The Migration Sensation - Migratory Birds on Fire Island
(Fire Island National Seashore)

Imagine trying to run non-stop for 84 hours without a single break to eat, drink or even rest. The tiny blackpoll warbler, weighing only around 15 grams, does something comparable twice a year during its migration between its breeding and winter homes. Instead of hugging the coast the way many other bird species do, the blackpoll warbler takes the direct approach, taking off from places in the northeast like Fire Island and flying over the Atlantic Ocean non-stop for three and a half days to South America.

Fire Island National Seashore is one of the best places in the northeast for bird-watching during both the spring and fall migrations. As a barrier island, Fire Island is used by many species of birds as both a navigation aid and a resting spot during their often long-distance migrations. Over 300 species of birds have been recorded on Fire Island, more than one-third of all North American species. While migrating birds can be seen on all parts of Fire Island, perhaps the most famous area is in the vicinity of the Fire Island lighthouse. This area is a particularly good place to see migrating hawks in the fall, especially falcons, including the magnificent peregrine falcon, which was once extinct in the eastern United States.

Unfortunately, many species of migratory birds are in trouble. Some species have declined by over 50% in the past few decades. They face many threats: destruction of habitat in both breeding and winter homes, cat predation, pesticides, power lines, tall buildings and communication towers, and many more.

Along with hundreds of other national, state, and local parks and refuges, Fire Island National Seashore works to ensure that songbirds will still be singing for years to come.