Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
New York · Northeast
Moderate
April-May, September-October
Free
Open daily, sunrise to sunset
About This Location
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in New York, with 324 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Snow Goose, Brant, and Canada Goose 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
Franklin's Gull
Leucophaeus pipixcan
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Archilochus colubris
Common Nighthawk
Chordeiles minor
Willow Flycatcher
Empidonax traillii
Black-and-white Warbler
Mniotilta varia
White-throated Sparrow
Zonotrichia albicollis
Little Blue Heron
Egretta caerulea
Sora
Porzana carolina
Bufflehead
Bucephala albeola
Brown Pelican
Pelecanus occidentalis
Hudsonian Whimbrel
Numenius hudsonicus
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Gadwall
Mallard
Killdeer
Short-billed Dowitcher
Lesser Yellowlegs
Greater Yellowlegs
Least Sandpiper
Semipalmated Sandpiper
Laughing Gull
Black Skimmer
Least Tern
Forster's Tern
Double-crested Cormorant
Glossy Ibis
Black-crowned Night Heron
Snowy Egret
Great Egret
Great Blue Heron
Birding Tips
- 1
Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.
- 2
Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.
- 3
Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.
- 4
Onshore winds can push pelagic species closer to shore, making post-storm days excellent for rarities.
- 5
Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
- Gateway National Recreation Area
- Floyd Bennett Field
- Jacob Riis Park
More in New York
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Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
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New York Birding Guide
Complete guide to birding in New York →