A seagull stands on a sandy beach near the ocean.

Plumb Beach

New York · Northeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk

About This Location

Plumb Beach is a productive birding destination in New York, with 271 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Brant, Canada Goose, and Greater Scaup among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

Loading map...

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

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

6/1/2026Great Kills Park--Mudflats1 observed

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

6/1/2026Bryant Park, New York US-NY1 observed

Mourning Warbler

Geothlypis philadelphia

6/1/2026Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn1 observed

Bicknell's Thrush

Catharus bicknelli

6/1/2026Central Park--The Ramble1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

6/1/2026Central Park--The Ramble1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

6/1/20261 De Korte Park Plaza, Lyndhurst, New Jersey, US (40.785, -74.106)1 observed

Mourning Warbler x Common Yellowthroat (hybrid)

Geothlypis philadelphia x trichas

6/1/2026Central Park1 observed

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

6/1/2026Bryant Park (5th-6th Ave. btwn 40th-42nd St.)1 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

6/1/2026Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn1 observed

Swainson's Thrush (Olive-backed)

Catharus ustulatus

6/1/2026Pan American International High School1 observed

Prairie Warbler

Setophaga discolor

6/1/2026Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn1 observed

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher

Empidonax flaviventris

6/1/2026Pugsley Creek Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

36/1/2026

Rock Pigeon

16/1/2026

Clapper Rail

16/1/2026

American Oystercatcher

86/1/2026

Killdeer

46/1/2026

Semipalmated Plover

66/1/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

16/1/2026

Willet

26/1/2026

Red Knot

86/1/2026

Sanderling

3506/1/2026

White-rumped Sandpiper

16/1/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

2506/1/2026

Laughing Gull

606/1/2026

American Herring Gull

556/1/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

26/1/2026

Black Skimmer

16/1/2026

Least Tern

156/1/2026

Common Tern

406/1/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

46/1/2026

Snowy Egret

26/1/2026

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.

  4. 4

    Onshore winds can push pelagic species closer to shore, making post-storm days excellent for rarities.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Plumb Beach for birding?
The best months to visit Plumb Beach for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Plumb Beach?
Notable species at Plumb Beach include Brant, Canada Goose, Greater Scaup, Surf Scoter, Black Scoter, Mallard, Bufflehead, Ruddy Duck, Rock Pigeon, Great Black-backed Gull, Common Loon, Red-tailed Hawk. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Plumb Beach?
Birding at Plumb Beach is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Plumb Beach?
There is no entrance fee at Plumb Beach. Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
What amenities are available at Plumb Beach?
Plumb Beach offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.