Grab your binoculars and set out on a nature and bird watching trip through Long Island's wetlands and woods. Long Island is home to a surprising variety of birds since it's on a major migratory route. Fire Island National Seashore and estuary is one of the most productive habitats on earth. Over 1/3 of all species of birds found in North America find refuge in the nests of Fire Island, located on the Atlantic migratory flyway.

With over 26 miles of unspoiled beaches, dunes, and nature, you can walk along miles of boardwalk and trails. Easy access via several ferry points (summer only) or you can drive to Robert Moses State Park on Fire Island via bridge. There is a bird viewing platform at Field 5, and you can continue your hike along a boardwalk that takes you to the Fire Island lighthouse where you can view wild life and also climb to the top of the lighthouse (the highest one on Long Island) for an amazing panorama year-round.

Other popular bird and wildlife viewing sites include Connetquot River State Park in Oakdale, a former hunting club with thousands of acres of woodlands; Nissequogue River State Park in Kings Park (drive straight down the road and stop in at the administrative building for maps, etc.); Bayard Cutting Arboretum in Oakdale, which features gorgeous trees, shrubbery, plantings and a former mansion where you can stop for a sandwich or something hot to drink; Stony Brook Harbor/Avalon Preserve (park next to the grist mill and hike back behind the duck pond); the Pine Barrens region; Oceanside Marine Nature Study area; Massapequa Preserve; Cow Meadow Preserve in Freeport; Wertheim National Wildlife refuge and Quogue Village Wetlands Preserve.

Preservation efforts have seen endangered species like the Piping Plover starting to flourish, especially out in the Hamptons area and at Sunken Meadow State Park on the north shore. Hawks have made a truly remarkable comeback on Long Island, and they can often be viewed perched high on the flood lamps along major parkways. Other sightings include egret, heron, black ducks, warblers, gadwalls, mergansers, yellowlegs, osprey and more on Long Island. For those interested in bats, Connetquot River State Park is a major bat watching site. Other Long Island wildlife includes deer, owls, red fox, opossum, and wild turkey.

To help plan your visit order a Free Travel Guide or use our Interactive Map.