Coastal birding habitat

Mecox Inlet

New York · Northeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Mecox Inlet is a productive birding destination in New York, with 253 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Bufflehead, Red-breasted Merganser, and Sanderling 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

Willet

Tringa semipalmata

4/17/2026DEC Wetlands--Gidds Bay1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

4/17/202656 Chickadee Ln, East Marion US-NY 41.12117, -72.361541 observed

Willet (Eastern)

Tringa semipalmata

4/17/2026Sammy's Beach2 observed

Virginia Rail

Rallus limicola

4/16/2026Arshamomaque Preserve1 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

4/16/2026Whalebone Woods, East Hampton1 observed

Eastern Kingbird

Tyrannus tyrannus

4/16/2026Quogue Wildlife Refuge1 observed

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

4/16/2026Quogue Wildlife Refuge1 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

4/15/202613115 Main Bayview Rd, Southold US-NY (41.0360,-72.4021)1 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

4/15/2026Fresh Pond Preserve1 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

4/13/2026DEC Wetlands--Gidds Bay1 observed

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

4/12/2026Arshamomaque Preserve1 observed

Pectoral Sandpiper

Calidris melanotos

4/11/2026Scallop Pond Preserve1 observed

Eurasian Wigeon

Mareca penelope

4/9/2026218–226 Pond Ln, Southampton US-NY (40.8814,-72.3929)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mute Swan

24/17/2026

American Herring Gull

154/17/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

64/17/2026

Canada Goose

24/15/2026

Northern Shoveler

154/15/2026

Ring-necked Duck

54/15/2026

Ruddy Duck

14/15/2026

Mourning Dove

24/15/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

14/15/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

104/15/2026

Osprey

14/15/2026

Tree Swallow

14/15/2026

European Starling

54/15/2026

Northern Mockingbird

14/15/2026

American Robin

14/15/2026

House Finch

64/15/2026

American Goldfinch

34/15/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

174/15/2026

Common Grackle

134/15/2026

Northern Cardinal

14/15/2026

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Mecox Inlet for birding?
The best months to visit Mecox Inlet for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Mecox Inlet?
Notable species at Mecox Inlet include Bufflehead, Red-breasted Merganser, Sanderling, American Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Mecox Inlet?
Birding at Mecox Inlet is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Mecox Inlet?
Mecox Inlet offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.