Governors Island (N.Y. County)

New York · Northeast

ChallengingView on eBird
Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Governors Island (N.Y. County) is a productive birding destination in New York, with 254 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Brant, Canada Goose, and Mallard 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

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

3/6/2026North 5th Street Pier and Park1 observed

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

3/6/2026Hudson River Park--Greenwich Village (W Houston-14th St.)3 observed

Black-capped Chickadee

Poecile atricapillus

3/6/2026Sandy Hook--Spermaceti Cove area2 observed

American Wigeon

Mareca americana

3/6/2026Governors Island (N.Y. County)4 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

3/6/2026Governors Island (N.Y. County)19 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

3/6/2026Governors Island (N.Y. County)2 observed

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

3/6/2026New York, New York, US (40.799, -73.975)1 observed

Wild Turkey

Meleagris gallopavo

3/6/2026Liberty Island/Statue of Liberty (NY County)1 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

3/6/2026Floyd Bennett Field1 observed

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

3/6/2026Floyd Bennett Field1 observed

Iceland Gull (kumlieni)

Larus glaucoides

3/6/2026Floyd Bennett Field1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Brant

803/6/2026

Canada Goose

123/6/2026

Gadwall

53/6/2026

American Black Duck

143/6/2026

Bufflehead

23/6/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

63/6/2026

Mourning Dove

23/6/2026

American Herring Gull

93/6/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

23/6/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

23/6/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/6/2026

Blue Jay

33/6/2026

American Crow

13/6/2026

European Starling

1323/6/2026

American Robin

33/6/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

43/6/2026

Song Sparrow

53/6/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

13/6/2026

Northern Cardinal

13/6/2026

Mallard

43/6/2026

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 Governors Island (N.Y. County) for birding?
The best months to visit Governors Island (N.Y. County) for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Governors Island (N.Y. County)?
Notable species at Governors Island (N.Y. County) include Brant, Canada Goose, Mallard, American Black Duck, Bufflehead. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Governors Island (N.Y. County)?
Birding at Governors Island (N.Y. County) is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Governors Island (N.Y. County)?
Governors Island (N.Y. County) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.