Cruisin' Along The Bay

Last Sunday afternoon was perfect for cruising on Jamaica Bay. Nature enthusiasts from all over New York joined the American Littoral Society for a three-hour tour of the bay and salt marsh areas, home to various wildlife.

Narrated by the Littoral Society's Mickey Cohen and Don Riepe, the voyage set sail from Sheepshead Bay and continued to the outskirts of Jamaica Bay at JFK Airport.

Bird lovers hoped to catch a glimpse of Osprey, Oystercatchers, Willets, and Tree Sparrows, just a few of the over 200 breeds inhabiting the area.

Those without binoculars to scout out nests of many fine feathered breeds - some which are located in niches of the Marine Parkway Bridge (above) - were educated on the recreational sites offered along the bay by Gateway National Park Service.

Fishing for stripers, bluefish and bass is one of the popular hobbies enjoyed by visitors at Floyd Bennett Field, Canarsie Pier and Breezy Point. In several years officials say the Pennsylvania and Fountain Avenue Landfills, just southeast of Starrett City, will also be an ideal location for fishing.

Text and photo by Dara Mormile