River/Riparian birding habitat

Black River Wildlife Management Area

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
River/RiparianWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Black River Wildlife Management Area is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 208 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian and wetland habitat attracts Barred Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl, and Red-bellied Woodpecker 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 Bittern

Botaurus exilis

7/20/2026Pyramid Mountain1 observed

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

7/20/2026Spruce Run Recreation Area2 observed

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

7/19/2026Great Swamp NWR--Overlook1 observed

Pectoral Sandpiper

Calidris melanotos

7/18/2026Spruce Run Recreation Area3 observed

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

7/18/2026600 Somerset Corporate Blvd, Bridgewater US-NJ 40.58816, -74.623521 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

7/16/2026West Essex Wetlands, Livingston, New Jersey, US (40.808, -74.344)2 observed

Least Flycatcher

Empidonax minimus

7/12/2026Clark Drive, Mt. Olive, NJ1 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

7/12/2026Johnsonburg Swamp Preserve (Warren Co.)3 observed

Virginia Rail

Rallus limicola

7/12/2026Johnsonburg Swamp Preserve (Warren Co.)1 observed

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Calidris pusilla

7/11/2026Spruce Run Recreation Area1 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

7/10/2026Willowwood Arboretum (Morris County)1 observed

White Ibis

Eudocimus albus

7/10/2026Downtown Sparta US-NJ1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

77/20/2026

Mourning Dove

27/20/2026

Chimney Swift

37/20/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

17/20/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

27/20/2026

Downy Woodpecker

47/20/2026

Northern Flicker

17/20/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

27/20/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

17/20/2026

Blue Jay

27/20/2026

American Crow

87/20/2026

Tufted Titmouse

57/20/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

37/20/2026

Gray Catbird

47/20/2026

American Robin

57/20/2026

House Finch

47/20/2026

American Goldfinch

47/20/2026

Chipping Sparrow

127/20/2026

Song Sparrow

27/20/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

17/20/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Black River Wildlife Management Area for birding?
The best months to visit Black River Wildlife Management Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Black River Wildlife Management Area?
Notable species at Black River Wildlife Management Area include Barred Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker. The area supports river/riparian, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Black River Wildlife Management Area?
Birding at Black River Wildlife Management Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Black River Wildlife Management Area?
Black River Wildlife Management Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.