Jones Beach State Park - West End

New York · Northeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Parking $10 (summer), free off-season

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk

About This Location

Jones Beach State Park - West End is a productive birding destination in New York, with 322 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Brant, Canada Goose, and American Black Duck 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

3/5/2026Jones Beach SP--West End 21 observed

Black-headed Gull

Chroicocephalus ridibundus

3/4/2026Point Lookout--Town Park1 observed

Short-eared Owl

Asio flammeus

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

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

3/4/2026Floyd Bennett Field1 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

3/4/2026Massapequa Preserve1 observed

Pacific Loon

Gavia pacifica

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

Piping Plover

Charadrius melodus

3/2/2026Jones Beach SP--Coast Guard Station1 observed

Snow Goose x Brant (hybrid)

Anser caerulescens x Branta bernicla

3/2/2026Canarsie Pier1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Brant

233/4/2026

Canada Goose

173/4/2026

American Black Duck

53/4/2026

Rock Pigeon

23/4/2026

American Herring Gull

43/4/2026

Northern Harrier

13/4/2026

Northern Mockingbird

33/4/2026

American Robin

153/4/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

113/4/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

23/4/2026

Ring-billed Gull

163/4/2026

Snowy Owl

13/4/2026

Mallard

103/4/2026

Greater Scaup

303/4/2026

Long-tailed Duck

33/4/2026

Bufflehead

63/4/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

13/4/2026

Mourning Dove

23/4/2026

Killdeer

13/4/2026

American Woodcock

33/4/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

  4. 4

    Consider purchasing an annual parks pass if you plan to visit multiple times.

  5. 5

    Onshore winds can push pelagic species closer to shore, making post-storm days excellent for rarities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Jones Beach State Park - West End for birding?
The best months to visit Jones Beach State Park - West End for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Jones Beach State Park - West End?
Notable species at Jones Beach State Park - West End include Brant, Canada Goose, American Black Duck, Rock Pigeon, American Herring Gull, American Woodcock, European Starling, Red-tailed Hawk, Blue Jay, American Robin, Common Grackle, Northern Cardinal. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Jones Beach State Park - West End?
Birding at Jones Beach State Park - West End is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Jones Beach State Park - West End?
The entrance fee at Jones Beach State Park - West End is Parking $10 (summer), free off-season. Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
What amenities are available at Jones Beach State Park - West End?
Jones Beach State Park - West End offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.