Randalls Island

New York · Northeast

ChallengingView on eBird
Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Randalls Island is a productive birding destination in New York, with 252 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Brant, Canada Goose, and Wood Duck 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

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

3/6/2026North 5th Street Pier and Park1 observed

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

3/6/2026New York, New York, US (40.799, -73.975)1 observed

Wild Turkey

Meleagris gallopavo

3/6/2026Liberty Island/Statue of Liberty (NY County)1 observed

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

3/6/2026Hudson River Greenway--145th-155th St.3 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

3/6/2026Hudson River Greenway--145th-155th St.1 observed

Eurasian Wigeon

Mareca penelope

3/6/202681 Freeborn St, New York US-NY 40.57679, -74.090611 observed

Field Sparrow

Spizella pusilla

3/6/2026Stuyvesant Town-Peter Cooper Village1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

3/6/2026Governors Island (N.Y. County)1 observed

American Wigeon

Mareca americana

3/6/2026Governors Island (N.Y. County)4 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Brant

3003/4/2026

Canada Goose

353/4/2026

Wood Duck

13/4/2026

Northern Shoveler

53/4/2026

Gadwall

183/4/2026

Mallard

243/4/2026

American Black Duck

63/4/2026

Bufflehead

143/4/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

283/4/2026

Rock Pigeon

753/4/2026

Ring-billed Gull

1403/4/2026

American Herring Gull

803/4/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

173/4/2026

Great Cormorant

13/4/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

43/4/2026

Sharp-shinned Hawk

13/4/2026

Cooper's Hawk

13/4/2026

Bald Eagle

13/4/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/4/2026

Belted Kingfisher

13/4/2026

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 Randalls Island for birding?
The best months to visit Randalls Island for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Randalls Island?
Notable species at Randalls Island include Brant, Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Randalls Island?
Birding at Randalls Island is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Randalls Island?
Randalls Island offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.