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

Brown Booby

Sula leucogaster

6/2/2026Spruce Run Reservoir--Boat Launch1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

6/2/2026Church Street, High Bridge, NJ1 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

6/1/2026peepers place1 observed

Least Flycatcher

Empidonax minimus

6/1/2026South Branch Preserve (Mt. Olive Twp)1 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

6/1/2026Willowwood Arboretum (Morris County)2 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

6/1/2026Lord Stirling Park1 observed

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

6/1/2026Lord Stirling Park1 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

6/1/2026Lord Stirling Park1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

6/1/2026Ridge Road Power Lines (Restricted Access)1 observed

Greater Yellowlegs

Tringa melanoleuca

6/1/2026Spruce Run Recreation Area1 observed

Mourning Warbler

Geothlypis philadelphia

6/1/2026Lord Stirling Park

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

5/31/2026Great Swamp NWR--Pleasant Plains Rd.1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Northern Mockingbird

15/27/2026

Common Yellowthroat

15/27/2026

Wood Duck

105/23/2026

Mallard

25/23/2026

Mourning Dove

55/23/2026

Great Egret

15/23/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/23/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

35/23/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

25/23/2026

Northern Flicker

25/23/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

25/23/2026

Willow Flycatcher

45/23/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

55/23/2026

Eastern Kingbird

25/23/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

25/23/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

35/23/2026

Blue Jay

25/23/2026

American Crow

15/23/2026

Tufted Titmouse

35/23/2026

Barn Swallow

85/23/2026

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.