A drake American Wigeon approaches on Baisley Pond. Photo: Keith Michael
Birding in Baisley Pond Park, Queens
Nestled in Queens, Baisley Pond Park is a charming spot known for its diverse wintering waterfowl. This 30-acre man-made pond, created in the 1700s, attracts a variety of bird species throughout the year. From wintering ducks like Redhead and Ring-necked Duck to summer visitors like Red-winged Blackbird, the park offers birders a unique and rewarding experience. With its rich ecological history and convenient viewing spots, Baisley Pond Park is a must-visit for bird enthusiasts in New York City.
Birding Highlights by the Season for Baisley Pond Park
(no star = birding is not very productive, ✸ = somewhat productive, ✸✸ = productive, ✸✸✸ = very productive)
Spring Migration ✸
Lingering winter waterfowl; some warblers and other land birds
Summer ✸
Occasional foraging wading birds, swallows, common songbirds including Red-winged Blackbird
Fall Migration ✸
Warblers, sparrows, and other songbirds
Winter ✸✸✸
Wintering waterfowl including Redhead, Ring-necked Duck, American Wigeon, and American Coot; songbird feeding flocks
Year-Round Highlights
Gulls and common dabbling waterfowl, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, common woodpeckers, Fish Crow
Spring Migration ✸
Lingering winter waterfowl; some warblers and other land birds
Summer ✸
Occasional foraging wading birds, swallows, common songbirds including Red-winged Blackbird
Fall Migration ✸
Warblers, sparrows, and other songbirds
Winter ✸✸✸
Wintering waterfowl including Redhead, Ring-necked Duck, American Wigeon, and American Coot; songbird feeding flocks
Year-Round Highlights
Gulls and common dabbling waterfowl, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, common woodpeckers, Fish Crow
Get Oriented
View a Google map of Baisley Pond Park.
Baisley Pond Park is a lovely neighborhood park with that attracts a curious diversity of wintering waterfowl. The 30-acre pond is actually man-made--it was created in the 1700s by damming several streams in order to power a grain mill. (The park is named after a farmer that later owned the property.)
The area's interesting ecological history was plumbed during pond's excavation: workers came upon the remains of an American Mastodon, which likely loved here 10,000 years ago. A mastodon sculpture graces Sutphin Playground, west of the southern end of the pond.
Baisley Pond was used in the late 1800s as a water source for New York City, and since that time the park has evolved into a busy park full of recreational facilities for the neighborhood. The pond itself however is rich in wildlife, particularly in winter. For reasons that perhaps only the ducks know, the pond attracts a variety of waterfowl not found in many other locations, in a small area where the birds are easily viewed:
Baisley Pond Park is a lovely neighborhood park with that attracts a curious diversity of wintering waterfowl. The 30-acre pond is actually man-made--it was created in the 1700s by damming several streams in order to power a grain mill. (The park is named after a farmer that later owned the property.)
The area's interesting ecological history was plumbed during pond's excavation: workers came upon the remains of an American Mastodon, which likely loved here 10,000 years ago. A mastodon sculpture graces Sutphin Playground, west of the southern end of the pond.
Baisley Pond was used in the late 1800s as a water source for New York City, and since that time the park has evolved into a busy park full of recreational facilities for the neighborhood. The pond itself however is rich in wildlife, particularly in winter. For reasons that perhaps only the ducks know, the pond attracts a variety of waterfowl not found in many other locations, in a small area where the birds are easily viewed:
- Mallards,
- Gadwall,
- American Wigeon,
- Norther Shovelers,
- Ruddy Ducks,
- American Coots,
- Ring-necked Duck, and Redhead
Baisley Pond may be the City's most reliable spot for this species. Check for less common species such as Canvasback. Red-necked Grebe has even been recorded here. Common Gulls also abound.
Migrant songbirds do stop through Baisley Pond Park but are somewhat more sparsely documented here than in similar parks, perhaps because of the relatively small and manicure upland habitat. The warmer months see some variety of breeding songbirds such as Song Sparrow and Red-winged Blackbird, and the pond is visited by Great Egret and Great Blue Heron (year-round), as well as Double-crested Cormorant.
Baisley Pond Park hosts a startling variety of wintering waterfowl, including American Wigeon, Ring-necked Duck, and Redhead. Photo: Richard Gold, MD
An unusual Red-necked Grebe stopped by Baisley Pond in 2015. Photo: Isaac Grant
When to Go Birding in Baisley Pond Park
To see birding highlights by the season at Baisley Pond Park, see the top of this section.
To learn about bird migration times and get other timing tips, see the When to Bird in NYC guide on our Birding 101 page.
For park operating hours, see the “Directions and Visiting Info” section, below.
eBird
View eBird hotspot records for Baisley Pond Park to explore recent bird sightings, species bar charts, and more. (Click on “Hotspot Map” at left to see other nearby locations.)
Personal Safety
Baisley Pond Park is a well-frequented neighborhood park and is generally safe to bird alone.
Guided Bird Walks
NYC Bird Alliance leads several winter trips that include Baisley Pond Park. Visit NYC Bird Alliance's Local Trips page for information on upcoming walks led by NYC Bird Alliance.
The Queens County Bird Club, a nonprofit organization founded in 1932, offers frequent bird and nature walks and trips in Queens parks and beyond, along with lectures and presentations focused on birds, natural history, and conservation topics.
The Queens County Bird Club, a nonprofit organization founded in 1932, offers frequent bird and nature walks and trips in Queens parks and beyond, along with lectures and presentations focused on birds, natural history, and conservation topics.
Directions and Visiting Information
On-street parking is generally available on the relatively quiet streets bordering Baisley Pond Park. Good vantage points to view birds on the pond include the northwest corner of the pond, at about 119th Avenue, and the end of 122nd Avenue on the southeastern side, where restrooms are available.
View a Google map of Baisley Pond Park.
Visit the NYC Parks page for Baisley Pond Park for operating hours, directions, and additional background information.
Visit the New York State DEC page for Baisley Pond Park for additional information.
View a Google map of Baisley Pond Park.
Visit the NYC Parks page for Baisley Pond Park for operating hours, directions, and additional background information.
Visit the New York State DEC page for Baisley Pond Park for additional information.