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
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Archilochus colubris
Red-throated Loon
Gavia stellata
Long-tailed Duck
Clangula hyemalis
Brown Pelican
Pelecanus occidentalis
Red-shouldered Hawk
Buteo lineatus
Royal Tern
Thalasseus maximus
Black-and-white Warbler
Mniotilta varia
Piping Plover
Charadrius melodus
Sora
Porzana carolina
Bufflehead
Bucephala albeola
Louisiana Waterthrush
Parkesia motacilla
Common Tern
Sterna hirundo
Ruff
Calidris pugnax
Bald Eagle
Haliaeetus leucocephalus
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Mallard
American Black Duck
Ruddy Duck
Mourning Dove
Killdeer
Short-billed Dowitcher
Lesser Yellowlegs
Greater Yellowlegs
Stilt Sandpiper
Least Sandpiper
Semipalmated Sandpiper
Laughing Gull
Ring-billed Gull
American Herring Gull
Black Skimmer
Least Tern
Forster's Tern
Common Tern
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
Complete guide to birding in New York →