Forest birding habitat

JFK Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary

New York · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

JFK Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary is a productive birding destination in New York, with 253 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Ruddy Duck and Northern Flicker 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

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

4/17/2026Backyard1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

4/17/2026New Hyde Park Yard: Nassau County1 observed

Blue-winged Warbler

Vermivora cyanoptera

4/17/2026Union Turnpike, New York, US (40.749, -73.742)1 observed

Tufted Duck

Aythya fuligula

4/17/2026Cammanns Pond Park1 observed

Willet

Tringa semipalmata

4/17/2026Oceanside Marine Nature Study Area1 observed

Red-eyed Vireo

Vireo olivaceus

4/17/2026Jones Beach SP--West End 21 observed

Marsh Wren

Cistothorus palustris

4/17/2026Jones Beach SP--West End 21 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

4/17/2026Hempstead Lake SP1 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

4/17/2026Belmont Lake SP1 observed

Willet (Eastern)

Tringa semipalmata

4/16/2026Gardiner County Park1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

4/16/2026Hempstead Lake SP--south end1 observed

Chimney Swift

Chaetura pelagica

4/16/2026Hempstead Lake SP--south end1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

14/10/2026

American Herring Gull

14/10/2026

Great Egret

24/10/2026

American Crow

14/10/2026

American Robin

14/10/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

34/10/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit JFK Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary for birding?
The best months to visit JFK Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at JFK Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary?
Notable species at JFK Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary include Red-eyed Vireo, Scarlet Tanager, Pileated Woodpecker, Wood Thrush, Ovenbird. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at JFK Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary?
Birding at JFK Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at JFK Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary?
JFK Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.