Bird Watching Around Long Island This Winter
Long Island is one of the most interesting places on the eastern seaboard to enjoy birdwatching, and our real estate agents want to help you make the most of it. Although you might think of birdwatching mostly in spring and summer, winter birdwatching is a popular pastime that brings out all kinds of rare sights.
Visitors to Long Island often don't realize just how many parks and green spaces are available, but residents get to enjoy them all year round. No matter whether you're in Nassau County, Suffolk County, or Queens County, you'll always be within a short walk or drive of someplace where you can see wildlife up close.
The Best Places for Winter Birdwatching in Long Island 2025
Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge – Shirley, NY
Address: 340 Smith Road, Shirley, NY 11967
Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge is one of the best places to learn about the local bird population here on Long Island. Ten distinctive bird refuge units are cared for by the staff. When you visit, you can learn about a wide range of opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking, fishing, events, and educational programming for all ages. Winter is a popular time to visit because hazards like mosquitoes and ticks are at their lowest.
Hempstead-Area Beaches – Hempstead, NY
Address: See Website for Locations in Hempstead, NY 11550
Hempstead-area beaches are sought after all year long, and you shouldn't overlook them in the winter. There are bird populations you can only see around this time of year, and plenty of places to do it. Although some beaches close after Labor Day, Hewlett Point Park and the beachfront area of Hog Island Channel remain open to the public. Parking fees can vary by season and residency.
Fire Island National Seashore – Patchogue, NY
Address: 120 Laurel St., Patchogue, NY 11772
Fire Island National Seashore is one of the natural areas that truly stands out here on Long Island. While many guests come to see the historic William Floyd Estate, birders tend to go further afield. You can explore one of the many seashore areas that could be of interest, such as Fire Island Lighthouse and Watch Hill, or give your skills a go at the Otis Pike High Dune Wilderness, known for its population of sanderlings and turnstones.
Huntington-Oyster Bay Audubon Society – Huntington, NY
Address: See Website for Locations Around Huntington, NY
The Huntington-Oyster Bay Audubon Society serves a wide range of Nassau County and Suffolk County communities, but it is headquartered not far from Huntington homes for sale. All Society meetings remain free and open to the public, with a wide range of programs for children and adults.
Some past "hits" include:
- Pinecone Birdfeeder Children's Program
- Costa Rica's Birds and Ecology
- The New World Tropics
- Exploring Mangroves
- Recent Discoveries About Bird Song
- How to Draw Birds
- Inside the Mind of a Whale
- Exploring Nature at the Beach
South Shore Audubon Society – Freeport, NY
Address: See Website for Locations Around Freeport, NY
The South Shore Audubon Society provides local environmental education and supports research into bird populations near Freeport and Oyster Bay homes for sale. Monthly meetings are held online via Zoom, and Bird Walk events take place nearly every week throughout most of the year, starting at 8 a.m. Saturday or Sunday.
Every Long Island Season Has Something for Birders
Long Island is home to approximately 500 native bird species, with Fire Island alone hosting more than 330. As a resident, you can get to know them all. Contact us today to find out more about Long Island real estate.
