Sunset Bay Park

New York · Northeast

EasyView on eBird

Habitat

CoastalUrban Park

Best Seasons

SpringFall

Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Sunset Bay Park is a productive birding destination in New York, with 228 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and urban park 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

Sanderling Brown Pelican Osprey Royal Tern Willet

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

3/1/2026Selkirk Shores SP--Pine Grove Boat Launch1 observed

Fish Crow

Corvus ossifragus

2/27/2026Minetto Bridge2 observed

Barrow's Goldeneye

Bucephala islandica

2/21/2026Fort Ontario Park1 observed

Birding Tips

1
Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.
2
Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.
3
Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Amenities

Parking

Restrooms

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

How to Identify Birds Like an Expert: The Four Keys to Field Identification

11 min read

The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Birdwatching: Gear, Identification, and Etiquette

8 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Sunset Bay Park for birding?▼

The best months to visit Sunset Bay Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Sunset Bay Park?▼

Notable species at Sunset Bay Park include Sanderling, Brown Pelican, Osprey, Royal Tern, Willet. The area supports coastal, urban park habitats.

How difficult is birding at Sunset Bay Park?▼

Birding at Sunset Bay Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.

What amenities are available at Sunset Bay Park?▼

Sunset Bay Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.