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

Tricolored Heron

Egretta tricolor

7/19/2026Captree SP1 observed

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

7/18/2026Fire Island--Watch Hill2 observed

Western Sandpiper

Calidris mauri

7/18/2026Jones Beach SP--West End1 observed

Ruff

Calidris pugnax

7/17/2026Jones Beach SP--West End1 observed

American Coot

Fulica americana

7/17/2026Patchogue Lake1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

17/18/2026

Mourning Dove

107/18/2026

American Herring Gull

37/18/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

27/18/2026

Least Tern

17/18/2026

Common Tern

37/18/2026

Eastern Kingbird

17/18/2026

Barn Swallow

47/18/2026

Northern Mockingbird

27/18/2026

American Robin

57/18/2026

Eastern Towhee

37/18/2026

Common Grackle

17/18/2026

Northern Cardinal

17/18/2026

Piping Plover

27/12/2026

Laughing Gull

27/12/2026

Ring-billed Gull

37/12/2026

Osprey

17/12/2026

Tree Swallow

27/12/2026

Gray Catbird

127/12/2026

Song Sparrow

57/12/2026

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.