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

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

7/17/2026South Fork Natural History Museum2 observed

Arctic Tern

Sterna paradisaea

7/17/2026Broad Cove Preserve1 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

7/16/2026Paumanok Trail (Jones Pond)2 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

7/16/2026Prestons Pond Complex1 observed

Baird's Sandpiper

Calidris bairdii

7/16/2026Mecox Inlet1 observed

Western Sandpiper

Calidris mauri

7/16/2026Mecox Inlet1 observed

Green-winged Teal

Anas crecca

7/15/2026David's Lane, East Hampton1 observed

Merlin (Taiga)

Falco columbarius

7/15/2026Georgica Inlet, East Hampton1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Common Eider

177/16/2026

Willet

117/16/2026

Sanderling

37/16/2026

Least Sandpiper

187/16/2026

Laughing Gull

17/16/2026

Ring-billed Gull

47/16/2026

American Herring Gull

87/16/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

47/16/2026

Least Tern

77/16/2026

Common Tern

107/16/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

67/16/2026

American Oystercatcher

17/16/2026

Killdeer

17/16/2026

Piping Plover

37/16/2026

Glossy Ibis

17/16/2026

Barn Swallow

27/16/2026

Northern Mockingbird

27/16/2026

Song Sparrow

17/16/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

57/16/2026

Surf Scoter

17/12/2026

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.