Long Beach lies between Peveto Woods and Mae's Beach. Not only is the beach long here, but the access road is as well, traversing marsh, mixed grassland, shrub-scrub thickets, and tidal pond habitats. Long Beach is quiet and off the beaten path. Keen birders should always plan for stops here and at Mae's Beach.
Blue-winged Teal and Mottled Duck tend to linger in the tidal marsh, along with wading birds such as American (migration/winter) and Least (migration/summer) Bitterns, Snowy Egret, Tricolored and Green Herons, White, Glossy, and White-faced Ibises, and Roseate Spoonbill. Fifteen wading bird species are commonly recorded here.
Dune complexes (grasses/wildflowers and shrub-scrub habitats), nearshore waters, and back marsh habitats await at the beach. A breakwater in front of the beach allows additional loafing habitat for seabirds and shorebirds, especially during high tide. Shorebirding can be excellent, with at least 25 species of plovers, sandpipers, and associates recorded.
An oak-dominated coastal forest at the western end of Long Beach, combined with the shrub-scrub dune habitat, provides additional songbird foraging and resting spots, especially during winter and migration periods. Over 15 species of warblers, including Orange-crowned, Wilson’s, Mourning, Yellow-throated, and Magnolia Warbler, have been observed here.
Even though birding efforts have been modest to date, nearly 160 species have been recorded here, including several rarities such as Surf and Black Scoters, Groove-billed Ani, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Say’s Phoebe, and Cave Swallow.
No amenities exist at Long Beach. Parking and driving are allowed on the beach, but driving may be hazardous due to pockets of loose, deep sand. Birders and all naturalists will enjoy the sights along both the access road and at Long Beach itself. Additional recreational opportunities include swimming, fishing, and nature photography.
