Geese swim in a lake with city skyline background

Oceanside Marine Nature Study Area

New York · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk

About This Location

Oceanside Marine Nature Study Area is a productive birding destination in New York, with 266 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Brant, Canada Goose, 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

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

7/14/2026College Point Wetlands (formerly Flushing Airport)2 observed

Curlew Sandpiper

Calidris ferruginea

7/13/2026Jones Beach SP--Theodore Roosevelt Nature Center1 observed

Ruff

Calidris pugnax

7/13/2026Jones Beach SP--Theodore Roosevelt Nature Center1 observed

Cliff Swallow

Petrochelidon pyrrhonota

7/13/2026Plumb Beach1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

1207/13/2026

Mourning Dove

27/13/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

17/13/2026

Least Sandpiper

27/13/2026

Laughing Gull

147/13/2026

Ring-billed Gull

67/13/2026

American Herring Gull

27/13/2026

Black Skimmer

17/13/2026

Least Tern

17/13/2026

Forster's Tern

67/13/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

27/13/2026

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

47/13/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

17/13/2026

Snowy Egret

27/13/2026

Green Heron

17/13/2026

Great Egret

47/13/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/13/2026

Osprey

17/13/2026

Tree Swallow

127/13/2026

Purple Martin

127/13/2026

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.

  4. 4

    Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.

  5. 5

    Waterproof boots are recommended as trails near marshes can be muddy, especially after rain.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Oceanside Marine Nature Study Area for birding?
The best months to visit Oceanside Marine Nature Study Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Oceanside Marine Nature Study Area?
Notable species at Oceanside Marine Nature Study Area include Brant, Canada Goose, Mallard, American Black Duck, Lesser Scaup, American Woodcock, European Starling, Red-tailed Hawk, American Crow, Gadwall, Long-tailed Duck, Mourning Dove. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Oceanside Marine Nature Study Area?
Birding at Oceanside Marine Nature Study Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Oceanside Marine Nature Study Area?
There is no entrance fee at Oceanside Marine Nature Study Area. Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
What amenities are available at Oceanside Marine Nature Study Area?
Oceanside Marine Nature Study Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.