Pelicans in New York in October
Yes, October is a good month to see pelicans in New York. It is the 4th busiest month of the year, with 20 of the 183 sightings logged across the year (10.9%), based on verified iNaturalist records.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
Good month for pelicans in New York
10.9%
of yearly sightings
20
records in October
#4
busiest month of 12
183
verified records a year
September 21.3%, October 10.9%, November 8.2%. Busiest month is September at 21.3%.
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 |
In New York, October carries 10.9% of the year's pelicans sightings, about 2.6 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 4th busiest of the twelve months, out of 10 months with recorded activity.
Activity is easing off from September (21.3%) into October, and it heads toward November (8.2%) after. The busiest month is September (21.3%), so if timing is flexible, that window is the safer bet.
The pelicans most often recorded in New York are American White Pelican and Brown Pelican. Those counts are annual totals rather than a October split, so treat them as which species you are likely to encounter, while the month figures above show how many sightings fall in October itself.
Which pelicans you are most likely to see
- American White Pelican110 records
- Brown Pelican73 records
Plan your pelican trip in New York
Start with live tours near Appalachian National Scenic Trail, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Use the live GetYourGuide widget to compare local departures and activity styles close to the main pelican viewing area.
Booking.com
Stay nearbyStay near Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best pelican viewing area in New York.
Viator
Broader backupBook a pelican tour in New York
Compare guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences if you want a second travel network beyond the live widget.
Frequently asked questions
Can you see pelicans in New York in October?+
Yes. October accounts for 20 of the 183 verified pelicans sightings logged in New York across the year, which is 10.9% of the annual total.
Is October a good time to see pelicans in New York?+
October is the 4th busiest month. It is workable, though September and July is the stronger window for a reliable sighting.
What month is best for pelicans in New York?+
September is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through September, July and May, based on 183 verified observations.
Which pelicans are you most likely to see in New York?+
The most-recorded species in New York are American White Pelican and Brown Pelican, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.
See pelicans in New York in other months
More places to see pelicans