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

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum

4/17/2026EPCAL (Grumman)--Line Road1 observed

Virginia Rail

Rallus limicola

4/16/2026Arshamomaque Preserve1 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

4/16/2026Whalebone Woods, East Hampton1 observed

Eastern Kingbird

Tyrannus tyrannus

4/16/2026Quogue Wildlife Refuge1 observed

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

4/16/2026Quogue Wildlife Refuge1 observed

Willet

Tringa semipalmata

4/16/2026Mile Hill Beach3 observed

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

4/15/2026Hulse Landing Rd.1 observed

Rough-legged Hawk

Buteo lagopus

4/15/2026Sound Ave. Nature Preserve1 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

4/15/202613115 Main Bayview Rd, Southold US-NY (41.0360,-72.4021)1 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

4/14/2026Peconic River, Peconic Ave.2 observed

Yellow-throated Vireo

Vireo flavifrons

4/12/2026Hunters Garden, Eastport1 observed

Seaside Sparrow

Ammospiza maritima

4/12/2026Cupsogue Beach County Park2 observed

Pectoral Sandpiper

Calidris melanotos

4/11/2026Scallop Pond Preserve1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

American Herring Gull

34/17/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

24/17/2026

Osprey

14/17/2026

Cooper's Hawk

14/17/2026

Barn Swallow

54/17/2026

Song Sparrow

24/17/2026

Rock Pigeon

54/17/2026

Mourning Dove

24/17/2026

Blue Jay

114/17/2026

Tree Swallow

24/17/2026

Purple Martin

114/17/2026

European Starling

24/17/2026

Northern Mockingbird

14/17/2026

American Robin

14/17/2026

Cedar Waxwing

4/17/2026

House Sparrow

4/17/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

14/17/2026

Common Grackle

134/17/2026

Northern Cardinal

14/17/2026

Canada Goose

44/17/2026

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.