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

Marsh Wren

Cistothorus palustris

4/18/2026Jones Beach SP--Coast Guard Station1 observed

Tufted Duck

Aythya fuligula

4/18/2026Cammanns Pond Park1 observed

Blue-winged Warbler

Vermivora cyanoptera

4/18/2026Muttontown Preserve1 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

4/17/2026Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge--North Garden2 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

4/17/2026Backyard1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Brant

2004/14/2026

Canada Goose

204/14/2026

Mourning Dove

24/14/2026

Ring-billed Gull

504/14/2026

American Herring Gull

204/14/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

34/14/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

14/14/2026

American Robin

84/14/2026

House Sparrow

304/14/2026

Savannah Sparrow

44/14/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

204/14/2026

Common Grackle

504/14/2026

Boat-tailed Grackle

64/14/2026

Northern Shoveler

24/14/2026

Gadwall

24/14/2026

Mallard

24/14/2026

American Black Duck

154/14/2026

Green-winged Teal

34/14/2026

Rock Pigeon

44/14/2026

Killdeer

24/14/2026

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.