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

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

7/20/2026Richard W. DeKorte Park--Marsh Discovery Trail1 observed

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

7/20/2026Central Park1 observed

Common Nighthawk

Chordeiles minor

7/20/2026Forever Wild1 observed

Willow Flycatcher

Empidonax traillii

7/20/2026Governors Island (N.Y. County)1 observed

Sora

Porzana carolina

7/20/2026Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge--East Pond, south end1 observed

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

7/20/2026Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge--East Pond1 observed

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

7/20/2026Path over City Is. Bridge1 observed

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

7/20/2026Piermont Pier1 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

7/20/2026Piermont Pier1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

7/20/2026Brooklyn Bridge Park1 observed

Louisiana Waterthrush

Parkesia motacilla

7/20/2026Prospect Park1 observed

Cliff Swallow

Petrochelidon pyrrhonota

7/20/2026Manhasset - Private: No Access5 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

17/19/2026

Mallard

27/19/2026

Mourning Dove

87/19/2026

Chimney Swift

47/19/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

17/19/2026

Laughing Gull

27/19/2026

Common Tern

17/19/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

17/19/2026

Snowy Egret

17/19/2026

Great Egret

17/19/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/19/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/19/2026

Northern Flicker

37/19/2026

American Kestrel

37/19/2026

Willow Flycatcher

27/19/2026

Least Flycatcher

17/19/2026

Blue Jay

17/19/2026

Tree Swallow

27/19/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

17/19/2026

Barn Swallow

67/19/2026

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.