Watch Hill, Fire Island

Date: Sunday, June 7, 2026

Leader(s): Paul Sweet
Transportation: Both driving and LIRR are viable options. This may also be a carpool trip if there are enough drivers. The registrar will work with participants to organize rides and/or the train.
Meeting Point: After your registration is confirmed, the registrar will share directions, the exact meeting place, and time with attendees.
Schedule: Begin by catching the 10:00 am ferry from Patchogue, returning on the 4:15 pm ferry (the ferry is located at 150 West Street, Patchogue, steps away from the Patchogue LIRR station) – a full day’s outing.
Relative Difficulty: Expect to walk 2-3 miles over 4-5 hours on paved and unpaved paths, with some moderate inclines.

Trip Description: Located in the middle of Fire Island, the barrier beach that runs for over 30 miles along the south shore of Long Island, Watch Hill in June is a great place to see a variety of breeding species. The salt marshes of the Great South Bay are important strongholds for Saltmarsh and Seaside Sparrows, as well as other marsh specialists such as Willets and Clapper Rails. Endangered Piping Plovers are found on the ocean beach, where we may also encounter Dolphins and Humpbacked Whales. We will meet at the Fire Island ferry for a pleasant 30-minute boat ride to Watch Hill. Bring plenty of water and food, sun lotion, and bug spray, and a hat is strongly suggested.

Registration: Registration: Registration opens at 9 am on Monday, May 25. After that time, click here to register. Registration closes at 6 pm on Wednesday, June 3. Members (and those who have applied for membership) will be prioritized over non-members.

Please read the About Our Trips page, if you’re going on a field trip for the first time. It details our field trip policies, recommends what to bring on a trip, and offers other useful information, pro tips, and tricks.

If after visiting the About Our Trips page, you still have questions, feel free to contact the Registrar via email.