Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
New York · Northeast
Moderate
April-May, September-October
Free
Open daily, sunrise to sunset
About This Location
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in New York, with 324 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Snow Goose, Brant, and Canada Goose 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
American Goshawk
Astur atricapillus
Trumpeter Swan
Cygnus buccinator
Common Goldeneye
Bucephala clangula
Iceland Gull
Larus glaucoides
Common Merganser
Mergus merganser
American Wigeon
Mareca americana
Greater Scaup
Aythya marila
Purple Sandpiper
Calidris maritima
Iceland Gull (kumlieni)
Larus glaucoides
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Snow Goose
Canada Goose
Northern Shoveler
Mallard
American Black Duck
Northern Pintail
Bufflehead
Red-breasted Merganser
Mourning Dove
American Woodcock
Northern Cardinal
Brant
Mute Swan
Gadwall
Green-winged Teal
Long-tailed Duck
Ruddy Duck
Ring-billed Gull
American Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
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.
- 4
Onshore winds can push pelagic species closer to shore, making post-storm days excellent for rarities.
- 5
Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
- Gateway National Recreation Area
- Floyd Bennett Field
- Jacob Riis Park
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