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

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

7/19/2026Alley Pond Park--Restoration Pond1 observed

Northern Pintail

Anas acuta

7/19/2026Oceanside Marine Nature Study Area2 observed

Tricolored Heron

Egretta tricolor

7/18/2026Captree Island3 observed

Western Sandpiper

Calidris mauri

7/18/2026Jones Beach SP--West End1 observed

Cliff Swallow

Petrochelidon pyrrhonota

7/17/2026Manhasset - Private: No Access12 observed

Ruff

Calidris pugnax

7/17/2026Jones Beach SP--West End1 observed

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

7/16/2026Fire Island--Sunken Forest1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Rock Pigeon

17/19/2026

American Oystercatcher

27/19/2026

American Herring Gull

17/19/2026

Least Tern

67/19/2026

Osprey

37/19/2026

Tree Swallow

67/19/2026

Barn Swallow

57/19/2026

Northern Mockingbird

17/19/2026

Mallard

17/19/2026

Canada Goose

117/19/2026

Mourning Dove

17/19/2026

Killdeer

17/19/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

47/19/2026

Willet

57/19/2026

Least Sandpiper

7/19/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

7/19/2026

Laughing Gull

87/19/2026

Black Skimmer

17/19/2026

Song Sparrow

27/19/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

17/19/2026

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.