Captree Island

New York · Northeast

ChallengingView on eBird
Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Captree Island is a productive birding destination in New York, with 208 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Great Black-backed Gull, Brant, and Canada Goose among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

Loading map...

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

American Goshawk

Astur atricapillus

3/5/2026Jones Beach SP--West End 21 observed

Black-headed Gull

Chroicocephalus ridibundus

3/4/2026Point Lookout--Town Park1 observed

Short-eared Owl

Asio flammeus

3/4/2026Jones Beach SP--West End1 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

3/4/2026Massapequa Preserve1 observed

Pacific Loon

Gavia pacifica

3/3/2026Jones Beach SP--West End1 observed

Piping Plover

Charadrius melodus

3/2/2026Jones Beach SP--Coast Guard Station1 observed

Glaucous Gull

Larus hyperboreus

3/1/2026Point Lookout1 observed

Iceland Gull

Larus glaucoides

3/1/2026Robert Moses SP--East End of Field 21 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Great Black-backed Gull

13/2/2026

Brant

53/1/2026

Canada Goose

83/1/2026

Mute Swan

23/1/2026

American Black Duck

283/1/2026

Bufflehead

83/1/2026

Hooded Merganser

63/1/2026

Ring-billed Gull

43/1/2026

American Herring Gull

173/1/2026

European Starling

303/1/2026

Song Sparrow

13/1/2026

Mallard

32/21/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

12/21/2026

Mourning Dove

12/21/2026

Northern Mockingbird

12/21/2026

Boat-tailed Grackle

12/21/2026

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 Captree Island for birding?
The best months to visit Captree Island for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Captree Island?
Notable species at Captree Island include Great Black-backed Gull, Brant, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, American Black Duck. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Captree Island?
Birding at Captree Island is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Captree Island?
Captree Island offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.