version 2.0 - updated on 3/2022

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge in Queens, New York City, USA, and surrounding areas, act like a magnet for shorebirds and is a crucial spot for these birds to fuel before the next leg of their journey down south during the Fall migration. 

Even though there are many sources of information available of Jamaica Bay, most of it is for birdwatchers. There are barely any tips on how and where to photograph shorebirds at this wildlife refuge. My Location Guide to Jamaica Bay is strictly written with photographers in mind. I share my expertise on how to get the most out of the shorebird photography at this renowned birding hotspot. It took me several seasons to get a good knowledge on this place, when and where to go to take the best possible photographs. I want you to be prepared for your very first visit to this, one of a kind, place.

This ebook style guide will provide you with the information on when to arrive, where to position yourself to get the most pleasing photographs of shorebirds visiting the Jamaica Bay. This guide is filled with exact information, photographs and maps showing trails, when to visit the park, how to safely approach birds without stressing/flushing them, what gear/clothing to bring and many other useful tips that will apply at other locations as well. There is only one photograph of a bird, the cover photo. The rest of this ebook is filled only with useful information.

Be warned. This is not a spot to spend a relaxing day photographing birds. This location requires literarily to get down and dirty. But photographs you will make there, will be one of the best ones you will ever take of shorebirds. My guide, and my Location Updates, will put you at the right time and in the right spot to make your trip worthwhile. 

There are many photography workshops being offered at the Jamaica Bay but their cost often starts at $200 per session. Besides the steep price, you have to fit to someone else’s schedule. Ever wondered what happens if the weather doesn’t cooperate on the day of the workshop? You will be forced to shoot in unfavorable conditions as you will loose a partial, or even worse, the full payment if you cancel the said workshop. By purchasing my guide, you will gain enough information to get excellent results on your very first visit. At your own schedule. At the best possible weather. For a fraction of the price.

Here is a list of some noteworthy bird species that you will most likely photograph on your visit to the Jamaica Bay: Semipalmated, Least, Pectoral and Stilt Sandpipers; Short-billed Dowitcher, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs; Semipalmated and Black-bellied Plovers. As well as: Black-Skimmer; Common, Least Terns; Peregrine Falcon, Merlin, American Kestrel, Norther Harrier should also make a brief appearance.

Rare but highly possible to see during the peak of the fall migration are: American Avocet, Hudsonian and Marbled Godwits, Wilson’s Phalarope and even a Ruff.
 

Breeding birds: Osprey, Boat-tailed Grackle, Willet, Great Blue Heron, Great and Snowy Egrets, Glossy Ibis, Yellow- and Black-crowned Night-Herons.

Information in my guides takes into consideration that you know the basics of photography. How to properly set the exposure, how to operate your camera etc.

Upon successful payment, you will receive an email with a link to download this eBook. Link will expire after 24 hours but if you encounter any problems, please email me.

New in version 2:

• updated maps

• my newest strategy for photographing shorebirds when conditions aren’t favorable - page 23

• tips on taking backlit (silhouette) photographs (page 24) like this one: https://www.greggard.com/blog/2022/3/lesser-yellowlegs-silhouette-jamaica-bay-ny-shorebirds

• more location photographs - pages 25-28

• more of the educational links - page 30

• most importantly, you are gaining access to my Location Updates for the season 2019, 2020 and 2021 where I shared frequent reports on conditions as well as my way of shooting. Thanks to these updates, you will learn what to look for, where to situate yourself depending on the occurring conditons etc.

Due to the upcoming projects this season, I won’t be able to provide regular reports as in previous years. If you purchased this guide from me, feel free to reach out to me via email me before your first visit to check on the conditions. Please include your order number in your email.

All that have purchased version 1 of this guide, you can request a new version of this guide completely for free.