Birds of Inwood

All the herons were there in Sherman Creek Park, a Harlem River waterfront park along Inwood’s east side. It was early afternoon on Wednesday, July 23, 2025.

An hour and a half before low tide, members of the heron family— a Great Egret, a Great Blue Heron, and Black-crowned Night Herons (adult and juvenile)— foraged in the main Sherman Creek Inlet. Three Killdeer wandered the muddy flats. A Great Black-backed Gull perched on one of the piers. So, too did a Double-crested Cormorant. 

For many years, Sherman Creek and its network of small parks had fallen into a state of neglect. A paradise lost, this 15-acre section of the Harlem River devolved into an illegal dumping ground. The New York Restoration Project, founded by Bette Midler in 1995, along with many volunteers, spearheaded its cleanup and revival. The multi-year project involves not only removing the trash but also the construction of a whole new waterfront ecosystem. Wetlands, native plantings and marsh restoration are part of this project.

Visiting the park now feels like a paradise regained. Swindler Cove, opened in 2003, showed the way. Now, visitors can enjoy a lush and inspiring 5-acre park there that includes a children’s garden, a pond, and forested paths. The master plan for Sherman Creek Park is still unfolding, situated within an even larger plan to develop Inwood’s Harlem River waterfront.

For the ecological reconstruction of the park’s main inlet and waterfront, the NYRP constructed a new reef that would protect the shore against strong tides. Visitors may walk down to the shore to understand the effects of this “living shoreline” in preparing for the effects of climate change.

The presence of the herons and the shorebirds during my visit proved that the restoration is working, offering a vital place for birds and for those who love to watch them. On the north side of the inlet, the modern Con Edison Academy Substation with its sailing design motifs provided an appropriate backdrop for the scene. 

The forested path along the south side of the inlet includes interpretive signage with QR codes to enhance the birdwatching experience. Find the entrance next to Sherman Creek Center, NYC Parks and NYRP’s shared building on 10th Avenue, just a little north of the Dyckman Street and Harlem River Drive intersection. A few discreet small paths off the main trail provide direct access to the shoreline.

It’s time to go birding in Sherman Creek Park. Late summer is an excellent time as shorebird migration is underway. As always, consult a tidal table if you wish to see shorebirds on the muddy flats.

While Inwood Hill Park will continue to be the main location for Birds of Inwood, expect more frequent reports from Sherman Creek Park. 

Cover: View of Sherman Creek Inlet (and herons!) from the forest trail on the south side. The Con Ed Academy Substation at 300 West 201st Street is in the background. July 23, 2025. Sherman Creek Park, New York City.

July 2025 Sightings page

New sightings include the ones mentioned here as well as an Eastern Kingbird and many Barn Swallows in Inwood Hill Park. See the July 2025 Sightings page.

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