Best Time to See Pelicans in New York
September, July and May is the best time to see pelicans in New York. Based on 183 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when pelicans are most active across the year in New York.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
183 verified observations of pelicans in New York, recorded across 10 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When pelicans are recorded in New York
Peak month
September
39 records (21.3% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 7 | 3.8% |
| February | 0 | 0% |
| March | 0 | 0% |
| April | 6 | 3.3% |
| Maypeak | 22 | 12% |
| June | 14 | 7.7% |
| Julypeak | 36 | 19.7% |
| August | 15 | 8.2% |
| Septemberpeak | 39 | 21.3% |
| October | 20 | 10.9% |
| November | 15 | 8.2% |
| December | 9 | 4.9% |
Pelicans you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| American White Pelican | 110 |
| Brown Pelican | 73 |
Sightings of pelicans in New York peak in September, when 39 of the year's 183 verified observations are logged — about 21.3% of the annual total. Activity stays high through September, July and May.
The quietest stretch is February and March, when pelicans are hardest to find — no verified records exist for February. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The pelicans you are most likely to encounter in New York are American White Pelican and Brown Pelican — the most-recorded species in the state. Each keeps its own seasonal rhythm, but the month-by-month pattern above reflects every reported sighting together.
Where to go
Best places to see pelicans in New York
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
- Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- Chesapeake Bay
- Fire Island National Seashore — National Seashore
- Martin Van Buren National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- National Parks of New York Harbor
Tours and experiences nearby
Booking.com
Stay near Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best pelican viewing in New York.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see pelicans in New York?+
September is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through September, July and May, based on 183 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are pelicans hardest to see in New York?+
February is the quietest month for pelicans in New York, with no verified records on iNaturalist.
Are pelicans active year-round in New York?+
Pelicans are recorded in 10 of 12 months in New York, concentrated around September and July.
More places to see pelicans