Coastal birding habitat

Pelham Bay Park

New York · Northeast

Habitat
CoastalUrban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Pelham Bay Park is a productive birding destination in New York, with 276 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and urban park habitat attracts Blue Jay, Rock Pigeon, and Mourning Dove among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

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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

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

6/2/2026Marshlands Conservancy3 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

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

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

Stelgidopteryx serripennis

6/2/2026Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn1 observed

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

6/2/2026Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge--East Pond, south end2 observed

Pectoral Sandpiper

Calidris melanotos

6/2/2026Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge--East Pond, south end1 observed

Mourning Warbler

Geothlypis philadelphia

6/2/2026Prospect Park1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

6/2/2026Socrates Sculpture Park2 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

6/2/2026Jamaica Bay, Yellow Bar Hassock1 observed

Canada Warbler

Cardellina canadensis

6/2/2026Central Park1 observed

Boat-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus major

6/2/2026Marshlands Conservancy2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

American Black Duck

16/2/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

36/2/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

16/2/2026

Great Egret

16/2/2026

Turkey Vulture

26/2/2026

Osprey

56/2/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

16/2/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

16/2/2026

Marsh Wren

26/2/2026

European Starling

16/2/2026

American Robin

26/2/2026

Song Sparrow

36/2/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

66/2/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

26/2/2026

Mallard

26/1/2026

Rock Pigeon

16/1/2026

Mourning Dove

36/1/2026

Chimney Swift

126/1/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

16/1/2026

American Herring Gull

16/1/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Pelham Bay Park for birding?
The best months to visit Pelham Bay Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Pelham Bay Park?
Notable species at Pelham Bay Park include Blue Jay, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Canada Goose, Gadwall. The area supports coastal, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Pelham Bay Park?
Birding at Pelham Bay Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Pelham Bay Park?
Pelham Bay Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.