Wetland birding habitat

Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge

New York · Northeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
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

Swamp Sparrow

Melospiza georgiana

7/12/2026Arshamomaque Preserve1 observed

Curlew Sandpiper

Calidris ferruginea

7/11/2026Tiana bayside1 observed

Common Grackle (Bronzed)

Quiscalus quiscula

7/11/2026CSF Orient Point dock1 observed

Arctic Tern

Sterna paradisaea

7/11/2026Mecox Inlet1 observed

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

7/11/2026Mecox Inlet1 observed

Great Cormorant

Phalacrocorax carbo

7/10/2026Orient Point2 observed

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

7/9/2026Meadow Lane Boardwalk (Munn Point & Heady Creek)1 observed

Golden-crowned Kinglet

Regulus satrapa

7/7/202621 Lewis Road, East Quogue1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

47/5/2026

Wood Duck

17/5/2026

Wild Turkey

17/5/2026

Common Tern

27/5/2026

Osprey

47/5/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/5/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

17/5/2026

Blue Jay

27/5/2026

American Crow

27/5/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

27/5/2026

Tufted Titmouse

17/5/2026

Tree Swallow

37/5/2026

Gray Catbird

187/5/2026

Northern Mockingbird

27/5/2026

Chipping Sparrow

17/5/2026

Baltimore Oriole

27/5/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

127/5/2026

Common Grackle

57/5/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

37/5/2026

Prairie Warbler

17/5/2026

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.