In spring this remnant of former pasture is excellent for finding Indigo Bunting, migrating swallows, White-crowned Sparrow, Bobolink, and open country specialties such as the breeding population of Orchard Orioles. As many as 10 pairs are believed to be nesting residents from May through early September. Blue Grosbeaks have been found in summer and it is hoped they may breed.
 
The Orchard Orioles arrive in early May and can be easily located in the fields throughout the park. Willow Flycatchers, Eastern Kingbirds, Brown Thrashers, Indigo Buntings, and Yellow Warblers are also common breeding species. Grassland specialties such as Eastern Meadowlark can be a regular migrant in April and October. Upland Sandpipers have made an appearance in late April on a number of occasions. American Woodcock are resident and can be heard courting beginning in late February depending on the weather conditions. 

The NYSDEC management program now mows the meadows in late October, long after nestlings fledge. This practice will guarantee the preservation of open fields for many species.

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Both Black-billed Cuckoo and Yellow-billed Cuckoo have nested and are likely to be found during migration. White-eyed Vireo (now rare) and Warbling Vireo (very common) and Willow Flycatcher nest in the second growth vegetation on the southern edge of the property near the ponds. Cedar Waxwings are now common in summer and autumn, and also nest here. American Goldfinches are abundant in summer.
 
During early autumn migration (August), shorebirds, Eastern Kingbirds and swallows are found in and near the ponds in good numbers. Male Wood Ducks are present during the eclipse molting period (late August to late September) in Brown’s Pond, and some may continue to nest regularly in the vicinity of the smaller, “nameless” pond also to the west of Brown’s Pond.

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Belted Kingfisher andTree Swallow nest nearby. Purple Martins, which nest nearby in Lemon Creek can be observed in late summer among flocks of other swallows. Ring-necked Pheasant is now rarely seen here, but Wild Turkeys have become a common sighting, as they have across Staten Island.

Eastern Screech-Owl continues to nest in some older hardwood trees along the roads that form the periphery of the park. Eastern Screech-Owls are surviving as a resident species, and this preserved habitat will guarantee their survival. Great Horned Owls are also permanent residents and with diligent searching and luck, the rare Short-eared and Long-eared Owls can been found in winter.

In the fall, the wooded, sandy bluff overlooking Raritan Bay is excellent for migrants. From late August through September, migrant diversity can be impressive. Sparrow diversity is a park highlight, with peak numbers during the cooler days of early and mid-October. Large numbers of White-crowned Sparrows, Savannah Sparrows, White-throated Sparrows, Swamp Sparrows and Lincoln’s Sparrow are likely to be seen. Raptors can be spotted in good numbers, particularly falcons and accipiters in October as they move along the shoreline.

Western Kingbird and Ash-throated Flycatcher have been observed in fall and there is one June record for Scissor-tailed Flycatcher. Any autumn vagrant is possible here given the proximity to the bay and the extensive fields and brushy edge. The only October record for Yellow Rail in Staten Island was recorded here, and the bird was found in the wet areas in taller grasses.

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From the bluff area in winter, scan the bay for Great Cormorant (on rocks), Razorbills, loons, grebes (two recent, past records for Western Grebe), Greater Scaup, Long-tailed Ducks and notable numbers of wintering Common Goldeneye and other waterfowl.
 
The geologically unique bluffs offer the visitor panoramic views of distant Sandy Hook and Raritan Bay. Northern Harriers and Red-shouldered Hawks are likely to be encountered during the winter in mowed fields in search of voles and other rodents. Harbor Seals are also found here basking on rocks in winter.