Montezuma - Howland Island

New York · Northeast

ChallengingView on eBird Directions

Habitat

Coastal

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Montezuma - Howland Island is a productive birding destination in New York, with 223 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

Sanderling Brown Pelican Osprey Royal Tern Willet

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Sedge Wren

Cistothorus stellaris

6/3/2026Montezuma (NMWMA)--Howland Island--West1 observed

Northern Pintail

Anas acuta

6/2/2026Northern Montezuma WMA (general area)

Chestnut-sided Warbler

Setophaga pensylvanica

6/2/2026Montezuma NWR--Van Dyne Spoor Rd.1 observed

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher

Empidonax flaviventris

6/2/2026Montezuma NWR--Van Dyne Spoor Rd.1 observed

Common Tern (hirundo/tibetana)

Sterna hirundo

6/2/2026FLX Marine (private), Union Springs2 observed

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

6/2/2026FLX Marine (private), Union Springs1 observed

Prothonotary Warbler

Protonotaria citrea

6/2/2026Armitage Road, forested area (Wayne Co.)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

205/30/2026

Wood Duck

165/30/2026

Mallard

45/30/2026

Mourning Dove

15/30/2026

Sora

25/30/2026

Common Gallinule

105/30/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

15/30/2026

Least Sandpiper

105/30/2026

Ring-billed Gull

15/30/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

125/30/2026

Great Egret

35/30/2026

Great Blue Heron

205/30/2026

Turkey Vulture

55/30/2026

Osprey

15/30/2026

Bald Eagle

15/30/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/30/2026

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

15/30/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/30/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/30/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

15/30/2026

Birding Tips

1
Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.
2
Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.
3
Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in New York

Central Park

Manhattan's surprising migrant trap with 280+ species in the heart of NYC.

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge

NYC's premier shorebird and waterfowl refuge with 330+ species recorded.

Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge

Finger Lakes wetland refuge with massive waterfowl concentrations during migration.

New York Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in New York →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Montezuma - Howland Island for birding?▼

The best months to visit Montezuma - Howland Island for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Montezuma - Howland Island?▼

Notable species at Montezuma - Howland Island include Sanderling, Brown Pelican, Osprey, Royal Tern, Willet. The area supports coastal habitats.

How difficult is birding at Montezuma - Howland Island?▼

Birding at Montezuma - Howland Island is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.

What amenities are available at Montezuma - Howland Island?▼

Montezuma - Howland Island offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.