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

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

7/16/2026College Point Wetlands (formerly Flushing Airport)2 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

7/15/2026Skyway Golf Course1 observed

Wild Turkey

Meleagris gallopavo

7/15/2026The Battery, Manhattan1 observed

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

7/15/2026Central Park--North Woods Loch1 observed

Boat-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus major

7/15/2026Central Park--Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir1 observed

Cliff Swallow

Petrochelidon pyrrhonota

7/15/2026Manhasset - Private: No Access2 observed

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

7/15/2026Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk and Beach--Ocean Breeze Fishing Pier8 observed

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

7/15/2026Richard W. DeKorte Park1 observed

Ruff

Calidris pugnax

7/14/2026Jones Beach West End 21 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

7/14/2026Alley Pond Park--Restoration Pond1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mute Swan

37/15/2026

Rock Pigeon

807/15/2026

Mourning Dove

27/15/2026

Clapper Rail

37/15/2026

American Oystercatcher

47/15/2026

Killdeer

57/15/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

87/15/2026

Willet

57/15/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

17/15/2026

Least Sandpiper

317/15/2026

Laughing Gull

407/15/2026

Ring-billed Gull

17/15/2026

American Herring Gull

67/15/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

17/15/2026

Black Skimmer

27/15/2026

Least Tern

67/15/2026

Forster's Tern

27/15/2026

Common Tern

47/15/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

97/15/2026

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

37/15/2026

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.