Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge

Extending from near JFK, airport at the start of the Cross Bay Veterans Memorial Bridge, the salty, marshy Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is one of the most important migratory bird and wetland habitats along the eastern seaboard. In spring and fall, more than 325 bird species stop in to rest and snack, snapping up all sorts of briny sea creatures like clams, turtles, shrimp and oysters. Each season brings different visitors: spring features warblers and songbirds, and American woodcocks in late March. In mid-August shorebirds start to move south, landing here from Canada, fueling up for the trip to Mexico. Fall is when migrating hawks and raptors get mobile, along with ducks, geese, monarch butterflies and thousands and thousands of dragonflies. Birders and naturalists get the most action around the east and west ponds; they’re both about 1.5 miles in circumference and easily walkable, but wear mudresistant shoes, bug repellent and sunscreen, carry some water and watch out for poison ivy. o get to the visitors center, exit at Broad Channel station, walk along Noel Rd to Crossbay Blvd, turn right (north) and walk for about half a mile, and the center will be visible on the left side of the road.