Coastal birding habitat

Crab Meadow Beach

New York · Northeast

Habitat
CoastalGrassland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Crab Meadow Beach is a productive birding destination in New York, with 241 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and grassland habitat attracts Canada Goose, American Black Duck, and Black Scoter 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

Boat-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus major

7/17/2026Stewart B. McKinney NWR--Long Beach Blvd. Pond2 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

7/14/2026Northern State Pkwy E, Melville US-NY 40.79756, -73.421361 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

7/13/2026Gardiner County Park1 observed

Virginia Rail

Rallus limicola

7/13/2026Gardiner County Park1 observed

Boat-tailed Grackle (torreyi/alabamensis)

Quiscalus major

7/12/2026Stewart B. McKinney NWR--Long Beach Blvd. Pond7 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

7/10/2026Bayard Cutting Arboretum1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

American Oystercatcher

17/14/2026

Laughing Gull

157/14/2026

Ring-billed Gull

307/14/2026

American Herring Gull

307/14/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

27/14/2026

Least Tern

107/14/2026

Common Tern

207/14/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

37/14/2026

Snowy Egret

57/14/2026

Great Egret

57/14/2026

Osprey

127/14/2026

Fish Crow

47/14/2026

Common Raven

37/14/2026

Barn Swallow

37/14/2026

European Starling

97/14/2026

Song Sparrow

17/14/2026

Northern Cardinal

17/14/2026

Mallard

27/7/2026

Mourning Dove

17/7/2026

Killdeer

37/7/2026

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 Crab Meadow Beach for birding?
The best months to visit Crab Meadow Beach for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Crab Meadow Beach?
Notable species at Crab Meadow Beach include Canada Goose, American Black Duck, Black Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, Bufflehead. The area supports coastal, grassland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Crab Meadow Beach?
Birding at Crab Meadow Beach is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Crab Meadow Beach?
Crab Meadow Beach offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.