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

Black-throated Green Warbler

Setophaga virens

6/2/2026Heckscher SP, East Islip1 observed

Boat-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus major

6/2/2026Stewart B. McKinney NWR--Long Beach Blvd. Pond5 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

6/2/2026Heckscher SP, East Islip2 observed

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

6/1/2026Stewart B. McKinney NWR--Railroad Track Tr.1 observed

Tricolored Heron

Egretta tricolor

6/1/2026Timber Point Golf Course1 observed

Mourning Warbler

Geothlypis philadelphia

6/1/2026Uplands Farm Sanctuary1 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

6/1/2026Muttontown Preserve2 observed

American Pipit

Anthus rubescens

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

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

85/29/2026

Mourning Dove

15/29/2026

American Oystercatcher

25/29/2026

Willet

15/29/2026

Ring-billed Gull

25/29/2026

Least Tern

45/29/2026

Common Tern

15/29/2026

Snowy Egret

15/29/2026

Great Egret

15/29/2026

Osprey

45/29/2026

Barn Swallow

25/29/2026

European Starling

205/29/2026

Gray Catbird

25/29/2026

Northern Mockingbird

15/29/2026

American Robin

25/29/2026

Song Sparrow

15/29/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

25/29/2026

Common Grackle

105/29/2026

Mute Swan

25/25/2026

Mallard

25/25/2026

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.