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

Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla

4/18/2026848 Ensign Drive, Lacey Township, New Jersey, US (39.837, -74.152)1 observed

Chuck-will's-widow

Antrostomus carolinensis

4/17/2026646 Newell Ave, Manahawkin US-NJ 39.66914, -74.244231 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

4/17/2026Ocean County Parks Offices1 observed

Eastern Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

4/17/2026Ocean County Parks Offices1 observed

Worm-eating Warbler

Helmitheros vermivorum

4/16/2026643 NJ-72, Barnegat US-NJ 39.79724, -74.377581 observed

Common Eider

Somateria mollissima

4/15/2026Barnegat Lighthouse SP1 observed

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

4/15/2026Bayville Yard1 observed

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

4/12/2026Barnegat Lighthouse SP1 observed

Long-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus scolopaceus

4/12/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR--Bridge to Nowhere2 observed

Green Heron

Butorides virescens

4/11/2026Stanley H. 'Tip' Seaman County Park1 observed

Harlequin Duck

Histrionicus histrionicus

4/10/2026Barnegat Lighthouse SP8 observed

White-eyed Vireo

Vireo griseus

4/10/2026Cedar Bridge Tavern County Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Brant

284/18/2026

Mallard

24/18/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

14/18/2026

Rock Pigeon

24/18/2026

American Oystercatcher

104/18/2026

Killdeer

24/18/2026

Laughing Gull

84/18/2026

Ring-billed Gull

14/18/2026

American Herring Gull

134/18/2026

Forster's Tern

14/18/2026

Common Loon

184/18/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

2124/18/2026

Osprey

14/18/2026

Carolina Chickadee

24/18/2026

Northern House Wren

14/18/2026

American Robin

14/18/2026

House Sparrow

64/18/2026

House Finch

24/18/2026

White-throated Sparrow

24/18/2026

Common Grackle

24/18/2026

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.