Montezuma - Howland Island

New York · Northeast

ChallengingView on eBird

Habitat

Coastal

Best Seasons

SpringFall

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

Loading map...

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

Northern Shrike

Lanius borealis

3/6/202613569 Railroad Rd, Savannah US-NY (43.0604,-76.7420)1 observed

Tufted Duck

Aythya fuligula

3/6/2026Harris Park, Cayuga1 observed

Eurasian Wigeon

Mareca penelope

3/6/2026Montezuma NWR--East Rd.1 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

3/2/2026Parking area Crusoe Island Cemetary1 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

2/28/2026815 New York 318, Waterloo, New York, US (42.955, -76.909)1 observed

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.

Birding Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration: When, Where, and Why Birds Migrate

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City: The Complete Urban Migration Guide

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.