Plumb Beach

New York · Northeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk

About This Location

Plumb Beach is a productive birding destination in New York, with 271 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Brant, Canada Goose, and Greater Scaup 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

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

3/6/2026Hudson River Park--Tribeca Upland (Chambers to W Houston St.)3 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

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

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

3/6/2026Liberty SP3 observed

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

3/6/2026Central Park2 observed

Black-capped Chickadee

Poecile atricapillus

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

Mute Swan

Cygnus olor

3/6/2026East River, on the NY Ferry, 6th St to Wall St1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Brant

303/5/2026

Canada Goose

163/5/2026

American Black Duck

13/5/2026

Greater Scaup

33/5/2026

Surf Scoter

153/5/2026

Long-tailed Duck

43/5/2026

Bufflehead

23/5/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

93/5/2026

Mourning Dove

13/5/2026

American Oystercatcher

23/5/2026

Killdeer

23/5/2026

Ring-billed Gull

403/5/2026

American Herring Gull

803/5/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

13/5/2026

Horned Grebe

13/5/2026

Common Loon

153/5/2026

American Crow

23/5/2026

Savannah Sparrow

23/5/2026

Song Sparrow

13/5/2026

Hooded Merganser

22/28/2026

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.

  4. 4

    Onshore winds can push pelagic species closer to shore, making post-storm days excellent for rarities.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Plumb Beach for birding?
The best months to visit Plumb Beach for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Plumb Beach?
Notable species at Plumb Beach include Brant, Canada Goose, Greater Scaup, Surf Scoter, Black Scoter, Mallard, Bufflehead, Ruddy Duck, Rock Pigeon, Great Black-backed Gull, Common Loon, Red-tailed Hawk. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Plumb Beach?
Birding at Plumb Beach is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Plumb Beach?
There is no entrance fee at Plumb Beach. Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
What amenities are available at Plumb Beach?
Plumb Beach offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.