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

6/2/2026Central Park--The Pool1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

6/2/2026Gantry Plaza SP1 observed

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

6/2/2026Bryant Park (5th-6th Ave. btwn 40th-42nd St.)1 observed

Arctic Tern

Sterna paradisaea

6/2/2026Nickerson Beach Park, Lido Beach US-NY 40.58869, -73.601951 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

6/2/2026New Creek Watershed, Graham Blvd. bridge1 observed

Mourning Warbler

Geothlypis philadelphia

6/2/2026Prospect Park1 observed

Cliff Swallow

Petrochelidon pyrrhonota

6/2/2026Randalls Island1 observed

Mourning Warbler x Common Yellowthroat (hybrid)

Geothlypis philadelphia x trichas

6/1/2026Central Park--The Pool1 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

6/1/2026McGolrick Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

American Oystercatcher

136/1/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

16/1/2026

Barn Swallow

16/1/2026

Rock Pigeon

25/26/2026

Piping Plover

15/26/2026

Sanderling

35/26/2026

Laughing Gull

55/26/2026

Ring-billed Gull

15/26/2026

American Herring Gull

15/26/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

35/26/2026

Osprey

15/26/2026

European Starling

25/26/2026

Northern Mockingbird

25/26/2026

American Robin

15/26/2026

House Finch

15/26/2026

Song Sparrow

15/26/2026

Brant

2005/23/2026

Forster's Tern

55/23/2026

Common Tern

1255/23/2026

Northern Gannet

15/23/2026

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.