SEASONAL SPOTS FOR SUMMER BIRDING
For information call 718-318-4340. Open all year, 7 days, sunrise to sunset.
Visitor's Center: 8:30 to 5:00.
Excellent Waterfowl viewing due to freshwater ponds and tidal marshes. In the fields Short-eared Owls, Horned Larks, Snow Bunting. At East Pond Scaup, Brant, Mergansers & Canvasbacks. Marsh & bay south of West Pond are good for Buffleheads, Black Ducks, Grebes, Scaup and sometimes Clapper Rails.
And don't forget the feeders near the Visitor's Center.
Nice nature trail, and great observation platform overlooking the marshes. Lots of great wading birds!
Also available at the preserve are two large picnic areas, a large meeting room for classes, restrooms, a marina and fishing dock. During spring to early fall, hours are 9 am to 11 pm. For information, call (516) 571-8685
Oceanside Marine Nature Study Area
Great Saltmarsh areas, comfortable walking on boardwalks. Great looks at all kinds of wading birds, with an Osprey nest and possilbe Rail sightings.
253 bird species have been recorded there.
The preserve is closed Sundays, Mondays and holidays. On other days, it is open 9 am to 5 pm. Bring insect protection. For further information, call 516) 766-1500. Their address is 500 Slice Drive, Oceanside, NY 11572.
Connetquot River State Park Preserve
for information call (631) 581-1005
"Connetquot River State Park Preserve covers 3,400 acres of woodlands, and wetlands with the Connetquot River flowing through park. This park was once a hunting and fishing preserve for wealthy individuals. The park has fifty miles of trails and several ponds that make for great bird watching, Some of the birds that can be seen here are Common Bobwhites, Ruffed Grouse, Wild Turkey, Blue Jays, Great Crested Flycatcher, Woodcocks, Piloted Woodpeckers, Blue-Winged, Prairie, Chestnut-Sided, and Canada Warbler. Toward evening listen for Whip-poor-wills. The magnificent Wood Duck nest here. Hermit Thrushes, Veeries, White-eyed Vireos, and Ring-necked Pheasants add to the wonder of this location. Be sure to look the Ospreys that hunt over the river."
Visit these two places together. They are close to each other and make for a great birding day!
WHAT A GEM!! Located on the South Shore and run by the Town of Islip, this nature center has wonderful and varied habitats for birdwatching. Established in 1977, the trails are composed of a system of boardwalks that extend through wetlands consisting of both fresh water and salt water habitats, as well as an upland trail.
Warning: Watch for ticks, or stay on boardwalks.
The center is open weekdays from 9:00am to 5:00pm all year long, and 7 days a week from April until October. For more information call 631-224-5436
Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge
Bird watching here during the summer allows for great nest watching opportunities. Nesting birds found here are Osprey, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Ovenbird, Phoebes, Great-crested Flycatchers, Black & White Warblers and many others
Located off Montauk Highway in Shirley.
This fully accessible facility, designed for the disabled and their families, includes a nature trail-boardwalk over the head-waters of the Connetquot River, affording unique views of wetland vegetation, waterfowl and fish. Great habitat and close-up looks. Best time for birders to visit would be early moring before park becomes busy with local residents.
Quogue Village Wetlands Preserve
Nice habitat for grassland birds, rails, wading birds and shore birds. Boardwalk extends from Dune Road (bay side) to water's edge.
Located about 3/4 mile west of Dockers Restaurant on Dune Road.
great place!!!
The harbor has extensive mud flats, and when these flats are exposed the birds come out. Look for Snowy Egret, Great Egret, Yellow and Black-crowned Night Herons, Common Tern, Laughing Gulls, Least Tern, Belted Kingfisher, Killdeer, Least and Semi-palmated Sandpiper, Yellowlegs and spotted Sandpiper.
A short walk from Stony Brook Harbor, the park has wonderful ponds and nature trails
Massapequa Preserve, Massapequa
Southern State Parkway to Exit 30, south on Broadway. Park in Massapequa LIRR lot.
(click here for more information)
The preserve is a long strip of green bordered by a stream with five different ponds. The largest pond is wide and deep, and some of the smaller ponds are marshy and shallow. These different habitats draw a wide variety of waterfowl. The wooded areas along the stream and ponds also provide cover for wintering sparrows and passerines. Look for: Gadwalls, Shovelors, Mergansers, Widgeons, Yellowlegs, Snipe, Teal, Dowitcher, Whhite Throated Sparrows, Winter & Carolina Wrens, Yellow Rumped Warblers, & many others.
