Great Gull Island

New York · Northeast

ChallengingView on eBird

Habitat

Coastal

Best Seasons

SpringFall

Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Great Gull Island is a productive birding destination in New York, with 249 species recorded on eBird. This coastal 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

American Oystercatcher

Haematopus palliatus

3/4/2026213 Salt Island Rd, Westbrook US-CT 41.27884, -72.442771 observed

King Eider

Somateria spectabilis

3/4/2026Gardiners Bay, East Hampton US-NY 41.02839, -72.113441 observed

Eared Grebe

Podiceps nigricollis

3/2/2026Stonington Town Dock & WWTP1 observed

Dovekie

Alle alle

2/28/2026Montauk Point2 observed

Barred Owl

Strix varia

2/28/2026Fishers Island2 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

2/28/2026Fishers Island4 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

2/25/2026Mystic yard, Pequot Ave, Mystic, CT1 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

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

Understanding Bird Migration: When, Where, and Why Birds Migrate

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City: The Complete Urban Migration Guide

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Great Gull Island for birding?▼

The best months to visit Great Gull Island for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Great Gull Island?▼

Notable species at Great Gull Island include Sanderling, Brown Pelican, Osprey, Royal Tern, Willet. The area supports coastal habitats.

How difficult is birding at Great Gull Island?▼

Birding at Great Gull Island is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.

What amenities are available at Great Gull Island?▼

Great Gull Island offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.