Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge

This 3,209-acre Refuge includes subtidal (bay bottom to mean high tide line) habitats, saltmarsh and a freshwater pond. Most Long Island waterbird species have been documented on the Refuge and over 20 thousand ducks have been reported for one waterfowl survey during peak use! Wintering waterfowl include black ducks, greater scaup, bufflehead, canvasback and long-tailed ducks . Terns and cormorants, as well as Eastern diamondback terrapins and harbor seals also use Oyster Bay. Management activities include wetland restoration and protection of the natural shoreline and vegetation. Enjoy fishing (Town of Oyster Bay permits required for shell fishing), wildlife observation, photography and environmental education.

Access to the Oyster Bay Refuge is mainly  by boat from Long Island Sound or local boat ramps. Visitors in vehicles may travel local roads adjacent to the Refuge (the Refuge does not have parking facilities).

Each year thousands of waterfowl,

like this scaup, find critical wintering

grounds at Oyster Bay NWR.

Ó Ed Sambolin
 

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service technically

own the Bay's bottom, so boating & fishing

opportunities abound!
 

Refuge staff conduct regular surveys

by boat to assess wildlife status,

as well as illegal construction of

docks & moorings.