Watch Hill, Fire Island

Date: Sunday, September 27, 2026

Leader: Deborah Swamback
Transportation: LIRR is a viable and easy option. Otherwise, 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: Ferry typically leaves Patchogue at 10 am and leaves again from Watch Hill at approximately 4 pm.
Relative Difficulty: Expect to walk about two miles on paved and unpaved paths, with some moderate inclines.

Trip Description: Located in the middle of Fire Island, the barrier beach that runs along the south shore of Long Island, Watch Hill is a great place to witness fall migration. Many birds are moving down the narrow barrier strip and often stop to feed. If winds are right, we expect to see raptors, particularly falcons, harriers, osprey, and accipiters. Warblers and other songbirds can fill the thickets, and the beaches and marshes are good for water birds. Some special sightings might include Royal Terns, Glossy Ibis, Saltmarsh Sparrows, and Boat-tailed Grackles. 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 opens at 9 am on Monday, September 14. After that time, click here to register. Registration closes at 6 pm on Wednesday, September 23. 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.