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

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

6/3/2026Jones Beach SP--Coast Guard Station1 observed

Tricolored Heron

Egretta tricolor

6/3/2026Oakwood Beach--tidal marshes, NW to Mill Rd.1 observed

Piping Plover

Charadrius melodus

6/3/2026Plumb Beach1 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

6/3/2026Prospect Park1 observed

Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga magnolia

6/3/2026Clove Lakes Park1 observed

Canada Warbler

Cardellina canadensis

6/3/2026Clove Lakes Park1 observed

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

6/2/2026Great Kills Park--Mudflats1 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

6/2/2026Central Park--The Pool1 observed

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

Stelgidopteryx serripennis

6/2/2026Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn1 observed

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

6/2/2026Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge--East Pond, south end2 observed

Pectoral Sandpiper

Calidris melanotos

6/2/2026Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge--East Pond, south end1 observed

Mourning Warbler

Geothlypis philadelphia

6/2/2026Prospect Park1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

6/2/2026Socrates Sculpture Park2 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

6/2/2026Jamaica Bay, Yellow Bar Hassock1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

26/1/2026

Chimney Swift

16/1/2026

Killdeer

56/1/2026

Laughing Gull

16/1/2026

American Herring Gull

36/1/2026

Osprey

26/1/2026

European Starling

106/1/2026

Northern Mockingbird

26/1/2026

American Robin

66/1/2026

Cedar Waxwing

26/1/2026

House Sparrow

46/1/2026

House Finch

66/1/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

156/1/2026

Common Grackle

16/1/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

16/1/2026

Ruddy Turnstone

36/1/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

16/1/2026

Barn Swallow

16/1/2026

Gray Catbird

36/1/2026

Song Sparrow

26/1/2026

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.