Coastal birding habitat

Sandy Hook - Plum Island

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Sandy Hook - Plum Island is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 229 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Canada Goose, American Black Duck, and Ring-necked Duck among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

6/2/2026Great Kills Park--Mudflats1 observed

Pectoral Sandpiper

Calidris melanotos

6/2/2026Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge--East Pond, south end1 observed

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

6/2/2026Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge--East Pond, south end2 observed

Mourning Warbler

Geothlypis philadelphia

6/2/2026Prospect Park1 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

6/2/2026Jamaica Bay, Yellow Bar Hassock1 observed

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

6/2/2026Salt Marsh Nature Center at Marine Park1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

6/2/2026New Creek Watershed, Graham Blvd. bridge1 observed

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

6/2/2026Plumb Beach1 observed

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

6/2/2026Sandy Hook1 observed

Pied-billed Grebe

Podilymbus podiceps

6/1/2026Prospect Park1 observed

Veery

Catharus fuscescens

6/1/2026Prospect Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Brant

15/31/2026

Black Scoter

15/31/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

85/31/2026

Sanderling

35/31/2026

Dunlin

105/31/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

1105/31/2026

Laughing Gull

605/31/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

75/31/2026

Least Tern

25/31/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

15/31/2026

Northern Mockingbird

25/31/2026

Song Sparrow

15/31/2026

Common Grackle

45/31/2026

Boat-tailed Grackle

15/31/2026

Semipalmated Plover

155/30/2026

Ring-billed Gull

105/30/2026

American Herring Gull

755/30/2026

Black Skimmer

15/30/2026

Forster's Tern

105/30/2026

Canada Goose

35/30/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Sandy Hook - Plum Island for birding?
The best months to visit Sandy Hook - Plum Island for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Sandy Hook - Plum Island?
Notable species at Sandy Hook - Plum Island include Canada Goose, American Black Duck, Ring-necked Duck, Bufflehead, Red-breasted Merganser. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Sandy Hook - Plum Island?
Birding at Sandy Hook - Plum Island is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Sandy Hook - Plum Island?
Sandy Hook - Plum Island offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.