Pictures of Water Birds at Rockefeller State Park Preserve
Considering its size, Swan Lake in Rockefeller State Park Preserve hosts many waterbird species. This gallery features pictures of common species like Canada geese and mallard ducks, which are resident year-round. There are also pictures of migratory species, including double-crested cormorants, great egrets, and great blue herons. Many species of migratory ducks are also included, including common mergansers, hooded mergansers, ring-neck, wood, buffleheads, and green-winged teals.
One thing about photographing water birds at the park is there’s no need to travel multiple trails. The Brother’s Trail circles the lake and has many spots to observe and photograph birds without trees, branches, and leaves blocking the view. Check each end of the lake. I’ve photographed egrets, herons, and various duck species at the north end of the lake by the dam. The south end of the lake is shallow, and I’ve photographed herons and egrets hunting fish there. I’ve seen some of these water birds on the Pocantico River, including great blue herons and some of the duck species mentioned above. Try the Pocantico River Trail and the Stone Bridge Trail.
You can learn more about the trails mentioned above here.
When people see the pictures in this gallery, I’m often told that they didn’t know there are so many different species of water birds on Swan Lake, and they walk around the lake frequently. So the next time you’re at Rockefeller State Park Preserve walking around Swan Lake, particularly during the Spring and Fall migrations, keep an eye out for the different water birds on the water.
Click on a picture below to open the full-size gallery. Controls at the bottom center of the photos let you navigate through the gallery, start a slide show, or close the gallery. Enjoy the pictures!
