Coastal birding habitat

Great Gull Island

New York · Northeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Great Gull Island is a productive birding destination in New York, with 249 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Wood Stork

Mycteria americana

7/18/2026Harkness Memorial SP1 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

7/17/2026Merrill Lake Sanctuary

Great Cormorant

Phalacrocorax carbo

7/17/2026Eastern Point (Groton)1 observed

Cliff Swallow

Petrochelidon pyrrhonota

7/16/2026Brown's Point Marsh, Orient1 observed

Scopoli's Shearwater

Calonectris diomedea

7/15/2026Location:CRESLI Whale Watch 7/15/20261 observed

Green-winged Teal

Anas crecca

7/15/2026David's Lane, East Hampton1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Common Eider

47/15/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

37/15/2026

Ruddy Turnstone

17/15/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

507/15/2026

Common Tern

400007/15/2026

Roseate Tern

30007/15/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

507/15/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/15/2026

Tree Swallow

307/15/2026

Barn Swallow

67/15/2026

American Robin

17/15/2026

Song Sparrow

47/15/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

27/15/2026

Common Grackle

27/15/2026

Black Scoter

17/14/2026

Osprey

17/14/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

17/14/2026

American Herring Gull

17/13/2026

Bald Eagle

17/13/2026

Least Sandpiper

17/12/2026

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 Great Gull Island for birding?
The best months to visit Great Gull Island for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Great Gull Island?
Notable species at Great Gull Island include Sanderling, Brown Pelican, Osprey, Royal Tern, Willet. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Great Gull Island?
Birding at Great Gull Island is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Great Gull Island?
Great Gull Island offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.