Prospect Park encompasses a variety of habitats, which attract numerous wildlife species that depend on this crucial ecosystem for their survival.

Located along the Atlantic Flyway for North American bird migration, Prospect Park has been designated as an Important Birding Area in New York State by the National Audubon Society. Around 200 species of birds can be spotted in the Park seasonally. The Park’s significant native and migratory bird population contributed to it being selected as the site for the nation’s first urban Audubon Center, opened in April 2002. 





Because Prospect Park contains Brooklyn’s last remaining piece of native woodlands, and it is approximately midway through the Atlantic Flyway, migratory and breeding birds are especially attracted to this oasis, some just passing through, others staying for entire seasons. In fact, New York City is actually the convergence point of two main North American migratory routes: some birds follow the Hudson River from Canada and the Adirondack Mountains, others follow the glacial moraine along the Atlantic Coast. Due to this prime birding location, birdwatchers in Prospect Park have reported spotting over 100 species in one day, depending on the season.

Some of the rarest birds to make an appearance in the Park include the Pied-Billed Grebe, the American Bittern and the Saw-Whet Owl. Common inhabitants include the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Scarlet Tanager, Downy Woodpecker, Green Heron, Red-tailed Hawk and 18 Duck species. Check out our Interactive Map to locate the best birding sites.

Click here for Prospect Bird Sightings - a birdwatching blog about the Park.

The Audubon Center hosts Introduction to Birdwatching tours every Saturday from 12 to 1:30 p.m.


Birding Guidelines
• The welfare of the birds and their environment comes first. The Park is a breeding ground for birds and home to many small animals.
• Stay on roads, paths, woodchips, and marked trails. Walking off-path compacts the soil and destroys plants and young trees.
• Do not chase or startle birds.
• Respect the rights and interests of other birders and Park users.
• Support the protection of bird habitats.
• If you witness unethical birding behavior, notify Parks personnel. It is illegal to capture birds.
• Birdwatch in small groups to limit the impact on the environment and other Park users. 

More Information 
• Prospect Park Audubon Center: (718) 287-3400
• Brooklyn Bird Club

Fish, insects, and other small animals
From butterflies and bees to chipmunks and bats, Prospect Park is home to a huge population of creatures. The food and shelter provided by the Park’s woodlands have engendered a complex food chain that would not exist without the preservation of this precious natural environment. Among these inhabitants, the Eastern chipmunk is a small, cute-looking rodent with puffy cheeks, stripes and reddish fur and a distinctive "chuck chuck" call. White-footed mice dine on the fruit of black cherry trees, while cottontail rabbits prefer the tender shoots of sweetgum saplings. Birds feed on a host of insects, from ants and cicadas to wasps and caterpillars.

The Lullwater and Lake are home to bluegills, sunfish, red-eared sliders, painted turtles, frogs, crayfish, and thousands of large-mouth bass. Raccoons and possums also make regular appearances in the Park, foraging through undergrowth and nursing their young.