Montauk Point - Montauk, NY
Text and photography by Andre Knudsen
"I stand as on some mighty eagle's beak, Eastward the sea absorbing, viewing (nothing but sea and sky), The tossing waves, the foam, the ships in the distance, The wild unrest, the snowy. curling caps-that inbound urge and urge of waves, the shores forever . . . ." -Walt Whitman
Photography
Montauk Point State Park, a heavily-wooded tundra leading to the eastern tip of Long
Island and the historic Montauk Lighthouse. With stunning sunrises, when the weather
permits, Montauk offers a wealth of different photographic opportunities from dusk till
dawn. What ever your photographic style is you will find something to shoot .
The point is a very important waterfowl wintering area, with the largest winter
concentration of sea ducks in the state. Montauk is the southernmost regularly wintering
area for Common Eiders and Harlequin Ducks on the East Coast.
Sizable concentrations of pelagic seabirds
occur in the waters off the point and the wetland areas around Big and Little Reed Ponds
support confirmed or probable breeding Northern Harriers, Red-shouldered Hawks, Least
Bitterns, American Black Ducks, Blue-winged Teal and others. Upland areas host breeding
Bobwhite and Whip-poor-wills.
Wildlife includes deer, raccoon, woodchuck, squirrel, chipmunk and fox. Seals are often
sighted sunning on rocks off shore and whales have been spotted in the distant waves of
the Atlantic.
Other activities
Montauk offers some of the best surf fishing in the world. Have a picnic at tables under
the pine trees, use the nature trails to hike (5 miles) or cross-country ski, or spend
time watching the seals sun on the rocks offshore. Big game and small game hunting are
permitted in season. Refreshment stand, gift shop (year-round, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.)
Directions:
132 miles from Manhattan, via Sunrise Hwy (Route 27) east to the Park.
Seasons/Hours:
Park is open year round, sunrise to sunset. Big game and small game hunting are permitted
in season.
Link to Montauk's history: http://www.montauklife.com/subhist.html