Coastal birding habitat

Captree Island

New York · Northeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Captree Island is a productive birding destination in New York, with 208 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Great Black-backed Gull, Brant, and Canada Goose 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

Tricolored Heron

Egretta tricolor

6/1/2026Timber Point Golf Course1 observed

Mourning Warbler

Geothlypis philadelphia

6/1/2026Uplands Farm Sanctuary1 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

6/1/2026Heckscher SP, East Islip2 observed

American Pipit

Anthus rubescens

5/31/2026Sunken Meadow State Park, Northport US-NY (40.9074,-73.2536)1 observed

American Coot

Fulica americana

5/31/2026Robert Moses SP--Democrat Point1 observed

American Golden-Plover

Pluvialis dominica

5/31/2026225 New York 909E, Wantagh, New York, US (40.59, -73.553)1 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

5/31/2026Connetquot River State Park - North Entrance1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

5/31/2026Bayard Cutting Arboretum SP1 observed

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

5/31/2026Nickerson Beach1 observed

Arctic Tern

Sterna paradisaea

5/31/2026Nickerson Beach1 observed

Black Tern

Chlidonias niger

5/30/2026Nickerson Beach1 observed

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

5/30/2026Banding1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mute Swan

25/28/2026

Mallard

15/28/2026

Mourning Dove

15/28/2026

Black-bellied Plover

15/28/2026

Willet

15/28/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

25/28/2026

Glossy Ibis

55/28/2026

Great Egret

15/28/2026

Osprey

15/28/2026

Barn Swallow

25/28/2026

Northern Mockingbird

15/28/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

25/28/2026

Clapper Rail

15/27/2026

American Herring Gull

65/27/2026

Little Blue Heron

15/27/2026

Willow Flycatcher

15/27/2026

American Robin

65/27/2026

House Sparrow

15/27/2026

House Finch

45/27/2026

Song Sparrow

25/27/2026

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 Captree Island for birding?
The best months to visit Captree Island for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Captree Island?
Notable species at Captree Island include Great Black-backed Gull, Brant, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, American Black Duck. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Captree Island?
Birding at Captree Island is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Captree Island?
Captree Island offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.