Holistic Birding
Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve
Overview
Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, situated on a scenic peninsula extending into Long Island Sound, offers miles of bridle paths, walking, jogging, hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, and nature trails through a diverse landscape of woodlands, meadows, rocky shoreline, and salt marsh. The park also features beautiful gardens, excellent fishing, and scuba diving opportunities by permit.
In 1921, Marshall Field III purchased 1,750 acres of Lloyd Neck to create a private estate. He named the property Caumsett, after its Matinecock Indian name meaning “place by a sharp rock.” Field developed the land as a self-sufficient English-style estate, combining a country club, hunting preserve, and private residence complete with its own water and electrical systems. When completed, the estate included facilities for nearly every sport except golf.
Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve was acquired by New York State in 1961 and today offers visitors the opportunity to explore both the natural and cultural history of this unique Long Island landscape.
Birding Here
With 266 bird species recorded on eBird, Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve is a fantastic place to explore. The park’s combination of mature woodlands, open meadows, restored grasslands, salt marsh, shoreline, and transitional habitats supports an impressive diversity of birds throughout the year.
Winter is an excellent time to search for waterfowl along Long Island Sound, including scoters and mergansers. A King Eider was documented at Caumsett in 2023, adding to the park’s impressive birding history. Even more exciting? In October 2011 a Yellow Rail (!!!) was observed near the meadow. Has one been seen since? No. But does hope spring eternal for birders? Yes, yes it does. Other notable rarities recorded at Caumsett over the years include Snowy Owl, Short-eared Owl, Say’s Phoebe, Northern Goshawk, and Northern Shrike, highlighting the variety of habitats found within the preserve.
During migration and breeding season, explore the wooded areas and edges for songbirds, including both species of cuckoo, Scarlet Tanager, flycatchers, and an impressive 35 species of warblers documented at the park.
The grassland restoration area is especially worth exploring. The edges where grassland meets shrubs and woodland provide important habitat for migrating songbirds and breeding species. The open grasslands attract specialists such as Grasshopper Sparrow, Eastern Meadowlark, American Kestrel, and Bobolink.
Visitor Information
Facilities
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Restrooms are available year-round. A cafe is open seasonally.
Accessibility
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The main path around the park is paved, while many others are not and may be tougher to navigate.
Fees
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Check website for seasonal fees and other information.
Other information
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Download the park map here.
Check out this hotspot on eBird.
