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

Louisiana Waterthrush

Parkesia motacilla

7/21/2026Prospect Park--Prospect Lake1 observed

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

7/21/2026Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge--East Pond, south end1 observed

Ruff

Calidris pugnax

7/21/2026Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge--East Pond, south end1 observed

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

7/21/2026Prospect Park1 observed

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

7/21/2026Plumb Beach5 observed

Willet (Western)

Tringa semipalmata

7/21/2026Plumb Beach2 observed

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

7/21/2026Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge--East Pond, south end1 observed

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

7/21/2026Breezy Point Tip4 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

7/21/2026Breezy Point Tip1 observed

Piping Plover

Charadrius melodus

7/21/2026Plumb Beach1 observed

Short-billed Dowitcher (griseus)

Limnodromus griseus

7/20/2026Plumb Beach6 observed

Bonaparte's Gull

Chroicocephalus philadelphia

7/20/2026Lemon Creek Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Killdeer

17/20/2026

Laughing Gull

97/20/2026

Ring-billed Gull

37/20/2026

American Herring Gull

157/20/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

37/20/2026

Black Skimmer

17/20/2026

Least Tern

27/20/2026

Common Tern

77/20/2026

Osprey

17/20/2026

House Finch

47/20/2026

Song Sparrow

17/20/2026

Common Grackle

17/20/2026

Mourning Dove

97/15/2026

American Oystercatcher

27/15/2026

Forster's Tern

47/15/2026

Royal Tern

17/15/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

27/15/2026

Snowy Egret

17/15/2026

Great Egret

37/15/2026

Great Blue Heron

37/15/2026

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.