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

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

6/1/2026Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge--West Pond1 observed

Swainson's Thrush (Olive-backed)

Catharus ustulatus

6/1/2026Pan American International High School1 observed

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher

Empidonax flaviventris

6/1/2026Pugsley Creek Park1 observed

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

6/1/2026Plumb Beach1 observed

Glaucous Gull

Larus hyperboreus

6/1/2026Breezy Point Beach1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

6/1/2026Breezy Point Beach7 observed

Roseate Tern

Sterna dougallii

6/1/2026Breezy Point Beach1 observed

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

6/1/2026Breezy Point Beach2 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

6/1/2026Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge--East Pond, south end1 observed

Nelson's Sparrow

Ammospiza nelsoni

6/1/2026Plumb Beach3 observed

Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla

6/1/2026Plumb Beach4 observed

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

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

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

6/1/2026Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge--East Pond, south end1 observed

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

6/1/2026Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge--East Pond, south end1 observed

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

6/1/2026Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge--East Pond, south end1 observed

Bonaparte's Gull

Chroicocephalus philadelphia

6/1/2026Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge--East Pond, south end1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

6/1/2026Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge--East Pond, south end1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

186/1/2026

Laughing Gull

26/1/2026

American Herring Gull

36/1/2026

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

46/1/2026

Green Heron

26/1/2026

Great Egret

26/1/2026

Osprey

26/1/2026

Belted Kingfisher

16/1/2026

Willow Flycatcher

16/1/2026

Tree Swallow

166/1/2026

Purple Martin

246/1/2026

European Starling

96/1/2026

Northern Mockingbird

16/1/2026

American Robin

26/1/2026

Cedar Waxwing

46/1/2026

House Sparrow

66/1/2026

American Goldfinch

26/1/2026

Song Sparrow

16/1/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

76/1/2026

Common Grackle

16/1/2026

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.