Forest birding habitat

Massapequa Preserve

New York · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Massapequa Preserve is a productive birding destination in New York, with 217 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mute Swan, and Mallard 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

Arctic Tern

Sterna paradisaea

6/1/2026Robert Moses SP1 observed

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

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

Tricolored Heron

Egretta tricolor

6/1/2026Timber Point Golf Course1 observed

Mourning Warbler

Geothlypis philadelphia

6/1/2026Uplands Farm Sanctuary1 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

6/1/2026Heckscher SP, East Islip2 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

6/1/2026Muttontown Preserve2 observed

Black-throated Green Warbler

Setophaga virens

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

Black-throated Blue Warbler

Setophaga caerulescens

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

Cliff Swallow

Petrochelidon pyrrhonota

5/31/2026Udall's Mill Pond2 observed

American Pipit

Anthus rubescens

5/31/2026Sunken Meadow State Park, Northport US-NY (40.9074,-73.2536)1 observed

American Coot

Fulica americana

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

American Golden-Plover

Pluvialis dominica

5/31/2026225 New York 909E, Wantagh, New York, US (40.59, -73.553)1 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

5/31/2026Connetquot River State Park - North Entrance1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

5/31/2026Bayard Cutting Arboretum SP1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

406/1/2026

Mute Swan

206/1/2026

Mallard

106/1/2026

Laughing Gull

26/1/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

36/1/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

36/1/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

66/1/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

86/1/2026

Gray Catbird

306/1/2026

American Robin

406/1/2026

House Sparrow

16/1/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

156/1/2026

Common Grackle

16/1/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

46/1/2026

Northern Cardinal

26/1/2026

Mourning Dove

15/28/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/28/2026

Osprey

15/28/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/28/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/28/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Massapequa Preserve for birding?
The best months to visit Massapequa Preserve for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Massapequa Preserve?
Notable species at Massapequa Preserve include Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Mallard, American Black Duck, Mallard x American Black Duck (hybrid). The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Massapequa Preserve?
Birding at Massapequa Preserve is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Massapequa Preserve?
Massapequa Preserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.