Join NYC Bird Alliance (formerly NYC Audubon) to explore the Rockaways - a vital habitat for shorebirds. In the summer, these beaches provide crucial nesting grounds for shorebirds like Piping Plovers, Least Terns, and Black Skimmers, while in the fall, becoming important foraging habitat for sandpipers and other shorebirds making their way south. The extensive dune vegetation provides habitat for a variety of sparrows and other birds stopping over in New York City, while sea ducks, grebes, and loons overwinter just offshore. 

The group will meet on the Rockaway Beach Boardwalk at Beach 60th street, walk east on the beach, and return through the new Arverne East Nature Preserve to the north of the boardwalk. Scopes may come in handy if you have them. * Please note this is dependent on beach access. The beach may be closed for the safety of the breeding birds found on the beach. The guide will determine the best route the day of. 

Registration not required but encouraged. No Limit. Free.

Accessibility and Directions:

Public transportation is available via the A Train to Beach 60th street. The Beach 67th Station, which is nearby, offers elevator access. Accessible public restrooms can be found at the Beach 60th Street Playground just off the boardwalk, and at the Arverne East Nature Preserve building at Beach 44th Street, at the half-way point on this outing. The first half of the tour will take place on soft sand, but the Arverne East Nature Preserve has fully paved paths. Those who wish to participate in the second half of the walk can take the boardwalk to Beach 44th Street, and meet the group when as we leave the beach to turn back through the nature preserve.

Photo: Americann Oystercatchers are one of the birds that can be seen nesting along the beach. Credit: Nicholas Wetzel.