Bird watching may not be the first activity that comes to mind when visiting New Jersey, yet this state, nicknamed the Garden State, is home to a rich variety of avian wildlife. For those seeking distinctive experiences and breathtaking natural landscapes, New Jersey is a prime destination for bird enthusiasts.

New Jersey serves as a pivotal point on the Atlantic Migratory Flyway, attracting numerous bird species that stop along their lengthy journey from southern wintering grounds to northern breeding sites in Canada. These migratory patterns are complemented by resident birds such as nesting Bald Eagles, American Goldfinches, and renowned species like the peregrine falcon and hermit thrush.

Below is a guide to the most exceptional locales for observing a wide array of bird species in North America. Prepare your field guides and immerse yourself in the wonder of these iconic birds.

Bald Eagles

Bald eagles symbolize American wildlife and can be sighted throughout New Jersey year-round. The prime time for observers is during their nesting season, highlighting a remarkable conservation success story: the state has seen the number of eagle nests grow from just one in 1973 to 204 in 2019.

Best Time to See Bald Eagles

These magnificent birds construct large nests typically near water sources, initiating courtship and nest building in late December to early January. Their nests can span nearly 10 feet and weigh up to 2,000 pounds. Eagle pairs lay 1-3 eggs between mid-February and early March and incubate them for approximately 35 days.

This period offers an excellent opportunity to observe both parents, as they share the responsibility of egg care. Once hatched, eaglets remain entirely dependent on their parents. Young eagles typically fledge the nest around 11 weeks, usually by early July, although parents continue to provide food for several weeks as the young learn to hunt.

By late August, young eagles typically leave the nest, many migrating toward the Chesapeake Bay for the winter.

Where to See Bald Eagles

Ideal viewing locations include areas around the Delaware Bay in Salem and Cumberland counties, along with northern and central New Jersey, where lakes, rivers, and reservoirs abound.

All known eagle nest locations in New Jersey have been mapped successfully, thanks to a collaboration between the Conserve Wildlife Foundation and the state’s Endangered and Non-game Species program, which has facilitated this impressive population revival.

Best Ways to See Bald Eagles

To enhance your chances of spotting these fascinating birds, consider:

• Hiking to the mapped locations for an up-close experience.
• Bald Eagle Cam at Duke Farms – observe nests virtually or visit to see eagles in their natural environment.

American Goldfinches

Designated as New Jersey’s state bird in 1935, the American Goldfinch is a delightful sight. This small songbird displays striking bright yellow and black plumage in summer, though climate change poses an imminent threat to its habitat, with rising temperatures jeopardizing its future.

Best Time to Spot American Goldfinches

Summer is the optimal season for observing these five-inch birds, particularly when males showcase their vivid colors. Despite their widespread presence, they often perch high in trees, making them somewhat elusive unless spotted indulging in thistle seeds.

Breeding occurs between June and September, with preferred nesting sites in shrub thickets. The likelihood of viewing these birds increases in late summer as thistle and milkweed – their favored foods – bloom.

Where to Spot American Goldfinches

These goldfinches are prevalent throughout the state, often in elevated locations. For instance, I have witnessed 25 to 50 congregating in an aged spruce tree on my property in northern New Jersey during late summer. Therefore, seek out areas abundant with milkweed and thistle for the best chances of a sighting.

Piping Plovers

Designated an endangered species in New Jersey since 1984, the Piping Plover nests on beaches during summer and is sensitive to human disruption.

Best Time to Spot Piping Plovers

This migratory bird can be observed in New Jersey from early March through mid-April and from mid-July until late September. Migration typically begins with females departing first, followed by males and juveniles.

Best Places to Spot Piping Plovers

Piping Plovers nest along New Jersey’s Atlantic Coast, specifically from Sandy Hook to Cape May County. Their nesting habitats are typically oceanfront beaches and barrier islands, often situated between the dunes and the high tide line. Island Beach State Park is an excellent location with a variety of other bird species present.

Males are the first to arrive to scout potential nesting sites, digging multiple nests, known as scrapes. If a nest proves successful, they often return for subsequent breeding seasons; otherwise, they relocate nearby.

In response to predators, chicks remain motionless while parents engage in distraction techniques, sometimes feigning injury to lure threats away. This remarkable behavior highlights their resourcefulness.

Best Ways to See Piping Plovers

This species faces significant challenges due to predation and increased beach recreation. Thus, conservation efforts are crucial. Engaging as a volunteer in initiatives aimed at protecting Piping Plovers and their nests provides a unique opportunity to observe these remarkable birds while contributing to their conservation efforts.

Red Knots

Protected federally under the Migratory Bird Act, Red Knots are listed as endangered in New Jersey.

Best Time to Spot Red Knots

These migratory birds arrive in Delaware Bay in New Jersey during May, showcasing their full breeding plumage before migrating northward to their breeding grounds in the Arctic tundra. Their presence peaks by late May with numbers reaching approximately 20,000; however, their food source—horseshoe crab eggs—has been declining, contributing to population challenges.

Where to Spot Red Knots

Red Knots primarily feed on horseshoe crab eggs, typically found from Fortescue to Cape May. Witnessing the remarkable sight of thousands of Red Knots alongside numerous horseshoe crabs and other shorebirds is an enchanting experience.

Best Ways to See Red Knots

To maximize your chances of spotting these birds, visit the less crowded beaches near Fortescue towards late May, where the concentration of birds and crabs is often highest. This spectacle is truly unforgettable.

Great Refuges for Bird Watching in New Jersey

For those eager to observe a broader range of bird species beyond those highlighted, the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge and the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge offer exceptional viewing opportunities.

Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge

Managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the Edwin B. Forsythe refuge lies along the Atlantic Coast, north of Atlantic City. Situated along crucial flight paths on the Atlantic Flyway, it protects 40,000 acres of southern coastal habitats and tidal wetlands.

This refuge is a key resting and feeding area during spring and fall migrations, hosting thousands of wading and shorebirds, alongside 3,000 acres of woodlands where visitors can spot songbirds, box turtles, white-tailed deer, and woodcocks. Visitors have the option to drive through the refuge for scenic views or to stop and walk various trails. However, be cautious of horseflies and other pests during peak seasons.

Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge

Situated just 26 miles west of Times Square, the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge covers 7,800 acres and is also managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. This sanctuary within the Northeastern coastal forests ecoregion is a vital resting and feeding area for approximately 244 bird species, making it another prime location for bird watching.

Cape May Bird Observatory

Recognized by National Geographic as one of the premier birding destinations globally, the Cape May Observatory, operated by NJ Audubon, has been conducting birding programs and conservation initiatives since the 1970s, establishing itself as a leader in avian conservation in the state.

Concluding Thoughts

New Jersey’s diverse landscapes serve as vital habitats for numerous bird species both during migration and as permanent residences. The state boasts an impressive variety of species that utilize its coastline as a crucial stopover and feeding ground between wintering and breeding habitats. Therefore, New Jersey represents an invaluable location for firsthand bird-watching experiences.