a black and white photo of a beach fence

Jones Beach State Park - West End

New York · Northeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Parking $10 (summer), free off-season

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk

About This Location

Jones Beach State Park - West End is a productive birding destination in New York, with 322 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Brant, Canada Goose, and American Black Duck among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

Loading map...

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

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

6/2/2026Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge--East Pond, south end2 observed

Pectoral Sandpiper

Calidris melanotos

6/2/2026Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge--East Pond, south end1 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

6/2/2026Jamaica Bay, Yellow Bar Hassock1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

6/2/2026Forest Park2 observed

Arctic Tern

Sterna paradisaea

6/2/2026Nickerson Beach Park, Lido Beach US-NY 40.58869, -73.601951 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

6/1/2026Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge--East Pond, south end1 observed

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

6/1/2026Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge--West Pond1 observed

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

6/1/2026Jamaica Bay, JoCo Marsh--Duck Creek1 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

6/1/2026Muttontown Preserve2 observed

Black-throated Green Warbler

Setophaga virens

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

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

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

Black-throated Blue Warbler

Setophaga caerulescens

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

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

6/1/2026Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

105/28/2026

Mallard

25/28/2026

Black-bellied Plover

35/28/2026

Willet

15/28/2026

White-rumped Sandpiper

15/28/2026

Least Sandpiper

85/28/2026

Pectoral Sandpiper

15/28/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

255/28/2026

Osprey

25/28/2026

Tree Swallow

55/28/2026

European Starling

55/28/2026

Gray Catbird

45/28/2026

Brown Thrasher

15/28/2026

Northern Mockingbird

25/28/2026

American Robin

155/28/2026

Song Sparrow

25/28/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

65/28/2026

Common Grackle

35/28/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

15/28/2026

Surf Scoter

25/27/2026

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

    Consider purchasing an annual parks pass if you plan to visit multiple times.

  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 - West End for birding?
The best months to visit Jones Beach State Park - West End for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Jones Beach State Park - West End?
Notable species at Jones Beach State Park - West End include Brant, Canada Goose, American Black Duck, Rock Pigeon, American Herring Gull, 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 - West End?
Birding at Jones Beach State Park - West End 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 - West End?
The entrance fee at Jones Beach State Park - West End is Parking $10 (summer), free off-season. Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
What amenities are available at Jones Beach State Park - West End?
Jones Beach State Park - West End offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.