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

Tufted Duck

Aythya fuligula

4/14/2026Cammanns Pond Park1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

4/14/2026New Hyde Park Yard: Nassau County1 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

4/14/2026Hoyt Farm Town Park1 observed

Willet

Tringa semipalmata

4/12/2026Robert Moses State Park, Babylon US-NY 40.62277, -73.275931 observed

Wild Turkey

Meleagris gallopavo

4/12/2026Meadowbrook/Wheatley golf course1 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

4/11/2026Mill Pond Preserve, Wantagh2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Brant

144/13/2026

Canada Goose

64/13/2026

American Oystercatcher

24/13/2026

Laughing Gull

14/13/2026

Ring-billed Gull

24/13/2026

American Herring Gull

54/13/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

14/13/2026

Forster's Tern

24/13/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

34/13/2026

Great Egret

14/13/2026

Osprey

24/13/2026

Tree Swallow

24/13/2026

European Starling

24/13/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

64/13/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

44/13/2026

Common Grackle

164/13/2026

Boat-tailed Grackle

14/13/2026

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.