Urban Park birding habitat

Jacob Riis Park

New York · Northeast

Habitat
Urban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Jacob Riis Park is a productive birding destination in New York, with 261 species recorded on eBird. This urban park habitat attracts Black Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, and American Herring Gull among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

Loading map...

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

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

4/14/2026Central Park--The Ravine (incl. The Loch)1 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

4/14/2026Randalls Island--NE fields and shoreline2 observed

Tufted Duck

Aythya fuligula

4/14/2026Cammanns Pond Park1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

4/14/2026Central Park--The Pool1 observed

Prothonotary Warbler

Protonotaria citrea

4/14/2026Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn1 observed

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

4/14/2026163 Ocean Ave1 observed

Mute Swan

Cygnus olor

4/14/2026Roosevelt Island--FDR Four Freedoms and Parks S of Cornell Tech1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Brant

254/11/2026

Rock Pigeon

54/11/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

54/11/2026

Northern Flicker

14/11/2026

European Starling

44/11/2026

Northern Mockingbird

14/11/2026

American Robin

54/11/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

34/11/2026

Long-tailed Duck

64/4/2026

Bufflehead

34/4/2026

American Oystercatcher

504/4/2026

Laughing Gull

14/4/2026

Ring-billed Gull

204/4/2026

American Herring Gull

34/4/2026

Northern Gannet

2004/4/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Visit at dawn for peak songbird activity before crowds arrive.

  2. 2

    Check flowering trees and berry-producing shrubs for seasonal migrants.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Jacob Riis Park for birding?
The best months to visit Jacob Riis Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Jacob Riis Park?
Notable species at Jacob Riis Park include Black Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, American Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Horned Lark. The area supports urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Jacob Riis Park?
Birding at Jacob Riis Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Jacob Riis Park?
Jacob Riis Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.