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

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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

Long-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus scolopaceus

7/21/2026Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge--East Pond, south end1 observed

Baird's Sandpiper

Calidris bairdii

7/21/2026Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge--East Pond, south end1 observed

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

7/21/2026Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge--East Pond, south end1 observed

Sora

Porzana carolina

7/20/2026Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge--East Pond, south end1 observed

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

7/20/2026Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge--East Pond1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

7/20/2026Fort Tilden--Fishermans Parking Lot4 observed

Cliff Swallow

Petrochelidon pyrrhonota

7/20/2026Manhasset - Private: No Access5 observed

Louisiana Waterthrush

Parkesia motacilla

7/20/2026Manhasset - Private: No Access1 observed

Tricolored Heron

Egretta tricolor

7/19/2026Captree SP1 observed

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

7/19/2026Fort Tilden4 observed

Savannah Sparrow (Savannah)

Passerculus sandwichensis

7/19/2026Marine Nature Study Area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

47/19/2026

Mallard

77/19/2026

Rock Pigeon

37/19/2026

Mourning Dove

37/19/2026

American Oystercatcher

17/19/2026

Black-bellied Plover

17/19/2026

Killdeer

17/19/2026

Semipalmated Plover

17/19/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

107/19/2026

Willet

27/19/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

27/19/2026

Sanderling

407/19/2026

Laughing Gull

257/19/2026

Black Skimmer

17/19/2026

Gull-billed Tern

17/19/2026

Common Tern

127/19/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

27/19/2026

Osprey

47/19/2026

Barn Swallow

27/19/2026

Song Sparrow

27/19/2026

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.