Wertheim Refugewildlife
At Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge, the timing for wildlife comes in 2 separate phases, each its own display, neither a peak: Ospreys along the Carmans River, in the spring and summer months (March – September); and Box turtles on the refuge roadways and trails, they begin to emerge in May but can be spotted on the refuge through August. No official report yet this season.
- March–SeptemberOspreys along the Carmans Riverin the spring and summer months (March – September)
- May–AugustBox turtles on the refuge roadways and trailsthey begin to emerge in May but can be spotted on the refuge through August
Your guide to the area
Where to watch
- White Oak Nature TrailA short loop (1.25 miles) and a long loop (2 miles); forest birds, waterfowl and wading birds can be seen from it, and there are restrooms at its start
- Black Tupelo TrailA 3.3-mile trail from the visitor center with a view of the refuge from the east side of the Carmans River; the four Carmans River overlooks are the refuge's hot spots
Nearby
- Fire Island15 mi2 separate phases, from from March to September
- Morton Refuge30 mi3 separate phases, from between mid-March and early April
- Forsythe Refuge124 mi4 separate phases, from in spring (March, April, and May)SatSlight Chance Rain Showers
- Cape May Refuge158 mi2 separate phases, from June, July, and August is the time when our feathered families are raised and fledged
- Cuyahoga Valley453 mi5 separate phases, from late February or early MarchSatSlight Chance Rain Showers
- Carolina Sandhills Refuge591 mi3 separate phases, from April through OctoberSatSlight Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
The year at Wertheim Refuge
- Ospreys along the Carmans River, March to SeptemberNowMar–Sep
- Box turtles out on the roadways and trails, May through AugustMay–Aug
- Jun: Wood ducks nest along the river in JuneJun
- Sep: Migrating tree swallows over the river in late SeptemberNowSep
- Best times to see waterfowl: late October through early AprilOct–Apr
Wertheim Refuge in pictures
Questions people ask
When is the best time to see wildlife at Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge?
In 2 separate phases: Ospreys along the Carmans River, in the spring and summer months (March – September) and Box turtles on the refuge roadways and trails, they begin to emerge in May but can be spotted on the refuge through August. They're separate displays, not one long season, and neither is a peak.
Is it the season at Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge right now?
There's no official report yet this season.
When is the refuge open?
The trails are open every day from sunrise to sunset. The visitor center, with its Long Island exhibit hall, is open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Wertheim NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I bring my dog or bike?
No. The refuge asks visitors to keep dogs and bikes off, because they disturb wildlife and can be a safety risk to other visitors.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Wertheim NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
What should I watch out for in summer?
Mosquitoes and flies can be thick in spring and summer, so bring bug spray. Poison ivy and ticks grow throughout the refuge: staying on the trails limits your exposure.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Wertheim NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I get there without a car?
Yes. The Long Island Rail Road's Montauk Branch stops at Mastic-Shirley, about a mile east of the visitor center, and Suffolk County Transit buses 66 and 68 run on Montauk Highway, about a mile north.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Wertheim NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the restrooms?
At the visitor center and at the start of the White Oak trail.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Wertheim NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge?
White Oak Nature Trail: a short loop (1.25 miles) and a long loop (2 miles); forest birds, waterfowl and wading birds can be seen from it, and there are restrooms at its start; Black Tupelo Trail: a 3.3-mile trail from the visitor center with a view of the refuge from the east side of the Carmans River; the four Carmans River overlooks are the refuge's hot spots.
What is Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge like through the year?
Ospreys along the Carmans River, March to September (Mar–Sep), Box turtles out on the roadways and trails, May through August (May–Aug), Wood ducks nest along the river in June (Jun), Migrating tree swallows over the river in late September (Sep) and Best times to see waterfowl: late October through early April (Oct–Apr).