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

Tricolored Heron

Egretta tricolor

6/3/2026Oakwood Beach--tidal marshes, NW to Mill Rd.1 observed

Hooded Merganser

Lophodytes cucullatus

6/3/2026Richard W. DeKorte Park1 observed

Piping Plover

Charadrius melodus

6/3/2026Plumb Beach1 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

6/3/2026Prospect Park1 observed

Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga magnolia

6/3/2026Clove Lakes Park1 observed

Canada Warbler

Cardellina canadensis

6/3/2026Clove Lakes Park1 observed

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

6/2/2026Great Kills Park--Mudflats1 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

6/2/2026Central Park--The Pool1 observed

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

Stelgidopteryx serripennis

6/2/2026Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn1 observed

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

6/2/2026Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge--East Pond, south end2 observed

Pectoral Sandpiper

Calidris melanotos

6/2/2026Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge--East Pond, south end1 observed

Mourning Warbler

Geothlypis philadelphia

6/2/2026Prospect Park1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

6/2/2026Socrates Sculpture Park2 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

6/2/2026Jamaica Bay, Yellow Bar Hassock1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

26/2/2026

Mallard

26/2/2026

Rock Pigeon

36/2/2026

Mourning Dove

36/2/2026

Chimney Swift

46/2/2026

Clapper Rail

26/2/2026

American Oystercatcher

76/2/2026

Killdeer

16/2/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

16/2/2026

Willet

26/2/2026

Laughing Gull

46/2/2026

Ring-billed Gull

26/2/2026

American Herring Gull

36/2/2026

Caspian Tern

16/2/2026

Common Loon

16/2/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

76/2/2026

Glossy Ibis

36/2/2026

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

16/2/2026

Snowy Egret

26/2/2026

Green Heron

16/2/2026

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.