Gilgo Beach

New York · Northeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Gilgo Beach is a productive birding destination in New York, with 251 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Brant, Canada Goose, and Mute Swan 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

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

Brant

22/22/2026

Canada Goose

72/22/2026

Mute Swan

22/22/2026

American Black Duck

42/22/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

52/22/2026

American Herring Gull

242/22/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

102/22/2026

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 Gilgo Beach for birding?
The best months to visit Gilgo Beach for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Gilgo Beach?
Notable species at Gilgo Beach include Brant, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, American Black Duck, Red-breasted Merganser. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Gilgo Beach?
Birding at Gilgo Beach is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Gilgo Beach?
Gilgo Beach offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.