Coastal birding habitat

Fire Island - Lighthouse & Trails

New York · Northeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
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

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Arctic Tern

Sterna paradisaea

6/1/2026Robert Moses SP1 observed

Tricolored Heron

Egretta tricolor

6/1/2026Timber Point Golf Course1 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

6/1/2026Heckscher SP, East Islip2 observed

American Coot

Fulica americana

5/31/2026Robert Moses SP--Democrat Point1 observed

American Golden-Plover

Pluvialis dominica

5/31/2026225 New York 909E, Wantagh, New York, US (40.59, -73.553)1 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

5/31/2026Connetquot River State Park - North Entrance1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

5/31/2026Bayard Cutting Arboretum SP1 observed

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

5/30/2026Banding1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

5/29/2026Jones Beach SP--Coast Guard Station2 observed

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

5/29/2026Jones Beach SP1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

American Oystercatcher

25/30/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

205/30/2026

Laughing Gull

55/30/2026

American Herring Gull

15/30/2026

Least Tern

55/30/2026

Common Tern

25/30/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

15/30/2026

Osprey

15/30/2026

American Crow

15/30/2026

Tree Swallow

15/30/2026

Gray Catbird

45/30/2026

Northern Mockingbird

25/30/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

35/30/2026

Canada Goose

55/29/2026

Mallard

25/29/2026

Mourning Dove

25/29/2026

Ring-billed Gull

15/29/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

25/29/2026

Fish Crow

25/29/2026

American Robin

25/29/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

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.