Each week James Lane Post will highlight a different spot to explore outdoors on the East End in our series “A Walk Outside.” This week: Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge in Sag Harbor.
The Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge, located on Noyack and Little Peconic Bays, is a 187-acre peninsula with much to explore. Walk trails down to sandy and rocky beaches and view wooded bluffs overlooking the bays. The diverse habitat boasts fields, forest, salt marsh, ponds, beach, and a lagoon.
You’ll find wildlife like waterfowl, such as long-tailed duck, common goldeneye and white-winged scoter, all common during the winter months. Piping plover, terns, and other water birds are active during the warmer months. Some will eat seed right from your hand, given the opportunity.
The refuge is also home to white-tailed deer, painted turtles, green frogs, eastern chipmunk, songbirds, and osprey.