a black and white photo of a beach fence

Jones Beach State Park

New York · Northeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

$10 parking

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk

About This Location

Jones Beach State Park is a productive birding destination in New York, with 323 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Snowy Owl, 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

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

5/31/2026Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge--West Pond1 observed

American Coot

Fulica americana

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

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

5/31/2026Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge1 observed

Green-winged Teal

Anas crecca

5/31/2026Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge--East Pond1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Rock Pigeon

135/31/2026

Laughing Gull

185/31/2026

American Herring Gull

215/31/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

25/31/2026

Least Tern

25/31/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

25/31/2026

Osprey

15/31/2026

Common Grackle

55/31/2026

Canada Goose

85/31/2026

Mallard

25/31/2026

Mourning Dove

15/31/2026

Semipalmated Plover

15/31/2026

Willet

45/31/2026

Ruddy Turnstone

305/31/2026

Red Knot

55/31/2026

Dunlin

405/31/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

1505/31/2026

Common Tern

15/31/2026

Northern Harrier

15/31/2026

Tree Swallow

25/31/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

  4. 4

    Purchase your day pass online in advance to avoid wait times at the entrance station.

  5. 5

    Onshore winds can push pelagic species closer to shore, making post-storm days excellent for rarities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Jones Beach State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Jones Beach State Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Jones Beach State Park?
Notable species at Jones Beach State Park include Snowy Owl, Brant, Canada Goose, Gadwall, Mallard, American Woodcock, European Starling, Red-tailed Hawk, Blue Jay, American Robin, Common Grackle, Northern Cardinal. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Jones Beach State Park?
Birding at Jones Beach State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Jones Beach State Park?
The entrance fee at Jones Beach State Park is $10 parking. Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
What amenities are available at Jones Beach State Park?
Jones Beach State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.