Coastal birding habitat

Shinnecock Inlet

New York · Northeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Shinnecock Inlet is a productive birding destination in New York, with 229 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts American Black Duck, Common Eider, 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

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

6/2/2026Southampton (Suffolk Co.)1 observed

Swamp Sparrow

Melospiza georgiana

6/2/2026Arshamomaque Preserve1 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

6/1/2026EPCAL (Grumman)--Line Road1 observed

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

5/31/2026Cupsogue Beach County Park2 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

5/31/2026Broad Cove Preserve2 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

5/31/2026Drew Tower1 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

5/31/2026Skipper Horton Park1 observed

Virginia Rail

Rallus limicola

5/30/2026Tall Pines, Southold1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Common Eider

125/26/2026

Black Scoter

185/26/2026

Black-bellied Plover

15/26/2026

Willet

35/26/2026

Ruddy Turnstone

355/26/2026

Sanderling

35/26/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

15/26/2026

American Herring Gull

15/26/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

35/26/2026

Common Tern

45/26/2026

Northern Gannet

15/26/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

35/26/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

15/26/2026

Snowy Egret

15/26/2026

Great Egret

15/26/2026

European Starling

15/26/2026

House Finch

15/26/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

25/26/2026

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