Forest birding habitat

Fort Tilden

New York · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Fort Tilden is a productive birding destination in New York, with 283 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Killdeer, Ring-billed Gull, and American Herring Gull 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

Ruddy Duck

Oxyura jamaicensis

7/19/2026Brooklyn Bridge Park--Pier 61 observed

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

7/19/2026Fort Tilden4 observed

Cliff Swallow

Petrochelidon pyrrhonota

7/19/2026Randalls Island3 observed

Eastern Phoebe

Sayornis phoebe

7/19/2026Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

7/19/2026McGolrick Park1 observed

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

7/19/2026Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge1 observed

Louisiana Waterthrush

Parkesia motacilla

7/19/2026Prospect Park1 observed

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

7/19/2026Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge--East Pond, south end1 observed

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

7/19/2026Breezy Point Tip5 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

7/19/20262161 Hart Street, New York, US (40.812, -73.847)1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

7/19/2026Prospect Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

American Oystercatcher

307/19/2026

Piping Plover

47/19/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

17/19/2026

Laughing Gull

7/19/2026

American Herring Gull

7/19/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

207/19/2026

Black Skimmer

37/19/2026

Common Tern

107/19/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

157/19/2026

Osprey

17/19/2026

Barn Swallow

27/19/2026

Rock Pigeon

27/19/2026

Mourning Dove

37/19/2026

Chimney Swift

27/19/2026

Killdeer

17/19/2026

Willet

17/19/2026

Least Sandpiper

57/19/2026

Monk Parakeet

27/19/2026

White-eyed Vireo

17/19/2026

Tree Swallow

157/19/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Fort Tilden for birding?
The best months to visit Fort Tilden for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Fort Tilden?
Notable species at Fort Tilden include Killdeer, Ring-billed Gull, American Herring Gull, Sharp-shinned Hawk, European Starling. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Fort Tilden?
Birding at Fort Tilden is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Fort Tilden?
Fort Tilden offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.