Beach · Montauk
Montauk Point State Park
The canonical East End sea-watch. In fall, the raptor migration funnels down the peninsula and launches south past the lighthouse; in winter, sea duck rafts sit offshore in the tens of thousands.
Access & parking
State park, open sunrise to sunset. The lighthouse cliffs and the rocky shoreline below are the canonical sea-watch. Walk the bluff trail east of the parking lot for pelagic views.
Parking: Large paved lot at the lighthouse. Day-use fee in season (Memorial Day to Columbus Day); free the rest of the year.
Restrooms: Flush restrooms at the lighthouse visitor center in season.
Difficulty: Stroller-friendly
When to go
Seasons: Fall Migration, Winter
Time of day: dawn
Target species
- Common Eider (Somateria mollissima)
- Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis)
- Surf Scoter (Melanitta perspicillata)
- Black Scoter (Melanitta americana)
- Northern Gannet (Morus bassanus)
- Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
- Merlin (Falco columbarius)
- Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus)
Rarities reported here
- Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus)
- Razorbill (Alca torda)
Photography tips
Shoot the sea ducks from the bluff with a 400mm or longer; the wind off the point is relentless, so bring a bean bag rather than a tripod.
eBird hotspot
Open this hotspot on the Cornell Lab of Ornithology eBird database →
Nearby birds
Other beach sites worth pairing on a day trip:
- Orient Beach State Park · Orient
- Cupsogue Beach County Park · Westhampton
Looking for the broader fauna calendar (whales, seals, sea turtles)? /wildlife covers every species on the East End.