At the far southern end of Queens [1] is the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge (Broad Channel, 718/318-4340, www.nyharborparks.org/visit/jaba.html [2], 8:30 a.m. –5 p.m.daily), where over 300 species of birds, 80 types of fish, and dozens of kinds of reptiles and amphibians live.
It seems amazing that wildlife can flourish here. JFK Airport is directly across the bay, and all around the refuge, traffic, both ground and air, drones on incessantly. Still, the refuge is on the Atlantic flyway, and well worth a visit during the autumn and spring.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/new-york-city-long-island/queens
[2] http://www.nyharborparks.org/visit/jaba.html