Coastal birding habitat

Fire Island - Watch Hill

New York · Northeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Fire Island - Watch Hill is a productive birding destination in New York, with 222 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts a wide variety of species among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

Loading map...

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

6/2/2026Cupsogue Beach County Park1 observed

Black-throated Green Warbler

Setophaga virens

6/2/2026Heckscher SP, East Islip1 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

6/2/2026Heckscher SP, East Islip2 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

6/1/2026EPCAL (Grumman)--Line Road1 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

6/1/2026Smith Point County Park1 observed

Tricolored Heron

Egretta tricolor

6/1/2026Timber Point Golf Course1 observed

American Coot

Fulica americana

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

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

5/31/2026Cupsogue Beach County Park2 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Chuck-will's-widow

25/31/2026

Snowy Egret

35/31/2026

Great Egret

15/31/2026

Eastern Kingbird

15/31/2026

Marsh Wren

15/31/2026

Brown Thrasher

15/31/2026

Canada Goose

25/31/2026

Mute Swan

45/31/2026

Gadwall

35/31/2026

Mallard

205/31/2026

Mourning Dove

55/31/2026

Chimney Swift

25/31/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

15/31/2026

American Oystercatcher

35/31/2026

Black-bellied Plover

55/31/2026

Willet

85/31/2026

Ruddy Turnstone

95/31/2026

Least Sandpiper

15/31/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

55/31/2026

Laughing Gull

755/31/2026

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 - Watch Hill for birding?
The best months to visit Fire Island - Watch Hill for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Fire Island - Watch Hill?
Notable species at Fire Island - Watch Hill include Sanderling, Brown Pelican, Osprey, Royal Tern, Willet. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Fire Island - Watch Hill?
Birding at Fire Island - Watch Hill is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Fire Island - Watch Hill?
Fire Island - Watch Hill offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.