Birding Long Island
The places listed below are within an hour and a half drive. Long Island's extensive shoreline and prime position on the Atlantic Flyway provide habitat to a wide variety of species and are especially rich in shorebirds, as you might expect. Each place has an eBird hotspot link; follow that for what birds are being seen and at what time of year. Maps and directions on eBird hotspot.
Oceanside Marine Nature Study Area
500 Slice Dr, Oceanside, NY 11572
An easily walked tidal marshland. Birdlife is especially rich in summer; plan to go at low tide. Marsh Wren, Saltmarsh and Seaside Sparrows breed here. Shorebirds such as Little Blue and Tricolored Heron, Glossy Ibis, Sora, Clapper Rail, Black Skimmer and American Oystercatchers have all been summer residents. Park opens at 9 AM.
eBird hotspot
Jones Beach State Park
Coast Guard Station, Point Lookout, NY 11569
Visit in the fall for migrants and rarities and winter for loons, grebes, sea ducks and more. This area usually hold at least one or two rarities at a time, the possibilities are too numerous to mention here. Popular with birders, and in the off season, no crowds or traffic jams to contend with.
eBird hotspot
Point Lookout Beach District Park
Just west of Jones Beach State Park's Coast Guard Station. Easy to combine a visit to both places. Search for Purple Sandpipers and Harlequin Ducks along the jetties. Best time to visit, as at Jones Beach, in fall or winter, when crowds are not present and the birds are. On street parking; scope suggested. An Important Bird Area.
eBird hotspot