Coastal birding habitat

Randalls Island

New York · Northeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
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

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

7/13/2026Fort Tryon1 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

7/13/2026College Point Wetlands (formerly Flushing Airport)2 observed

Laughing Gull

Leucophaeus atricilla

7/13/2026Piermont Pier2 observed

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

7/13/2026Piermont Pier1 observed

Wild Turkey

Meleagris gallopavo

7/13/2026The Battery, Manhattan1 observed

Cliff Swallow

Petrochelidon pyrrhonota

7/13/2026Plumb Beach1 observed

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

7/13/2026Breezy Point Tip2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

87/12/2026

Mallard

17/12/2026

Rock Pigeon

127/12/2026

Mourning Dove

27/12/2026

Laughing Gull

157/12/2026

Ring-billed Gull

67/12/2026

American Herring Gull

127/12/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

117/12/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

557/12/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

27/12/2026

Great Egret

127/12/2026

Great Blue Heron

37/12/2026

Osprey

27/12/2026

Fish Crow

77/12/2026

Common Raven

37/12/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

47/12/2026

Barn Swallow

37/12/2026

European Starling

407/12/2026

Northern Mockingbird

17/12/2026

American Robin

27/12/2026

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.