Fire Island - Lighthouse & Trails

New York · Northeast

ChallengingView on eBird

Habitat

Coastal

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Fire Island - Lighthouse & Trails is a productive birding destination in New York, with 245 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Red-breasted Merganser, Mourning Dove, and American Robin among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

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Notable Species

Red-breasted Merganser Mourning Dove American Robin Surf Scoter Long-tailed Duck

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Rough-legged Hawk

Buteo lagopus

3/6/2026Jones Beach SP--Coast Guard Station1 observed

Pacific Loon

Gavia pacifica

3/6/2026Jones Beach SP--West End1 observed

American Goshawk

Astur atricapillus

3/6/2026Jones Beach SP--Hawkwatch1 observed

Wild Turkey

Meleagris gallopavo

3/5/2026Home1 observed

Short-eared Owl

Asio flammeus

3/4/2026Jones Beach SP--West End1 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

3/4/2026Massapequa Preserve1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Red-breasted Merganser

12/28/2026

Mourning Dove

12/28/2026

American Robin

12/28/2026

Surf Scoter

12/28/2026

Long-tailed Duck

252/28/2026

Ring-billed Gull

22/28/2026

American Herring Gull

152/28/2026

Northern Mockingbird

32/28/2026

House Sparrow

12/28/2026

House Finch

12/28/2026

White-throated Sparrow

22/28/2026

Song Sparrow

62/28/2026

Brant

82/21/2026

Black Scoter

62/21/2026

Common Raven

22/21/2026

Horned Lark

92/21/2026

Birding Tips

1
Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.
2
Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.
3
Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in New York

Central Park

Manhattan's surprising migrant trap with 280+ species in the heart of NYC.

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge

NYC's premier shorebird and waterfowl refuge with 330+ species recorded.

Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge

Finger Lakes wetland refuge with massive waterfowl concentrations during migration.

New York Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in New York →

Birding Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration: When, Where, and Why Birds Migrate

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City: The Complete Urban Migration Guide

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Fire Island - Lighthouse & Trails for birding?▼

The best months to visit Fire Island - Lighthouse & Trails for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Fire Island - Lighthouse & Trails?▼

Notable species at Fire Island - Lighthouse & Trails include Red-breasted Merganser, Mourning Dove, American Robin, Surf Scoter, Long-tailed Duck. The area supports coastal habitats.

How difficult is birding at Fire Island - Lighthouse & Trails?▼

Birding at Fire Island - Lighthouse & Trails is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.

What amenities are available at Fire Island - Lighthouse & Trails?▼

Fire Island - Lighthouse & Trails offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.