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

Tricolored Heron

Egretta tricolor

6/1/2026Timber Point Golf Course1 observed

Mourning Warbler

Geothlypis philadelphia

6/1/2026Uplands Farm Sanctuary1 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

6/1/2026Heckscher SP, East Islip2 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

6/1/2026Muttontown Preserve2 observed

Black-throated Blue Warbler

Setophaga caerulescens

6/1/2026Manhasset - Private: No Access1 observed

Black-throated Green Warbler

Setophaga virens

6/1/2026Manhasset - Private: No Access1 observed

American Coot

Fulica americana

5/31/2026Robert Moses SP--Democrat Point1 observed

American Golden-Plover

Pluvialis dominica

5/31/2026225 New York 909E, Wantagh, New York, US (40.59, -73.553)1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

5/31/2026Bayard Cutting Arboretum SP1 observed

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

5/31/2026Nickerson Beach1 observed

Arctic Tern

Sterna paradisaea

5/31/2026Nickerson Beach1 observed

Surf Scoter

Melanitta perspicillata

5/30/2026Arverne East Nature Preserve2 observed

Black Tern

Chlidonias niger

5/30/2026Nickerson Beach1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Tree Swallow

25/31/2026

Gray Catbird

15/31/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

15/31/2026

Common Yellowthroat

25/31/2026

American Redstart

15/31/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

15/31/2026

Canada Goose

15/31/2026

Mallard

25/31/2026

Mourning Dove

25/31/2026

Willet

25/31/2026

Laughing Gull

15/31/2026

American Herring Gull

15/31/2026

Forster's Tern

25/31/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

15/31/2026

Glossy Ibis

25/31/2026

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

15/31/2026

Snowy Egret

15/31/2026

Great Egret

15/31/2026

Osprey

15/31/2026

Willow Flycatcher

25/31/2026

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.