Oceanside Marine Nature Study Area

New York · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk

About This Location

Oceanside Marine Nature Study Area is a productive birding destination in New York, with 266 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Brant, Canada Goose, and Mallard 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

Rough-legged Hawk

Buteo lagopus

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

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

3/6/2026Prospect Park--Prospect Lake6 observed

Pacific Loon

Gavia pacifica

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

American Goshawk

Astur atricapillus

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

Iceland Gull (kumlieni)

Larus glaucoides

3/6/2026Floyd Bennett Field1 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

3/6/2026Floyd Bennett Field1 observed

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

3/6/2026Floyd Bennett Field1 observed

Wild Turkey

Meleagris gallopavo

3/5/2026Home1 observed

Black-headed Gull

Chroicocephalus ridibundus

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Brant

122/21/2026

Canada Goose

202/21/2026

Mallard

182/21/2026

American Black Duck

32/21/2026

Lesser Scaup

52/21/2026

Mourning Dove

22/21/2026

American Herring Gull

12/21/2026

House Sparrow

32/21/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

12/21/2026

Common Grackle

32/21/2026

Northern Cardinal

12/21/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

  4. 4

    Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.

  5. 5

    Waterproof boots are recommended as trails near marshes can be muddy, especially after rain.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Oceanside Marine Nature Study Area for birding?
The best months to visit Oceanside Marine Nature Study Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Oceanside Marine Nature Study Area?
Notable species at Oceanside Marine Nature Study Area include Brant, Canada Goose, Mallard, American Black Duck, Lesser Scaup, American Woodcock, European Starling, Red-tailed Hawk, American Crow, Gadwall, Long-tailed Duck, Mourning Dove. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Oceanside Marine Nature Study Area?
Birding at Oceanside Marine Nature Study Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Oceanside Marine Nature Study Area?
There is no entrance fee at Oceanside Marine Nature Study Area. Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
What amenities are available at Oceanside Marine Nature Study Area?
Oceanside Marine Nature Study Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.