds" that are in the park year-round and are the subjects of many of my photographs. Other times I've been able to capture a bird that is brand new to me, or one in a special pose or surrounding. 

While hiking and photographing birds I began doing more research into their habitats, eating habits, migration patterns, and other things that make a species unique. I've created the posts in this section to provide what I've learned in case it helps others who visit the park. Certainly, there are more definitive sources so this content is considered a starting point. Hope you enjoy the posts!

Two birds perched on a branch.

House Finch – Rockefeller State Park Preserve

See more pictures of House Finches Here. What is the size and shape of a House Finch? The House Finch is a small bird with a stout body and a short, conical beak. It measures about 5 to 6 inches long and has a wingspan of approximately 9 to 11 inches. Its rounded body...

read more...
A small bird is sitting on a metal fence.

Dark-eyed Junco – Rockefeller State Park Preserve

See more pictures of the Dark-eyed Junco Here. What is the size and shape of the Dark-eyed Junco? The Dark-eyed Junco is a small, sparrow-sized bird with a round body and a short, conical bill. It has a relatively short tail and a slightly rounded head, giving it a...

read more...
A blue jay perched on a wooden fence.

Blue Jay – Rockefeller State Park Preserve

See more photos of Blue Jays Here What is the size and shape of the Blue Jay? The Blue Jay, a striking bird found in North America, measures around 9-12 inches long with a wingspan of approximately 13-17 inches. It has a stocky, robust build and a rounded crest on its...

read more...
A falcon perched on a tree branch.

Peregrine Falcon – Rockefeller State Park Preserve

See more pictures of Peregrine Falcons here. What is the size and shape of a Peregrine Falcon? The Peregrine Falcon is a medium-sized bird of prey with a sleek and aerodynamic body characterized by long, pointed wings and a relatively short tail. It typically measures...

read more...
Two birds perched on a bare tree branch.

Cedar Waxwing – Rockefeller State Park Preserve

See more pictures of the Cedar Waxwing here. What is the size and shape of the Cedar Waxwing? The Cedar Waxwing is a small to medium-sized songbird, measuring approximately 6.5 to 8 inches (16.5 to 20 centimeters) in length. It has a sleek and slender body with a...

read more...
A yellow bird sits on top of a wooden post.

Palm Warbler – Rockefeller State Park Preserve

See more pictures of Palm Warblers here. What is the size and shape of the Palm Warbler? The Palm Warbler, a small and vibrant species found in eastern North America, is known for its unique size and shape. Measuring around 5 to 6 inches in length, this bird is...

read more...
A woodpecker perched on the side of a tree.

Downy Woodpecker – Rockefeller State Park Preserve

See more pictures of Downey Woodpeckers here. What is the size and shape of a Downey Woodpecker? The Downey Woodpecker, a small woodpecker species, is a fascinating bird found in North America. Measuring about 6-7 inches in length, it is considered one of the smallest...

read more...
A northern flicker woodpecker clings to the trunk of a tree, showcasing its spotted plumage and red nape in a forested area.

Northern Flicker – Rockefeller State Park Preserve

See more pictures of the Northern Flicker here. What is the size and shape of a Northern Flicker? The Northern Flicker, a member of the woodpecker family, is a medium-sized bird with a unique appearance. It measures approximately 11 to 12 inches, slightly larger than...

read more...
A dark-feathered bird, possibly an osprey, is perched on a leafless branch against a clear blue sky.

The Osprey – Rockefeller State Park Preserve

See more pictures of the Osprey here. What is the size and shape of an Osprey? The Osprey, also known as the fish-eating bird, is a majestic migratory raptor found in various parts of the world. This aerial hunter is renowned for its exceptional fishing skills and...

read more...
A vibrant Baltimore Oriole with black and orange feathers perched on a leafy green branch.

Baltimore Oriole – Rockefeller State Park Preserve

See more pictures of the Baltimore Oriole here. What is the size and shape of a Baltimore Oriole? The Baltimore Oriole is a small to medium-sized bird with a length of about 7-8 inches (18-20 centimeters). It has a slender and elongated body with a sleek and...

read more...