Forest birding habitat

BC Fairgrounds/Barker's Brook National Recreation Area (old Mercer Sod Farm)

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

BC Fairgrounds/Barker's Brook National Recreation Area (old Mercer Sod Farm) is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 206 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mourning Dove, and Ring-billed Gull 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

White Ibis

Eudocimus albus

7/19/2026Palmyra Cove Nature Park1 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

7/19/2026Hamilton Veterans Park1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

7/19/2026Palmyra Cove Nature Park1 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

7/19/2026Budd's Bogs (restricted access)1 observed

American Black Duck

Anas rubripes

7/19/2026Budd's Bogs (restricted access)6 observed

American Woodcock

Scolopax minor

7/19/2026Budd's Bogs (restricted access)1 observed

American Wigeon

Mareca americana

7/18/2026Palmyra Cove Nature Park1 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

7/17/2026Cinnamon Drive, Lower Moreland Township, Pennsylvania1 observed

Pileated Woodpecker

Dryocopus pileatus

7/17/202622 Holly Hill Dr, New Egypt US-NJ 40.09774, -74.477891 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

47/18/2026

Chimney Swift

17/18/2026

Laughing Gull

407/18/2026

Green Heron

17/18/2026

Turkey Vulture

27/18/2026

American Kestrel

27/18/2026

Willow Flycatcher

27/18/2026

Eastern Kingbird

17/18/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

17/18/2026

Tree Swallow

27/18/2026

Purple Martin

17/18/2026

Barn Swallow

307/18/2026

European Starling

407/18/2026

Gray Catbird

17/18/2026

Northern Mockingbird

27/18/2026

American Robin

27/18/2026

Cedar Waxwing

17/18/2026

Grasshopper Sparrow

17/18/2026

Field Sparrow

17/18/2026

Song Sparrow

17/18/2026

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit BC Fairgrounds/Barker's Brook National Recreation Area (old Mercer Sod Farm) for birding?
The best months to visit BC Fairgrounds/Barker's Brook National Recreation Area (old Mercer Sod Farm) for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at BC Fairgrounds/Barker's Brook National Recreation Area (old Mercer Sod Farm)?
Notable species at BC Fairgrounds/Barker's Brook National Recreation Area (old Mercer Sod Farm) include Canada Goose, Mourning Dove, Ring-billed Gull, American Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at BC Fairgrounds/Barker's Brook National Recreation Area (old Mercer Sod Farm)?
Birding at BC Fairgrounds/Barker's Brook National Recreation Area (old Mercer Sod Farm) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at BC Fairgrounds/Barker's Brook National Recreation Area (old Mercer Sod Farm)?
BC Fairgrounds/Barker's Brook National Recreation Area (old Mercer Sod Farm) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.