Adirondack birding and boreal birds

With a diverse set of habitats, birding in the Tupper Lake area has something for everyone and every life list! Spring and fall migrations are always an exciting time of year, with many species traveling through or returning to the region. Summer and winter may be quieter but birdwatching is still spectacular! From year-round resident species to migratory birds to elusive rarities, we’re positive you’ll find a “lifer” in Tupper Lake.

A seasonal performance

With the changing of the seasons, there can be different bird species found in the array of habitats around Tupper Lake. 

As the seasons change and longer days begin to loosen the grip of the cold, and we begin a new chapter that starts with Red-winged Blackbirds calling from cattails in the Tupper Lake Marsh, and migrating ducks finding open water along the Tupper Lake Causeway. Later in the spring and into summer, if you listen closely, you might even hear pumping calls of American Bitterns from the grassy cover. Watch for Ospreys and Bald Eagles soaring overhead!

Early summer is one of the most diverse times of year to bird Tupper Lake. Birders would be remiss to not visit Massawepie Mire or the Nature Conservancy’s Spring Pond Bog, places where Lincoln’s Sparrows, Palm Warblers, and the elusive Spruce Grouse are known to reside. 

Fall can be a very exciting time of year to go birding. In fact, it’s often the best time of year to find stray birds making cameos in the region, birds that are out of place or blown off-course during their migration. And as we circle back around toward winter, the Common Loons and other summer birds are replaced by Snow Buntings, American Tree Sparrows, and winter finches. 

In coniferous habitats, such as those found south of Tupper Lake around Sabattis Bog, the bird songs are not as numerous in winter but they are still present. Red and White-winged Crossbills are found here in winter, if food availability is right, along with the year-round Canada Jays and Black-capped Chickadees. In warmer months, birders will delight in hearing from a chorus of warblers.

Start your migration today!

Each year, each season, each day offers different birds. Get your spotting scopes and binoculars ready - it’s time to go birdwatching in Tupper Lake! Don't forget: rarities can be found all year-round!

Love Your ADK

By taking the Love Your Adirondacks Pledge and practicing Leave No Trace ethics you can help ensure that the forests, waterways, and communities of the Adirondacks remain beautiful and unique for generations to come.

Love Your ADK banner with a hiker in the foreground and mountains in the background

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Totally Tupper Lake

Spring Birding in Tupper Lake!

Spring is coming While snow currently dominates our landscape -- much to the glee of me and my cross-country skis -- the longer days and warming sun tell us that spring is on the way. It will just take a while in arriving. But once it's here it will...

Totally Tupper Lake

Accessible Fun Outdoors in Tupper Lake

In the spirit of celebrating accessibility and welcoming all ages and abilities, we invite you to Tupper Lake, NY, where there are tons of outdoor accessible activities around town.

Totally Tupper Lake

Massawepie: Then and Now

Sure, the Ice Age was fun, but, over the last 14,000 years, great outdoor recreation opportunities have developed on the Massawepie Conservation Easement that are cooler than a giant sheet of ice.

Totally Tupper Lake

Birding Fits the Bill in Tupper Lake

What do grouse, chickadees, eagles, crows, and woodpeckers all have in common! Why, they're birds you can find in Tupper Lake, New York!

