Gilgo Beach

New York · Northeast

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

Coastal

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Gilgo Beach is a productive birding destination in New York, with 251 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Brant, Canada Goose, and Mute Swan among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

Loading map...

Notable Species

Brant Canada Goose Mute Swan American Black Duck Red-breasted Merganser

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

7/16/2026Fire Island--Sunken Forest1 observed

Western Sandpiper

Calidris mauri

7/16/2026Jones Beach - Coast Guard Station1 observed

Ruff

Calidris pugnax

7/16/2026Jones Beach SP--Hawkwatch1 observed

Curlew Sandpiper

Calidris ferruginea

7/16/2026Jones Beach SP--Coast Guard Station1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

7/16/2026Jones Beach SP--Coast Guard Station1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

7/12/2026

Mute Swan

17/12/2026

Least Sandpiper

17/12/2026

Laughing Gull

7/12/2026

American Herring Gull

7/12/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/12/2026

Osprey

17/12/2026

House Sparrow

7/12/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

17/12/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

17/12/2026

American Oystercatcher

17/10/2026

Sanderling

17/10/2026

Black Skimmer

17/10/2026

Birding Tips

1
Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.
2
Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.
3
Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in New York

Central Park

Manhattan's surprising migrant trap with 280+ species in the heart of NYC.

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge

NYC's premier shorebird and waterfowl refuge with 330+ species recorded.

Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge

Finger Lakes wetland refuge with massive waterfowl concentrations during migration.

New York Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in New York →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Gilgo Beach for birding?▼

The best months to visit Gilgo Beach for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Gilgo Beach?▼

Notable species at Gilgo Beach include Brant, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, American Black Duck, Red-breasted Merganser. The area supports coastal habitats.

How difficult is birding at Gilgo Beach?▼

Birding at Gilgo Beach is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Gilgo Beach?▼

Gilgo Beach offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.