Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge

New York · Northeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in New York, with 207 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Eurasian Wigeon

Mareca penelope

3/5/2026Agawam Lake1 observed

King Eider

Somateria spectabilis

3/4/2026Gardiners Bay, East Hampton US-NY 41.02839, -72.113441 observed

Thick-billed Murre

Uria lomvia

2/28/2026Charles F. Altenkirch County Park, Southampton US-NY (40.8432,-72.4788)1 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

2/22/2026Roanoke Avenue Elementary School1 observed

Harlequin Duck

Histrionicus histrionicus

2/22/2026Trumans Beach1 observed

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

2/21/2026Dune Road1 observed

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

2/21/2026Cryder Beach, Southampton US-NY (40.8691,-72.3906)1 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

2/21/2026Sammy's Beach9 observed

Barrow's Goldeneye

Bucephala islandica

2/20/2026Sammy's Beach1 observed

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge include Great Blue Heron, Red-winged Blackbird, Mallard, Green Heron, Virginia Rail. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge?
Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.