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

Cliff Swallow

Petrochelidon pyrrhonota

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

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

7/17/2026Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge--East Pond, south end1 observed

Willet (Western)

Tringa semipalmata

7/17/2026Jamaica Bay, Subway Island4 observed

Ruff

Calidris pugnax

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

Sora

Porzana carolina

7/16/2026Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge--East Pond, south end1 observed

Western Sandpiper

Calidris mauri

7/16/2026Jones Beach - Coast Guard Station1 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

7/16/2026Creedmore State Hospital1 observed

Curlew Sandpiper

Calidris ferruginea

7/16/2026Jones Beach SP--Coast Guard Station1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

407/17/2026

Northern Shoveler

27/17/2026

Mallard

157/17/2026

Mourning Dove

187/17/2026

Chimney Swift

37/17/2026

American Oystercatcher

107/17/2026

Black-bellied Plover

157/17/2026

Killdeer

127/17/2026

Semipalmated Plover

17/17/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

67/17/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

57/17/2026

Willet

127/17/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

27/17/2026

Sanderling

257/17/2026

Least Sandpiper

57/17/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

157/17/2026

Laughing Gull

157/17/2026

American Herring Gull

47/17/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

17/17/2026

Black Skimmer

37/17/2026

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.