The Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge, a 187-acre peninsula on Long Island‘s Noyack and Little Peconic Bays, boasts exceptionally diverse birding habitats. Sandy and rocky beaches fringe the peninsula, while wooded bluffs overlook the bays. The refuge consists of upland forest, fields, ponds, salt marsh, beach, and a lagoon.
These habitats are used by a variety of wildlife including white-tailed deer, eastern chipmunk, painted turtles, green frogs, songbirds, and osprey. Waterfowl, such as long-tailed duck, common goldeneye, and white-winged scoter, are common during the winter months, while piping plover, terns, and other water birds use the beach during the spring and summer months.
Check out some of the most recent sightings on eBird and use Merlin to help identify species.
The Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge features a visitor center, trails, bathrooms, and parking ($4 fee).
Need more places to go? Check out the NYS Birding Trail for an updated list of locations, with new ones continually being added.
Photo of Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge courtesy Anthony Graziano.
Leave a Reply