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

Prothonotary Warbler

Protonotaria citrea

4/14/2026Green-Wood Cemetery--Sylvan Water1 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

4/14/2026Central Park--The Ravine (incl. The Loch)1 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

4/14/2026Randalls Island--NE fields and shoreline2 observed

Tufted Duck

Aythya fuligula

4/14/2026Cammanns Pond Park1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

4/14/2026Central Park--The Pool1 observed

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

4/14/2026163 Ocean Ave1 observed

Willet

Tringa semipalmata

4/14/2026Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge--South Garden1 observed

Mute Swan

Cygnus olor

4/14/2026Roosevelt Island--FDR Four Freedoms and Parks S of Cornell Tech1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Long-tailed Duck

124/11/2026

American Oystercatcher

64/11/2026

American Herring Gull

54/11/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

124/11/2026

Osprey

14/11/2026

Merlin

14/11/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

24/11/2026

European Starling

44/11/2026

Northern Mockingbird

14/11/2026

Hermit Thrush

14/11/2026

American Robin

104/11/2026

Field Sparrow

14/11/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

14/11/2026

Savannah Sparrow

14/11/2026

Song Sparrow

54/11/2026

Eastern Towhee

14/11/2026

Rusty Blackbird

14/11/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

34/11/2026

Killdeer

14/7/2026

Piping Plover

64/7/2026

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.