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

Eastern Whip-poor-will

Antrostomus vociferus

4/17/2026Barn Island WMA1 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

4/17/2026Camp Hero SP1 observed

Willet

Tringa semipalmata

4/17/2026DEC Wetlands--Gidds Bay1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

4/17/202656 Chickadee Ln, East Marion US-NY 41.12117, -72.361541 observed

Willet (Eastern)

Tringa semipalmata

4/17/2026Sammy's Beach2 observed

Virginia Rail

Rallus limicola

4/16/2026Arshamomaque Preserve1 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

4/16/2026Whalebone Woods, East Hampton1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

4/16/2026Hot Corner--Bluff Point SP2 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

4/14/2026Barn Island WMA1 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

4/13/2026DEC Wetlands--Gidds Bay1 observed

Short-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus griseus

4/12/2026Groton Long Point (private community)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Common Eider

64/16/2026

American Oystercatcher

24/16/2026

Killdeer

14/16/2026

Northern Gannet

164/16/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

504/16/2026

Northern Flicker

14/16/2026

Merlin

14/16/2026

Fish Crow

24/16/2026

Barn Swallow

24/16/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

34/16/2026

Brown Thrasher

14/16/2026

American Robin

14/16/2026

White-throated Sparrow

74/16/2026

Eastern Towhee

24/16/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

124/16/2026

Common Grackle

84/16/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

44/15/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

14/15/2026

House Finch

14/15/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

14/15/2026

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.