Freshwater Pond · Manorville
Peconic River Headwaters
The largest pine barrens ecosystem on Long Island. Prairie Warblers sing from the scrub oaks in May; at night, the Whip-poor-wills still call from the Manorville Hills.
Access & parking
DEC state forest at the Peconic River headwaters. Trails follow the river through pine barrens and into red maple swamp. Access from the Manorville Hills parking area off County Road 111.
Parking: Small dirt lot off the service road; free year-round.
Restrooms: None on site.
Difficulty: Moderate
When to go
Seasons: Spring Migration, Breeding
Time of day: dawn
Target species
- Prairie Warbler (Setophaga discolor)
- Pine Warbler (Setophaga pinus)
- Eastern Towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus)
- Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina)
- Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla)
- Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus)
Rarities reported here
- Whip-poor-will (Antrostomus vociferus)
Photography tips
The pine barrens get harsh light by 8 AM — start at first light and work west so the rising sun is behind you as the warblers forage the pine crowns.
eBird hotspot
Open this hotspot on the Cornell Lab of Ornithology eBird database →
Nearby birds
Other freshwater pond sites worth pairing on a day trip:
- Sagg Pond · Sagaponack
Looking for the broader fauna calendar (whales, seals, sea turtles)? /wildlife covers every species on the East End.