Not far from Sammy’s Beach Preserve, I had to stop the car to let wild turkeys cross the road. Soon Sammy’s Beach Road led us to a coastal sand spit which is now a nature preserve.
We followed a footpath, overgrown in parts with marsh plants. And wandered near tidal creeks and salt ponds known as ‘the maze’ on the edge of the inland Three Mile Harbor.
Despite just waking up after the harsh winter, the beauty and peacefulness of the land was still clear. In the Fall the area is covered in wild flowers.
In the distance Osprey’s watched the water from the high perch of their nest.
But a hidden sandpit stopped us from journeying on to the east end of the coastal spit. My two didn’t want to leave the ‘secret place’ they called ‘theirs.’
Instead we later crossed the dunes and headed to Sammy’s beach on Gardiner Bay.
As there was no shelter that day from the wind, soon we followed the sandy dirt road back to our car.
But before we left my children made me promise to bring them back soon to Sammy’s Beach Preserve…and their secret place.
Sammy’s Beach Preserve, East Hampton, NY
A beautiful nature reserve for an outdoor walk with children if you’re in the Hamptons, NY. There are over 50 species of birds found in this habitat and diverse flora and native vegetation, including high marsh species, sea lavender, saltmarsh aster and prickly pear cactus.
A dirt road runs down the center of the coastal spit from the small parking lot on Sammy’s Beach Road to the west jetty of Three Mile Harbor’s inlet. There’s a narrow trail through the wetlands which leads to a sandy road loop near the jetty. You can either follow the dirt road back to the car park or walk back along the beach. Parts of the beach and the 116.2 preserve may be closed during the nesting season for least terns and piping plover (April-July). Sammy’s Beach Reserve, part of the East Hampton township, is on the northern shore of the South Fork, Long Island, and located at the end of Sammy’s Beach Road.
Sara (@mumturnedmom) says
Every time I read one of these posts I think that we must have a holiday down in the Hamptons soon, it’s so beautiful 🙂 Gorgeous photos as always, and lovely that your two want to go back to their special place x #CountryKids
Kriss says
the lovely thing about the off season is that so many of these places are quiet.
Jocelyn says
I’ve never seen turkeys in the wild, and that secret sandpit looks wonderful. Beautiful photos and a lovely outing x
Kriss says
There’s lots of wild turkeys around here but it’s the first time I’ve had to stop the car for them to cross the roa. Until now I’ve only had to stop for ducks and deer 🙂
Merlinda (@pixiedusk) says
My son is with me whilelooking at this and he loves the Osprey and the massive nest! Looks like a fun day! #countrykids
Kriss says
It was amazing to see the Osprey – although they were quite far away.
Christine says
Wow, looks like a great place to visit, I particularly like the photo of the nesting osprey. What is the plant in the third photo down? It looks like a cactus but I’m guessing it isn’t!
Kriss says
That’s a prickly pear cactus. My son for some reason or other loves them and insisted I take a photo of it!
Christine says
Thank you – I never realised you would get cactus in your part of the States!
Cheryl says
Nice walk. Lovely contrasting areas. Can’t help smiling at the idea of you stopping to let the wild turkeys cross. #CountryKids
Kriss says
The wild turkeys are really noisy too! All of them were making a racket!
brinabird and son says
It’s amazing getting to see the birds so close! A really beautiful place to explore.
Jo Layboujrn says
Wow, what a beautiful place to take a visit. Looks like you had fun. I love your photo’s! #CountryKids
Tarana says
It does look like a hidden treasure of a place – so peaceful and beautiful! Love the photo of the turkeys.
Coombe Mill - Fiona says
What a hidden gem and perfect for exploring – it’s a shame the wind didn’t drop and you could have spent more time there. Thanks for linking up and sharing more of your Hampton adventures with Country Kids.
Kriss says
We were there for a couple of hours due to the ‘secret sandpit’ which was warm and sheltered from the sun. In contrast the beach on the other side of the dunes was really windy and a bit chilly.
Dean says
What a beautiful landscape! I love how you always seem to capture the wildlife around you. Amazing really 🙂 #CountryKids.
Kriss says
Thank you Dean! One of the special things about where we live is all the wildlife.
Becky Willoughby (@LakesSingleMum) says
that just looks so beautiful! very jealous
Sarah MumofThree World says
Looks very beautiful, but kind of bleak. Very different from the British countryside.
Mummy to boyz says
What a lovely walk and the pic of the turkey is awesome!