Fire Island - Lighthouse & Trails

New York · Northeast

ChallengingView on eBird Directions

Habitat

Coastal

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Fire Island - Lighthouse & Trails is a productive birding destination in New York, with 245 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Red-breasted Merganser, Mourning Dove, and American Robin among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

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Notable Species

Red-breasted Merganser Mourning Dove American Robin Surf Scoter Long-tailed Duck

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

4/17/2026Tackapausha Museum and Preserve1 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

4/17/2026Backyard1 observed

American Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

4/17/2026Blydenburgh Park1 observed

Tufted Duck

Aythya fuligula

4/17/2026Cammanns Pond Park1 observed

Red-eyed Vireo

Vireo olivaceus

4/17/2026Jones Beach SP--West End 21 observed

Marsh Wren

Cistothorus palustris

4/17/2026Jones Beach SP--West End 21 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

4/17/2026Belmont Lake SP1 observed

Willet (Eastern)

Tringa semipalmata

4/16/2026Gardiner County Park1 observed

Willet

Tringa semipalmata

4/16/2026Cedar state boat channel8 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

24/15/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

44/15/2026

Northern Mockingbird

34/15/2026

American Robin

104/15/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

64/15/2026

Palm Warbler

14/15/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

24/15/2026

Northern Cardinal

14/15/2026

Mourning Dove

24/11/2026

Killdeer

14/11/2026

Ring-billed Gull

14/11/2026

American Herring Gull

204/11/2026

Great Egret

14/11/2026

American Crow

14/11/2026

Fish Crow

14/11/2026

Common Raven

34/11/2026

House Sparrow

14/11/2026

House Finch

14/11/2026

White-throated Sparrow

14/11/2026

Song Sparrow

14/11/2026

Birding Tips

1
Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.
2
Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.
3
Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in New York

Central Park

Manhattan's surprising migrant trap with 280+ species in the heart of NYC.

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge

NYC's premier shorebird and waterfowl refuge with 330+ species recorded.

Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge

Finger Lakes wetland refuge with massive waterfowl concentrations during migration.

New York Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in New York →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Fire Island - Lighthouse & Trails for birding?▼

The best months to visit Fire Island - Lighthouse & Trails for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Fire Island - Lighthouse & Trails?▼

Notable species at Fire Island - Lighthouse & Trails include Red-breasted Merganser, Mourning Dove, American Robin, Surf Scoter, Long-tailed Duck. The area supports coastal habitats.

How difficult is birding at Fire Island - Lighthouse & Trails?▼

Birding at Fire Island - Lighthouse & Trails is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.

What amenities are available at Fire Island - Lighthouse & Trails?▼

Fire Island - Lighthouse & Trails offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.