Shorebirds feeding along the West Pond at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge

New York · Northeast

Habitat
WetlandMarshCoastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

August-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

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

Prothonotary Warbler

Protonotaria citrea

4/18/2026Prospect Park1 observed

Ovenbird

Seiurus aurocapilla

4/18/2026Msgr. McGolrick Park, New York US-NY 40.72443, -73.943601 observed

Mute Swan

Cygnus olor

4/18/2026Roosevelt Island--FDR Four Freedoms and Parks S of Cornell Tech1 observed

Purple Martin

Progne subis

4/18/2026Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge1 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

4/18/2026Linden Hill Cemetery1 observed

Wild Turkey

Meleagris gallopavo

4/18/2026The Battery, Manhattan1 observed

Hooded Merganser

Lophodytes cucullatus

4/18/2026Central Park2 observed

Tufted Duck

Aythya fuligula

4/18/2026Cammanns Pond Park1 observed

Iceland Gull

Larus glaucoides

4/18/2026Sandy Hook--C Lot & Beach1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Brant

3504/18/2026

Canada Goose

204/18/2026

Mute Swan

44/18/2026

Gadwall

64/18/2026

Mallard

104/18/2026

American Black Duck

244/18/2026

Green-winged Teal

84/18/2026

Bufflehead

304/18/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

44/18/2026

Mourning Dove

24/18/2026

American Oystercatcher

34/18/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

24/18/2026

Ring-billed Gull

34/18/2026

American Herring Gull

1004/18/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

104/18/2026

Forster's Tern

54/18/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

74/18/2026

Glossy Ibis

54/18/2026

Snowy Egret

24/18/2026

Great Egret

24/18/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk the West Pond trail for the best variety

  2. 2

    Check the East Pond in late summer for shorebirds

  3. 3

    Visit during spring migration (April-May) for the greatest species diversity

  4. 4

    Fall migration (September-October) brings waves of southbound warblers and raptors

  5. 5

    Arrive at dawn for peak bird activity, especially during migration seasons

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge for birding are August-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge include American Oystercatcher, Glossy Ibis, Osprey, Seaside Sparrow, Clapper Rail, Snow Goose, Brant, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Gadwall. The area supports wetland, marsh, coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge?
There is no entrance fee at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. Hours: Dawn to dusk daily.
What amenities are available at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge?
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Visitor Center, Trails.