This hotspot is a hidden gem within the city of North Adams. The best times of the year to visit are from March-June and September-November. With its combination of open water, shrubby brush near the playground, and mature forests near the parking lot this hotspot has suitable habitat for just about any migrating bird and is debatably one of the best birding destinations within North Adams during the Spring and Fall. Summers aren't bad, however, from July through late August (and sometimes even early September) there is a fee to visit the park. Other than those two months, access to the park is free. Once the pond (known to locals as a fish pond) freezes in the winter, bird activity drastically dies down with the exception of the occasional flock of Red Crossbills (during irruption years).

Winter: Bird activity dies down significantly in the winter once Fish Pond freezes over. Occasionally, you can get the occasional Red Crossbill.

Spring: Diverse habitat types which include open water, shrubby thickets/brush near playground and pond shoreline, and mature forests near the parking lot offer great opportunities for viewing migratory warblers, sparrows, and more.

Summer: Typical breeders which include warblers, resident birds such as chickadees, cardinals, etc. and more (note during this time of the year there is a fee to access the park).

Autumn: Similarly to the spring, this is a good spot for migratory warblers and especially sparrows in the fall. Additionally, waterfowl like Pied-billed Grebes, Wood Ducks, Hooded and Common Mergansers, and occasionally scoters and Buffleheads can be found here during the fall migration. A spotting scope can be especially helpful this time of the year to find distant waterfowl on the pond.

Year Around: Bald Eagles can infrequently be spotting here throughout the year.

Windsor Lake is North Adams’ hidden gem for outdoor recreation. Swimming, boating, and fishing are all encouraged. Campgrounds are also in the area, as well as many hiking trails. For the winter, visitors can do cross-country skiing or snowshoe on the trails surrounding the lake.

The lake is also home to the Historic Valley Campground.

Trails on the east side of the pond lead to the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts forest. Another trailhead leads to Historic Valley Forest at the parking lot for the fish pond, but it is intersected by posted private property so it is not accessible.