Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
New York · Northeast
Easy
August-October
Free
Dawn to dusk daily
About This Location
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is a remarkable urban wilderness within New York City, hosting over 330 bird species. The West Pond trail circles a freshwater pond surrounded by salt marsh, offering close views of shorebirds, waterfowl, and raptors.
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
Sora
Porzana carolina
Bufflehead
Bucephala albeola
Louisiana Waterthrush
Parkesia motacilla
Common Tern
Sterna hirundo
Ruff
Calidris pugnax
Bald Eagle
Haliaeetus leucocephalus
Willet (Western)
Tringa semipalmata
Royal Tern
Thalasseus maximus
Merlin
Falco columbarius
White-throated Sparrow
Zonotrichia albicollis
Brown Pelican
Pelecanus occidentalis
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Laughing Gull
American Herring Gull
Forster's Tern
Common Tern
Northern House Wren
Gray Catbird
Northern Mockingbird
American Robin
Northern Yellow Warbler
Northern Cardinal
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Gadwall
Mallard
Least Sandpiper
Black-crowned Night Heron
Snowy Egret
Great Blue Heron
Barn Swallow
European Starling
Birding Tips
- 1
Walk the West Pond trail for the best variety
- 2
Check the East Pond in late summer for shorebirds
- 3
Visit during spring migration (April-May) for the greatest species diversity
- 4
Fall migration (September-October) brings waves of southbound warblers and raptors
- 5
Arrive at dawn for peak bird activity, especially during migration seasons
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
- Gateway National Recreation Area
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New York Birding Guide
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