Dune Road, Long Island NY

There are many parts of Long Island I've never explored in my 29 years of living here, especially on the east end. With miles of coastline that are largely uninhabited and bare in the winter months, it is a good time to explore the landscape and wildlife. Most of the county parks would require a resident permit in the summer months which is also why winter is a good time to explore. After researching some good spots on Long Island I came upon Dune Road so we will venture out here.

Dune Road Driving Map

I checked out most of the spots on the above site. Some places you forget you've been before, but they refocus in your memory once you travel them again. This time I am traveling in winter and scouting for snowy owls and birding.

You'll start by driving over the bridge that leads from Jessup Lane in Westhampton and turning left. The first stop was in Quogue with a beautiful scenic boardwalk. There were lots of birds here including the first sighting of a Great Blue Heron. It flew across the boardwalk and landed in the field to the left side.

A few photos of the Great Blue Heron below.

Below a woodpecker catches my attention. They are usually easy to spot as they are easy to hear.

A few deer dance out into the field.

Most of the locations listed on the website link are pull offs into a small parking lot that leads to the beach. If you wander off any of these you'll be sure to spot some sea gulls. 

Birds of the ocean eat lunch.

Driving along the road I spot another Great Blue Heron sitting in the field. I'm surprised I spotted it and hope my eye is getting better at wildlife scoping.

The Great Blue Heron doesn't stay and takes off towards the Ponquogue Bridge.

Dune Road is picturesque and a nice drive overall. I'd recommend it if you have the time opportunity. I haven't found the secret spots of the snowy owls on Long Island yet, but sighting other birds and identifying them is also fun.

On a different wintry day I bring my parents with me and travel westward on Dune Road to Cupsogue Beach County Park for a Seal Walk Outing. It is a lot chillier than expected. I feel as if we are walking the tundra.

With a recent snow day 2 days prior there is still snow along the beach. The wind blows strong as we stand huddled in a group of people listening to a naturalist speak on his research of the seals that occupy the Moriches Inlet. To see the seals, it is best to visit at low tide so you will want to check the tide schedules online. The seals are generally there from November until April. On the Seal Walk website you can also check out some good quality photos posted by the naturalist. The walk is not too long, less than a half mile. You'll want to look towards the north part of the island into the inlet and the seals will all be hanging out along the sand bar. It's not necessary to go on a seal walk to view them, but it does add the benefit of being able to view the seals through a spotting scope. The viewing area is a bit far and so it is a bit more difficult to appreciate their qualities until you look through the scope. From afar they look more like stationary blobs. But up close, they exude lots of personality and playfulness.

Lots of seals hanging out in the sun

My mom looks out from the viewing area. This is as close as you should venture so as not to scare the seals and avoid intruding on their habitat.

A bird in flight as we leave the beach.

There are many scenic vistas to see all over the world. No view holds a chance against the most beautiful thing you'll ever find in life, the heart of a family, like the depths of a deep forest. And to share a view and the beauty of nature with those you love is the most cherished of all.


Links:
Seal Walks
Wildlife On Dune Road