Location

The Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is a Gateway National Recreation classified area under the jurisdiction of the National Park Services of the United States located in New York City. The sprawling and magnificent wildlife refuge seat on an incredible 9000 acres piece of land. Water mostly covers the expansive refuge land area, with the occasional patchy upland fields, saltmarsh woods, and mudflats. Two man-made ponds, the West Pond and the East Pond, have been modified to support the wildlife found at the center, creating a fantastic landscape of the wildlife refuge.

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge landscape is a habitat for both flora and fauna, with the environment supporting terrestrial and marine life alike. The wildlife refuge though composed of many animals and rare plant life is much known for the birds that frequent this region, some calling it home while others just occasional visitors.

Bird’s Haven

People regard the center as a bird’s paradise, and it is one of the exclusive bird observatory regions in the United States, a favorite spot for migratory birds. The refuge is known as a bird sanctuary area and has recorded over 332 bird’s species sighted in the last 25 years alone. Some of the birds frequent the wildlife refuge for food, to escape extreme weather conditions, or for mating purposes. Irrespective of the season, the wildlife refuge is a favorite spot for various birds’ species.

Common Birds Sighting

There are hundreds of bird’s species at the refuge. The New York City Audubon identifies the following as some of the common bird’s species at the sanctuary include:

• Many species of ducks- Cooper’s Hawk, Peregrine Falcon, Dunlin
• Different species of Herons
• Egret species
• Barn owl
• Sparrow species

The wildlife refuge visitors center provides information about the center and the bird’s species at the site. For Bird lovers and nature loving individuals, Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is a must visit area.

And if you are seeking a family-friendly spot don’t forget to stop by Frank M. Charles Memorial Park in Howard Beach.