Fort Tilden

New York · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Fort Tilden is a productive birding destination in New York, with 283 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Killdeer, Ring-billed Gull, and American Herring Gull 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

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

3/6/2026North 5th Street Pier and Park1 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

American Goshawk

Astur atricapillus

3/6/2026Jones Beach SP--West End 21 observed

Eurasian Wigeon

Mareca penelope

3/6/202681 Freeborn St, New York US-NY 40.57679, -74.090611 observed

Black-capped Chickadee

Poecile atricapillus

3/6/2026Sandy Hook2 observed

Bohemian Waxwing

Bombycilla garrulus

3/6/2026Sandy Hook1 observed

Field Sparrow

Spizella pusilla

3/6/2026Stuyvesant Town-Peter Cooper Village1 observed

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

3/6/2026Seven Presidents Park1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

3/6/2026Governors Island (N.Y. County)1 observed

American Wigeon

Mareca americana

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Killdeer

43/1/2026

Ring-billed Gull

23/1/2026

American Herring Gull

43/1/2026

Sharp-shinned Hawk

13/1/2026

European Starling

53/1/2026

House Sparrow

203/1/2026

American Tree Sparrow

33/1/2026

Song Sparrow

43/1/2026

Black Scoter

1402/28/2026

Bufflehead

92/28/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

22/28/2026

Common Loon

22/28/2026

American Robin

122/28/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

22/28/2026

Northern Cardinal

12/28/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Fort Tilden for birding?
The best months to visit Fort Tilden for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Fort Tilden?
Notable species at Fort Tilden include Killdeer, Ring-billed Gull, American Herring Gull, Sharp-shinned Hawk, European Starling. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Fort Tilden?
Birding at Fort Tilden is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Fort Tilden?
Fort Tilden offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.