Waterfowl are commonly found all over Long Island. They spend the majority of their lives in the water and some species are unable to even walk on land. Certain species migrate for the winter while other species call Long Island home all year long. All species of waterfowl produce precocial young, this means when the babies hatch they are able to walk, swim, and feed themselves. 

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Did You Know?

There are over 30 different species of waterfowl that call Long Island home! Each species have different diets, nesting habits, and migration tendencies. They do all share commonalities like webbed feet and special water-proof feathers.

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Coexisting with Waterfowl

Waterfowl are an important part of Long Island's ecosystem, here are some ways to easily coexist with them.

• Don't feed human food to waterfowl. Feeding causes habituation, disease, and growth deformities like "Angel Wing". Click here to learn about "Angel Wing". 

• Keep pools fenced off to prevent waterfowl swimming in them

• Click here for ways to deter geese from visiting your property

• Always clean up materials after fishing to avoid fishing hook/line injuries

• If you are a hunter, use a lead shot alternative. Lead toxicity is a leading cause of death in waterfowl.