Sandy Hook - Plum Island

New Jersey · Northeast

ChallengingView on eBird
Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Sandy Hook - Plum Island is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 229 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Canada Goose, American Black Duck, and Ring-necked 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

Iceland Gull

Larus glaucoides

3/5/2026Bush Terminal Piers Park1 observed

Pine Warbler

Setophaga pinus

3/5/2026Eileen Gibney2 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

3/5/2026Eileen Gibney1 observed

Iceland Gull (kumlieni)

Larus glaucoides

3/5/2026Ceasar's Bay Bazaar2 observed

Boat-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus major

3/4/2026walkway1 observed

Tree Swallow

Tachycineta bicolor

3/4/2026Kingsborough Community College2 observed

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

3/4/2026Sims Municipal Recycling (restricted access)1 observed

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

3/4/2026Prospect Park6 observed

Short-eared Owl

Asio flammeus

3/4/2026Floyd Bennett Field2 observed

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

3/4/2026Floyd Bennett Field1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

13/4/2026

American Black Duck

63/4/2026

Ring-necked Duck

103/4/2026

Bufflehead

93/4/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

33/4/2026

Ruddy Duck

13/4/2026

Ring-billed Gull

153/4/2026

American Herring Gull

273/4/2026

American Robin

13/4/2026

House Finch

13/4/2026

Song Sparrow

23/4/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

23/4/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

43/4/2026

Brant

33/4/2026

Lesser Scaup

33/4/2026

Mourning Dove

23/4/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

33/4/2026

Northern Mockingbird

13/4/2026

Mallard

32/28/2026

Long-tailed Duck

12/28/2026

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 Hook - Plum Island for birding?
The best months to visit Sandy Hook - Plum Island for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Sandy Hook - Plum Island?
Notable species at Sandy Hook - Plum Island include Canada Goose, American Black Duck, Ring-necked Duck, Bufflehead, Red-breasted Merganser. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Sandy Hook - Plum Island?
Birding at Sandy Hook - Plum Island is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Sandy Hook - Plum Island?
Sandy Hook - Plum Island offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.