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
Northern Waterthrush
Parkesia noveboracensis
Mourning Warbler x Common Yellowthroat (hybrid)
Geothlypis philadelphia x trichas
White-throated Sparrow
Zonotrichia albicollis
Acadian Flycatcher
Empidonax virescens
Mourning Warbler
Geothlypis philadelphia
Semipalmated Sandpiper
Calidris pusilla
Black Vulture
Coragyps atratus
Bufflehead
Bucephala albeola
Pied-billed Grebe
Podilymbus podiceps
Veery
Catharus fuscescens
Lincoln's Sparrow
Melospiza lincolnii
Bicknell's Thrush
Catharus bicknelli
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Mallard
Laughing Gull
Double-crested Cormorant
Glossy Ibis
Snowy Egret
Osprey
Tree Swallow
Gray Catbird
Brown Thrasher
American Robin
Red-winged Blackbird
Northern Yellow Warbler
Gadwall
Ruddy Duck
American Herring Gull
Northern House Wren
Common Grackle
Brant
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
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New York Birding Guide
Complete guide to birding in New York →