a red and white light house sitting on top of a hill

Barnegat Lighthouse State Park

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free (lighthouse climb $3)

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk

About This Location

Barnegat Lighthouse State Park is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 312 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Brant, Canada Goose, and Mallard among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Common Eider

Somateria mollissima

6/1/2026Island Beach SP--Great Sedge Island1 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

5/31/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR--Murray Grove1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

5/31/2026Stafford Avenue, Stafford Township, New Jersey, US (39.694, -74.238)1 observed

Roseate Tern

Sterna dougallii

5/31/2026Barnegat Lighthouse SP2 observed

Bay-breasted Warbler

Setophaga castanea

5/31/2026Barnegat Lighthouse SP1 observed

Purple Sandpiper

Calidris maritima

5/31/2026Barnegat Lighthouse SP35 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

5/30/2026Island Beach SP--Reed's Road1 observed

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Contopus cooperi

5/30/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR--Cedar Bonnet Island2 observed

Prothonotary Warbler

Protonotaria citrea

5/29/2026Stafford Avenue, Stafford Township, New Jersey, US (39.694, -74.238)1 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

5/29/2026Island Beach SP--Reed's Road1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/28/2026Wells Mills Park1 observed

Savannah Sparrow

Passerculus sandwichensis

5/28/2026Island Beach SP (please consider using more specific locations)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

46/2/2026

Mallard

26/2/2026

Mourning Dove

56/2/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

16/2/2026

American Oystercatcher

46/2/2026

Piping Plover

16/2/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

96/2/2026

Laughing Gull

86/2/2026

American Herring Gull

36/2/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

406/2/2026

Black Skimmer

46/2/2026

Least Tern

506/2/2026

Caspian Tern

26/2/2026

Forster's Tern

26/2/2026

Common Tern

16/2/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

36/2/2026

Great Egret

16/2/2026

Osprey

16/2/2026

Willow Flycatcher

16/2/2026

Blue Jay

16/2/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

  4. 4

    Consider purchasing an annual parks pass if you plan to visit multiple times.

  5. 5

    Check tide tables before visiting — low tide exposes mudflats that attract the most shorebirds.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Barnegat Lighthouse State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Barnegat Lighthouse State Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Barnegat Lighthouse State Park?
Notable species at Barnegat Lighthouse State Park include Brant, Canada Goose, Mallard, Common Eider, Harlequin Duck, Ring-necked Duck, Carolina Wren, House Finch, Dark-eyed Junco, White-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Mourning Dove. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Barnegat Lighthouse State Park?
Birding at Barnegat Lighthouse State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Barnegat Lighthouse State Park?
The entrance fee at Barnegat Lighthouse State Park is Free (lighthouse climb $3). Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
What amenities are available at Barnegat Lighthouse State Park?
Barnegat Lighthouse State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.