Coastal birding habitat

Gilgo Beach

New York · Northeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
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

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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 Tern

Chlidonias niger

5/30/2026Nickerson Beach1 observed

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

5/30/2026Banding1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

5/29/2026Jones Beach SP--Coast Guard Station2 observed

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

5/29/2026Jones Beach SP1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/29/2026South Side High School--Science Wing, Rockville Centre1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's)

Setophaga coronata

5/29/2026Belmont Lake SP1 observed

Prothonotary Warbler

Protonotaria citrea

5/29/2026Hempstead Lake SP--south end1 observed

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Contopus cooperi

5/28/2026Hempstead Lake SP--north end1 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

5/28/2026Heckscher SP, East Islip1 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

5/28/2026Heckscher SP, East Islip2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

25/30/2026

Mallard

35/30/2026

Mourning Dove

25/30/2026

American Oystercatcher

25/30/2026

Killdeer

15/30/2026

Willet

15/30/2026

Ruddy Turnstone

105/30/2026

Least Sandpiper

25/30/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

505/30/2026

Laughing Gull

55/30/2026

American Herring Gull

15/30/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

15/30/2026

Least Tern

15/30/2026

Forster's Tern

15/30/2026

Common Tern

25/30/2026

Glossy Ibis

115/30/2026

Snowy Egret

15/30/2026

Great Egret

25/30/2026

Bald Eagle

15/30/2026

Willow Flycatcher

25/30/2026

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 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.