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

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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

Prothonotary Warbler

Protonotaria citrea

4/18/2026Prospect Park1 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

4/18/202611th St. Yard1 observed

Rock Pigeon

Columba livia

4/18/2026Tomo and Lara’s5 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

4/18/2026Central Park--North End (N of 97th St. Transverse)1 observed

Virginia Rail

Rallus limicola

4/18/2026Ernest L. Oros Wildlife Preserve1 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

4/18/2026Ernest L. Oros Wildlife Preserve1 observed

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

4/18/2026Ernest L. Oros Wildlife Preserve1 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

4/18/2026Ernest L. Oros Wildlife Preserve1 observed

Red-eyed Vireo

Vireo olivaceus

4/18/2026Henry Hudson Trail, Atlantic Highlands US-NJ 40.41323, -74.019681 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

4/17/2026Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge--North Garden2 observed

Bonaparte's Gull

Chroicocephalus philadelphia

4/17/2026Richard W. DeKorte Park43 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Brant

1004/17/2026

Canada Goose

44/17/2026

Mute Swan

14/17/2026

Mallard

14/17/2026

Bufflehead

14/17/2026

Rock Pigeon

54/17/2026

Mourning Dove

44/17/2026

American Oystercatcher

64/17/2026

Killdeer

14/17/2026

Willet

24/17/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

74/17/2026

Laughing Gull

504/17/2026

Ring-billed Gull

404/17/2026

American Herring Gull

304/17/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

34/17/2026

Forster's Tern

114/17/2026

Common Loon

14/17/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

44/17/2026

Snowy Egret

14/17/2026

Great Egret

34/17/2026

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.