Green grass and trees in a park.

Salt Marsh Nature Center at Marine Park

New York · Northeast

Habitat
WetlandUrban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk

About This Location

Salt Marsh Nature Center at Marine Park is a productive birding destination in New York, with 270 species recorded on eBird. This wetland and urban park habitat attracts Brant, Canada Goose, and Wood Duck 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 Skimmer

Rynchops niger

7/19/20262161 Hart Street, New York, US (40.812, -73.847)1 observed

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

7/19/2026Fort Tilden--Fishermans Parking Lot1 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

7/19/2026Alley Pond Park--Restoration Pond1 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

7/19/2026Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge--West Pond1 observed

Northern Pintail

Anas acuta

7/19/2026Oceanside Marine Nature Study Area2 observed

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

7/19/2026Plumb Beach1 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

7/19/2026Plumb Beach1 observed

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

7/18/2026Richard W. DeKorte Park1 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

7/18/2026College Point Wetlands (formerly Flushing Airport)2 observed

Manx Shearwater

Puffinus puffinus

7/18/202640.46728, -73.890012 observed

Wild Turkey

Meleagris gallopavo

7/18/2026The Battery, Manhattan1 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

7/18/2026Central Park, New York US-NY 40.77936, -73.968991 observed

Louisiana Waterthrush

Parkesia motacilla

7/18/2026Canarsie Beach Park1 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

7/18/2026New York Botanical Garden1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

27/19/2026

Black Skimmer

27/19/2026

Forster's Tern

47/19/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/19/2026

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

57/19/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

17/19/2026

Snowy Egret

17/19/2026

Great Egret

27/19/2026

Osprey

27/19/2026

Tree Swallow

27/19/2026

Barn Swallow

37/19/2026

American Robin

57/19/2026

House Sparrow

87/19/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

127/19/2026

Rock Pigeon

37/18/2026

Chimney Swift

27/18/2026

Clapper Rail

17/18/2026

Laughing Gull

17/18/2026

American Herring Gull

27/18/2026

Common Tern

17/18/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  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

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Salt Marsh Nature Center at Marine Park for birding?
The best months to visit Salt Marsh Nature Center at Marine Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Salt Marsh Nature Center at Marine Park?
Notable species at Salt Marsh Nature Center at Marine Park include Brant, Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Northern Shoveler, Mallard, Greater Scaup, Bufflehead, Ruddy Duck, Rock Pigeon, Great Black-backed Gull, Common Loon, Red-tailed Hawk. The area supports wetland, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Salt Marsh Nature Center at Marine Park?
Birding at Salt Marsh Nature Center at Marine Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Salt Marsh Nature Center at Marine Park?
There is no entrance fee at Salt Marsh Nature Center at Marine Park. Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
What amenities are available at Salt Marsh Nature Center at Marine Park?
Salt Marsh Nature Center at Marine Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.