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Raquette Pond lies north of Tupper Lake and is a manmade lake from a dam located just a bit further north. The pond itself is often used as an access point to get to Tupper Lake for extended paddling. The pond is rather large and motorboats are allowed.
3269
Raquette Pond lies north of Tupper Lake and is a manmade lake from a dam located just a bit further north. The pond itself is often used as an access point to get to Tupper Lake for extended paddling. The pond is rather large and motorboats are allowed.
3269
Lake Lila is located south of Tupper Lake on the way to Long Lake. Surrounded by campsites along the shores of Lake Lila, and camp sites available on Spruce Island and Buck Island, this is a great spot to take a multi-day paddle.
28897
The road is very flat and used as a snowmobile trail so it will be hard packed and easy to kick and glide upon. Along the 2.3 miles on Horseshoe Lake Road there are nice views over Horseshoe Lake and some wetland areas. Snowshoeing and Cross-Country...
28885
Little Tupper Lake (Whitney) Headquarters is off the Sabbattis Road, the entrance road is on the left. A hand boat launch and accessible restrooms are located here. (44.0495?N, 74.5832?W) Google Map (leaves DEC website)
28826
The Raquette Falls Trail is one of the most popular Adirondack backcountry ski routes in winter, and a wonderful hiking route along the river in summer.
4307
The road is very flat and used as a snowmobile trail so it will be hard packed and easy to kick and glide upon. Along the 2.3 miles on Horseshoe Lake Road there are nice views over Horseshoe Lake and some wetland areas. Snowshoeing and Cross-Country...
28885
Visit a very old, very tall pine tree to experience the REAL Adirondacks from another time!
2956
Lake Lila is located south of Tupper Lake on the way to Long Lake. Surrounded by campsites along the shores of Lake Lila, and camp sites available on Spruce Island and Buck Island, this is a great spot to take a multi-day paddle.
28897
The only way to explore Round Lake is by water. With paddling, birding, and camping available, it is difficult to leave until everything has been explored.
29144
The Raquette Falls Trail is one of the most popular Adirondack backcountry ski routes in winter, and a wonderful hiking route along the river in summer.
4307
The only way to explore Round Lake is by water. With paddling, birding, and camping available, it is difficult to leave until everything has been explored.
29144
The only way to explore Round Lake is by water. With paddling, birding, and camping available, it is difficult to leave until everything has been explored.
29144
This is a great trip for beginning paddlers! Meandering through streams, ponds, and rivers to get to Axton Landing will take you about half of a day. There are no portages, and there are great swimming and picnic spots.
30896
The road is very flat and used as a snowmobile trail so it will be hard packed and easy to kick and glide upon. Along the 2.3 miles on Horseshoe Lake Road there are nice views over Horseshoe Lake and some wetland areas. Snowshoeing and Cross-Country...
28885
Just a few miles south of Tupper Lake, you will find a "must visit" location during your Adirondack Vacation!
4266
The Causeway between Simon Pond and Tupper Lake There are two wetland viewing areas along the Route 30 causeway between Simon Pond and Tupper Lake that are popular with birders.
2951
Raquette Pond lies north of Tupper Lake and is a manmade lake from a dam located just a bit further north. The pond itself is often used as an access point to get to Tupper Lake for extended paddling. The pond is rather large and motorboats are allowed.
3269
The Low’s Ridge – Upper Dam Trail is a scenic, remote, and diverse birding location.
2960
From September 1 through June 14, the public may recreate by hiking, biking, birding, fishing, and paddling with only non-motorized water travel, subject to New York State rules and regulations.
4272
Little Tupper Lake (Whitney) Headquarters is off the Sabbattis Road, the entrance road is on the left. A hand boat launch and accessible restrooms are located here. (44.0495?N, 74.5832?W) Google Map (leaves DEC website)
28826
Raquette Pond lies north of Tupper Lake and is a manmade lake from a dam located just a bit further north. The pond itself is often used as an access point to get to Tupper Lake for extended paddling. The pond is rather large and motorboats are allowed.
3269
The Raquette Falls Trail is one of the most popular Adirondack backcountry ski routes in winter, and a wonderful hiking route along the river in summer.
4307
Lake Lila is located south of Tupper Lake on the way to Long Lake. Surrounded by campsites along the shores of Lake Lila, and camp sites available on Spruce Island and Buck Island, this is a great spot to take a multi-day paddle.
28897
Horseshoe Lake is located in the Horseshoe Lake Wild Forest. There are three perfect launch locations to choose from, each one gives access to a different part of the lake.
4284
Spring Pond Bog is the second largest bog in New York State. It's a great place for hiking and birding.
2959
The only way to explore Round Lake is by water. With paddling, birding, and camping available, it is difficult to leave until everything has been explored.
29144
Little Tupper Lake (Whitney) Headquarters is off the Sabbattis Road, the entrance road is on the left. A hand boat launch and accessible restrooms are located here. (44.0495?N, 74.5832?W) Google Map (leaves DEC website)
28826
Lake Lila is located south of Tupper Lake on the way to Long Lake. Surrounded by campsites along the shores of Lake Lila, and camp sites available on Spruce Island and Buck Island, this is a great spot to take a multi-day paddle.
28897
Horseshoe Lake is located in the Horseshoe Lake Wild Forest. There are three perfect launch locations to choose from, each one gives access to a different part of the lake.
4284
