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

Brant

Branta bernicla

6/1/2026Napatree Point27 observed

American Golden-Plover

Pluvialis dominica

6/1/2026Barn Island WMA1 observed

Evening Grosbeak

Hesperiphona vespertina

5/31/202641.035820, -71.9556881 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

5/31/2026Mill Street (Mystic River)1 observed

Tricolored Heron

Egretta tricolor

5/31/2026Barn Island Wildlife Management Area1 observed

Cliff Swallow

Petrochelidon pyrrhonota

5/31/2026Napatree Point1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Common Eider

106/1/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

16/1/2026

Ruddy Turnstone

96/1/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

2006/1/2026

Common Tern

180006/1/2026

Roseate Tern

40006/1/2026

Barn Swallow

16/1/2026

House Finch

26/1/2026

Song Sparrow

26/1/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

16/1/2026

Common Grackle

26/1/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

75/30/2026

Purple Sandpiper

35/29/2026

American Herring Gull

15/29/2026

Common Loon

15/29/2026

Osprey

15/29/2026

Chimney Swift

15/27/2026

American Oystercatcher

15/27/2026

Great Egret

55/27/2026

Gray Catbird

25/27/2026

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.