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

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

7/18/20261700–1716 CR-122, Waterloo US-NY 42.91306, -76.853843 observed

Bonaparte's Gull

Chroicocephalus philadelphia

7/18/2026West Barrier Bar County Park1 observed

Glossy Ibis

Plegadis falcinellus

7/18/2026Montezuma (NMWMA)--Railroad Rd. Marshes1 observed

Short-billed Dowitcher (griseus)

Limnodromus griseus

7/13/2026Montezuma (NMWMA)--Railroad Rd. Marshes2 observed

Short-billed Dowitcher (hendersoni)

Limnodromus griseus

7/13/2026Montezuma (NMWMA)--Railroad Rd. Marshes1 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

7/12/2026Montezuma NWR--Wildlife Drive1 observed

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

7/12/2026Cayuga Lock and River Rd.1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

27/17/2026

Gray Catbird

17/17/2026

House Sparrow

27/17/2026

House Finch

17/17/2026

American Goldfinch

17/17/2026

Song Sparrow

17/17/2026

Common Grackle

17/17/2026

Northern Cardinal

17/17/2026

Canada Goose

397/17/2026

Trumpeter Swan

37/17/2026

Wood Duck

227/17/2026

Mallard

27/17/2026

Green-winged Teal

47/17/2026

Hooded Merganser

67/17/2026

Common Gallinule

147/17/2026

Sandhill Crane

267/17/2026

Killdeer

77/17/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

17/17/2026

Solitary Sandpiper

17/17/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

477/17/2026

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.