This remote area has abundant wetlands, including vibrant marsh communities with rare plant species, wildlife viewing opportunities, and plenty of room to canoe and kayak!
4354
Little Tupper Lake (Whitney) Headquarters is off the Sabbattis Road, the entrance road is on the left. A hand boat launch and accessible restrooms are located here. (44.0495?N, 74.5832?W) Google Map (leaves DEC website)
28826
Lake Lila is located south of Tupper Lake on the way to Long Lake. Surrounded by campsites along the shores of Lake Lila, and camp sites available on Spruce Island and Buck Island, this is a great spot to take a multi-day paddle.
28897
The road is very flat and used as a snowmobile trail so it will be hard packed and easy to kick and glide upon. Along the 2.3 miles on Horseshoe Lake Road there are nice views over Horseshoe Lake and some wetland areas. Snowshoeing and Cross-Country...
28885
The Raquette Falls Trail is one of the most popular Adirondack backcountry ski routes in winter, and a wonderful hiking route along the river in summer.
4307
Visit a very old, very tall pine tree to experience the REAL Adirondacks from another time!
2956
The road is very flat and used as a snowmobile trail so it will be hard packed and easy to kick and glide upon. Along the 2.3 miles on Horseshoe Lake Road there are nice views over Horseshoe Lake and some wetland areas. Snowshoeing and Cross-Country...
28885
Horseshoe Lake is located in the Horseshoe Lake Wild Forest. There are three perfect launch locations to choose from, each one gives access to a different part of the lake.
4284
This is a great trip for beginning paddlers! Meandering through streams, ponds, and rivers to get to Axton Landing will take you about half of a day. There are no portages, and there are great swimming and picnic spots.
30896
Lake Lila is located south of Tupper Lake on the way to Long Lake. Surrounded by campsites along the shores of Lake Lila, and camp sites available on Spruce Island and Buck Island, this is a great spot to take a multi-day paddle.
28897
From September 1 through June 14, the public may recreate by hiking, biking, birding, fishing, and paddling with only non-motorized water travel, subject to New York State rules and regulations.
4272
Just a few miles south of Tupper Lake, you will find a "must visit" location during your Adirondack Vacation!
4266
Horseshoe Lake is located in the Horseshoe Lake Wild Forest. There are three perfect launch locations to choose from, each one gives access to a different part of the lake.
4284
Little Tupper Lake (Whitney) Headquarters is off the Sabbattis Road, the entrance road is on the left. A hand boat launch and accessible restrooms are located here. (44.0495?N, 74.5832?W) Google Map (leaves DEC website)
28826
Just a few miles south of Tupper Lake, you will find a "must visit" location during your Adirondack Vacation!
4266
Horseshoe Lake is located in the Horseshoe Lake Wild Forest. There are three perfect launch locations to choose from, each one gives access to a different part of the lake.
4284
This remote area has abundant wetlands, including vibrant marsh communities with rare plant species, wildlife viewing opportunities, and plenty of room to canoe and kayak!
4354
Little Tupper Lake (Whitney) Headquarters is off the Sabbattis Road, the entrance road is on the left. A hand boat launch and accessible restrooms are located here. (44.0495?N, 74.5832?W) Google Map (leaves DEC website)
28826
Visit a very old, very tall pine tree to experience the REAL Adirondacks from another time!
2956
The road is very flat and used as a snowmobile trail so it will be hard packed and easy to kick and glide upon. Along the 2.3 miles on Horseshoe Lake Road there are nice views over Horseshoe Lake and some wetland areas. Snowshoeing and Cross-Country...
28885
Every habitat found in the Adirondacks has a spot at the VIC, except alpine. Without question, this has made the VIC a birding haven.
72402
From September 1 through June 14, the public may recreate by hiking, biking, birding, fishing, and paddling with only non-motorized water travel, subject to New York State rules and regulations.
4272
Little Tupper Lake (Whitney) Headquarters is off the Sabbattis Road, the entrance road is on the left. A hand boat launch and accessible restrooms are located here. (44.0495?N, 74.5832?W) Google Map (leaves DEC website)
28826
From September 1 through June 14, the public may recreate by hiking, biking, birding, fishing, and paddling with only non-motorized water travel, subject to New York State rules and regulations.
4272
Visit a very old, very tall pine tree to experience the REAL Adirondacks from another time!
2956
Just a few miles south of Tupper Lake, you will find a "must visit" location during your Adirondack Vacation!
4266
A multi-use, multi-season recreation trail The new Adirondack Rail Trail is a 34-mile, multi-use trail that connects the communities of Tupper Lake, Lake Placid, and Saranac Lake. Walking, running, bicycling, birding, and snowmobiling are all...
79447
A multi-use, multi-season recreation trail The new Adirondack Rail Trail is a 34-mile, multi-use trail that connects the communities of Tupper Lake, Lake Placid, and Saranac Lake. Walking, running, bicycling, birding, and snowmobiling are all...
79447
A multi-use, multi-season recreation trail The new Adirondack Rail Trail is a 34-mile, multi-use trail that connects the communities of Tupper Lake, Lake Placid, and Saranac Lake. Walking, running, bicycling, birding, and snowmobiling are all...
79447
A multi-use, multi-season recreation trail The new Adirondack Rail Trail is a 34-mile, multi-use trail that connects the communities of Tupper Lake, Lake Placid, and Saranac Lake. Walking, running, bicycling, birding, and snowmobiling are all...
79447
A multi-use, multi-season recreation trail The new Adirondack Rail Trail is a 34-mile, multi-use trail that connects the communities of Tupper Lake, Lake Placid, and Saranac Lake. Walking, running, bicycling, birding, and snowmobiling are all...
79447