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Description
You need to choose your side before driving here as you can't cross the inlet. Shinnecock East has a park to explore with winter ducks that come close to shore. Shinnecock West might not look impressive. You park in the lot at the end of the road and over look the inlet. (Put Oakland's Restaurant into your GPS) It does offer you access to other beaches and pull offs along Dune Road though, such as Ponquogue Beach, Tiana Beach, Hot Dog Beach, etc. Also be sure to check out the bay side of the road. I've seen herons and hawks along the road.
Birds you can see in the winter include Long-tailed Duck, Common Eider, Surf Scoter, White-winged Scoter, Black Scoter, Red-breasted Merganser, Common Loon, Red-throated Loon, King Eider (if luck is with you!), Northern Harrier, Snow Bunting, and if you're really lucky Snowy Owl. The East side is prettier and good if you want to walk among the dunes and get relatively close with the winter fowl. The West side is good when it is really cold and you want to spend more time in your car while searching along the road. I normally don't go in summer to avoid Hampton traffic and parking fees, but I have seen wading birds as the water gets warmer as well as American Oystercatchers, Plovers, Sanderlings, etc. Keep an eye in the water of the inlet from either side to see Harbor Seals too!
Details
Access
Shinnecock Inlet is located on the south shore of Long Island. It connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Peconic Bay, separating the towns of Southampton and Hampton Bays. No public transport. Shinnecock East has a parking lot. The inlet is right there. You can also walk amongst the dunes and look for birds there.
Shinnecock inlet West is a parking lot at the end of the road by Oakland's Restaurant. Climb onto the jetty and overlook the inlet for birds and seals. Then drive westbound along Dune Road and make stops on either side for amazing bird watching opportunities.
*Summer in the Hamptons is a major tourist destination, so I visit in the winter. I cannot speak to birdwatching in the summer here. Besides crowds of people, cost to park is a factor. Pay attention to any Long Island Beaches for summer fees to park and operating hours. For some, if you go early you can avoid paying for parking, as well as crowds, and extreme heat.
Terrain and Habitat
Dunes , Sea , Wetland , Beach , PondConditions
Flat , Sandy , High water possibleCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
WinterRoute
Paved roadDifficulty walking trail
Average walkAccessible by
FootBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
***Stormy/Windy weater in the winter brings the shorebirds closer in on the East side.
Shinnecock County Park West is not the end of the road where you can overlook the Inlet. Remember, for this side drive past Oakland's Restaurant!
Winter is best time for birding here. November through March is good for various ducks, eiders, loons, gulls, etc.
Spring/Fall Migration is late April to May and September to October-good for shorebirds and warblers
Summer brings terns and breeding species.