Coastal birding habitat

Oak Beach

New York · Northeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Oak Beach is a productive birding destination in New York, with 229 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Mallard, American Black Duck, and Black Scoter 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

Black-throated Green Warbler

Setophaga virens

6/2/2026Heckscher SP, East Islip1 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

6/2/2026Heckscher SP, East Islip2 observed

Arctic Tern

Sterna paradisaea

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

Tricolored Heron

Egretta tricolor

6/1/2026Timber Point Golf Course1 observed

Mourning Warbler

Geothlypis philadelphia

6/1/2026Uplands Farm Sanctuary1 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

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

5/31/2026Nickerson Beach1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Rock Pigeon

25/26/2026

Mourning Dove

25/26/2026

American Oystercatcher

85/26/2026

Black-bellied Plover

55/26/2026

Semipalmated Plover

155/26/2026

Piping Plover

55/26/2026

Willet

15/26/2026

Sanderling

305/26/2026

Dunlin

305/26/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

455/26/2026

Laughing Gull

125/26/2026

American Herring Gull

145/26/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

105/26/2026

Least Tern

65/26/2026

Forster's Tern

15/26/2026

Common Tern

105/26/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

125/26/2026

Great Egret

25/26/2026

Osprey

25/26/2026

Barn Swallow

155/26/2026

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 Oak Beach for birding?
The best months to visit Oak Beach for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Oak Beach?
Notable species at Oak Beach include Mallard, American Black Duck, Black Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, Red-breasted Merganser. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Oak Beach?
Birding at Oak Beach is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Oak Beach?
Oak Beach offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.