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

Loading map...

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

Virginia Rail

Rallus limicola

6/1/2026Assunpink WMA1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

6/1/2026Amico Island Park1 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

6/1/2026Cinnamon Drive, Lower Moreland Township, Pennsylvania1 observed

Green-winged Teal

Anas crecca

6/1/2026Pennypack on the Delaware2 observed

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Contopus cooperi

6/1/2026Rancocas Creek Drive1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

6/1/2026Rancocas Creek Drive1 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

6/1/2026Poquessing Creek Park/Trail1 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

6/1/2026Burrs Mill Road1 observed

Ring-billed Gull

Larus delawarensis

5/31/2026451 Newell Dr, Huntingdon Valley US-PA (40.1374,-75.0423)

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

5/31/2026451 Newell Dr, Huntingdon Valley US-PA (40.1374,-75.0423)

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Calidris pusilla

5/31/2026451 Newell Dr, Huntingdon Valley US-PA (40.1374,-75.0423)

Ruddy Turnstone

Arenaria interpres

5/31/2026451 Newell Dr, Huntingdon Valley US-PA (40.1374,-75.0423)

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

5/31/2026Home1 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

5/31/2026Taylor's Wildlife Preserve1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

56/1/2026

Rock Pigeon

16/1/2026

Mourning Dove

26/1/2026

Green Heron

16/1/2026

Black Vulture

46/1/2026

Turkey Vulture

26/1/2026

Northern Flicker

16/1/2026

American Kestrel

16/1/2026

Willow Flycatcher

26/1/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

16/1/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

16/1/2026

Fish Crow

206/1/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

16/1/2026

Barn Swallow

26/1/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

16/1/2026

European Starling

1006/1/2026

American Robin

6/1/2026

Cedar Waxwing

16/1/2026

American Goldfinch

16/1/2026

Savannah Sparrow

16/1/2026

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.