River Road marshes and RR tracks

New York · Northeast

ModerateView on eBird

Habitat

River/Riparian

Best Seasons

SpringFall

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

River Road marshes and RR tracks is a productive birding destination in New York, with 217 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts a wide variety of species among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

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Notable Species

Belted Kingfisher Yellow Warbler Song Sparrow Great Blue Heron Cedar Waxwing

Live Bird Data

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

Black-capped Chickadee

Poecile atricapillus

3/6/2026Sandy Hook--Spermaceti Cove area2 observed

American Wigeon

Mareca americana

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

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

3/6/2026Governors Island (N.Y. County)19 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

3/6/2026Governors Island (N.Y. County)2 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

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

3/6/2026Floyd Bennett Field1 observed

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

3/6/2026Floyd Bennett Field1 observed

Iceland Gull (kumlieni)

Larus glaucoides

3/6/2026Floyd Bennett Field1 observed

Bohemian Waxwing

Bombycilla garrulus

3/6/2026Sandy Hook1 observed

Birding Tips

1
Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.
2
Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.
3
Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in New York

Central Park

Manhattan's surprising migrant trap with 280+ species in the heart of NYC.

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge

NYC's premier shorebird and waterfowl refuge with 330+ species recorded.

Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge

Finger Lakes wetland refuge with massive waterfowl concentrations during migration.

Birding Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration: When, Where, and Why Birds Migrate

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City: The Complete Urban Migration Guide

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit River Road marshes and RR tracks for birding?▼

The best months to visit River Road marshes and RR tracks for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at River Road marshes and RR tracks?▼

Notable species at River Road marshes and RR tracks include Belted Kingfisher, Yellow Warbler, Song Sparrow, Great Blue Heron, Cedar Waxwing. The area supports river/riparian habitats.

How difficult is birding at River Road marshes and RR tracks?▼

Birding at River Road marshes and RR tracks is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at River Road marshes and RR tracks?▼

River Road marshes and RR tracks offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.