Jacob Riis Park

New York · Northeast

EasyView on eBird

Habitat

Urban Park

Best Seasons

SpringFall

Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Jacob Riis Park is a productive birding destination in New York, with 261 species recorded on eBird. This urban park habitat attracts Black Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, 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

Black Scoter Long-tailed Duck American Herring Gull Great Black-backed Gull Horned Lark

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Black-capped Chickadee

Poecile atricapillus

3/6/2026Sandy Hook--Spermaceti Cove area2 observed

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

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

3/6/2026Hudson River Greenway--145th-155th St.3 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

3/6/2026Hudson River Greenway--145th-155th St.1 observed

Eurasian Wigeon

Mareca penelope

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

Birding Tips

1
Visit at dawn for peak songbird activity before crowds arrive.
2
Check flowering trees and berry-producing shrubs for seasonal migrants.
3
Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Amenities

Parking

Restrooms

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

How to Identify Birds Like an Expert: The Four Keys to Field Identification

11 min read

The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Birdwatching: Gear, Identification, and Etiquette

8 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Jacob Riis Park for birding?▼

The best months to visit Jacob Riis Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Jacob Riis Park?▼

Notable species at Jacob Riis Park include Black Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, American Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Horned Lark. The area supports urban park habitats.

How difficult is birding at Jacob Riis Park?▼

Birding at Jacob Riis Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.

What amenities are available at Jacob Riis Park?▼

Jacob Riis Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.