Coastal birding habitat

Sandy Island Beach State Park

New York · Northeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Sandy Island Beach State Park is a productive birding destination in New York, with 228 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Mute Swan, Mallard, and American Black 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

Bay-breasted Warbler

Setophaga castanea

6/2/2026Selkirk Shores SP--Pine Grove Boat Launch1 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

6/2/2026Selkirk Shores SP--Pine Grove Boat Launch2 observed

Orchard Oriole

Icterus spurius

6/2/2026Derby Hill Hawk Watch--North Lookout1 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

5/29/20263307–3333 CR-15, Pulaski US-NY 43.63104, -76.189912 observed

Pine Siskin

Spinus pinus

5/26/2026Derby Hill Hawk Watch--North Lookout1 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

5/26/2026NFC Station21 observed

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

5/25/2026Derby Hill Hawk Watch--North Lookout2 observed

Iceland Gull

Larus glaucoides

5/24/2026Derby Hill Hawk Watch--North Lookout1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

76/2/2026

Mallard

26/2/2026

Common Nighthawk

86/2/2026

Ring-billed Gull

56/2/2026

American Herring Gull

16/2/2026

Caspian Tern

36/2/2026

Least Bittern

16/2/2026

Green Heron

16/2/2026

Belted Kingfisher

16/2/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

16/2/2026

Northern Flicker

16/2/2026

Eastern Kingbird

16/2/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

16/2/2026

Gray Catbird

46/2/2026

Wood Thrush

16/2/2026

American Robin

26/2/2026

Swamp Sparrow

16/2/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

56/2/2026

Mourning Dove

16/1/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

26/1/2026

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 Sandy Island Beach State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Sandy Island Beach State Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Sandy Island Beach State Park?
Notable species at Sandy Island Beach State Park include Mute Swan, Mallard, American Black Duck, Northern Pintail, Greater Scaup. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Sandy Island Beach State Park?
Birding at Sandy Island Beach State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Sandy Island Beach State Park?
Sandy Island Beach State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.