Two Special Bird Walks Offered in May at Fire Island National Seashore

Published Date

May 7, 2009

The diverse habitats at Fire Island National Seashore's William Floyd Estate support a variety of migratory birds. NPS Photo.

In honor of International Migratory Bird Day, Fire Island National Seashore in New York is offering a special three-hour ranger-guided tour at 9:00 a.m on Saturday, May 9. On Sunday, May 17, a "Peak of Spring Migration" Bird Walk will be offered, also at 9 a.m.

The guided walks will take place at the William Floyd Estate in Mastic Beach. Bird watching in the fields and woods of the William Floyd Estate provides an opportunity to observe the spring bird migration at one of the park's best birding spots.

Peak migratory times in the month of May bring thousands of birds through the 613-acre William Floyd Estate. The varied habitats of fields, woods, creeks and salt marsh provide ample feeding and resting areas for these birds, particularly the neotropical migrants such as grosbeaks, warblers and vireos on their way northward.

"On this program last spring, we recorded 12 species of warblers, with excellent views of the brilliantly colored Blackburnian Warbler," stated park naturalist MaryLaura Lamont. "Until the trees fully leaf out, warblers in full breeding plumage are easier to see. They sometimes come close enough to get a good look at their distinctive spring colors." Lamont, who birds by sound as well as sight, is usually able to located and identify species by their songs before the birds are seen.

Meet in the Floyd Estate parking lot, 245 Park Drive, Mastic Beach, New York 11951 for either program. Gate opens at 8:45 a.m. for the free programs which starts at 9:00 a.m. Dress for the day's weather, and bring binoculars and tick repellant. To minimize exposure to ticks, wear a long-sleeved shirt and long pants, which can be tucked into socks. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Roundtrip walk will be approximately 2.5 miles.

The William Floyd Estate opens for the summer season on Memorial Day weekend. Beginning May 22, 2009, the "Old Mastic House" will be open for free guided tours on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Special interpretive programs will be offered throughout the year.

The park website includes more details about bird watching opportunities in the park, plus maps and directions to the park. Call 631-399-2030 for more information about the special bird watching programs.

Story Categories:

Wildlife

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Add comment

form.antibot { display: none !important; } You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form.

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks