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

Eared Grebe

Podiceps nigricollis

4/17/2026Private location, Mattituck1 observed

Willet

Tringa semipalmata

4/17/2026DEC Wetlands--Gidds Bay1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

4/17/202656 Chickadee Ln, East Marion US-NY 41.12117, -72.361541 observed

Willet (Eastern)

Tringa semipalmata

4/17/2026Sammy's Beach2 observed

Virginia Rail

Rallus limicola

4/16/2026Arshamomaque Preserve1 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

4/16/2026Whalebone Woods, East Hampton1 observed

Eastern Kingbird

Tyrannus tyrannus

4/16/2026Quogue Wildlife Refuge1 observed

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

4/16/2026Quogue Wildlife Refuge1 observed

Rough-legged Hawk

Buteo lagopus

4/15/2026Sound Ave. Nature Preserve1 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

4/15/202613115 Main Bayview Rd, Southold US-NY (41.0360,-72.4021)1 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

4/15/2026Fresh Pond Preserve1 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

4/13/2026DEC Wetlands--Gidds Bay1 observed

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

4/12/2026Arshamomaque Preserve1 observed

Pectoral Sandpiper

Calidris melanotos

4/11/2026Scallop Pond Preserve1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wild Turkey

34/17/2026

Common Loon

14/17/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

14/17/2026

Osprey

84/17/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/17/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/17/2026

Blue Jay

74/17/2026

American Crow

24/17/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

14/17/2026

Tufted Titmouse

64/17/2026

American Robin

24/17/2026

White-throated Sparrow

84/17/2026

Song Sparrow

34/17/2026

Eastern Towhee

24/17/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

24/17/2026

Northern Cardinal

84/17/2026

Canada Goose

74/12/2026

Wood Duck

34/12/2026

American Herring Gull

24/12/2026

Great Egret

14/12/2026

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.