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

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

6/2/2026Southampton (Suffolk Co.)1 observed

Swamp Sparrow

Melospiza georgiana

6/2/2026Arshamomaque Preserve1 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

5/31/2026Broad Cove Preserve2 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

5/31/2026Skipper Horton Park1 observed

Virginia Rail

Rallus limicola

5/30/2026Tall Pines, Southold1 observed

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

5/29/2026Pussys Pond1 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

5/27/2026Hubbard County Park1 observed

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

5/25/2026Hubbard County Park, Hampton Bays US-NY 40.90490, -72.584661 observed

Arctic Tern

Sterna paradisaea

5/24/2026Shinnecock County Park West1 observed

Glaucous Gull

Larus hyperboreus

5/24/2026corey creek1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Osprey

26/2/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

36/2/2026

Downy Woodpecker

36/2/2026

White-eyed Vireo

26/2/2026

Blue Jay

56/2/2026

Barn Swallow

46/2/2026

Gray Catbird

76/2/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

16/2/2026

Northern Cardinal

56/2/2026

American Redstart

15/31/2026

Canada Goose

25/31/2026

Mourning Dove

15/31/2026

Great Egret

15/31/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

25/31/2026

Eastern Kingbird

15/31/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

25/31/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

15/31/2026

Tufted Titmouse

15/31/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

25/31/2026

Northern House Wren

15/31/2026

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.