Join NYC Bird Alliance to explore the Rockaways with bird guide Russell Jacobs - 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. Winter is a perfect time to get an upclose look at these beaches often closed during the summer months for breeding birds. 

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. Registration not required but encouraged. No Limit. Free.

Accessibility: 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. * Please note this is dependent on beach access. The guide will determine the best route the day of. 

Directions: Public transportation is available via the A Train to Beach 60th street. The Beach 67th Station, which is nearby, offers elevator access. Please check the MTA website for any schedule changes. 

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