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

Eurasian Wigeon

Mareca penelope

4/18/202615–29 Mill Pond Rd, Washington US-NJ 40.74915, -75.003852 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

4/18/2026West Essex Wetlands, Livingston, New Jersey, US (40.808, -74.344)1 observed

Rough-legged Hawk

Buteo lagopus

4/18/2026Great Swamp NWR--Pleasant Plains Rd.1 observed

Glossy Ibis

Plegadis falcinellus

4/18/2026Melanie Lane Wetlands1 observed

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

4/18/2026West Essex Wetlands, Livingston, New Jersey, US (40.808, -74.344)1 observed

Eastern Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

4/18/2026White Lake outflow1 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

4/18/2026West Essex Wetlands, Livingston, New Jersey, US (40.808, -74.344)3 observed

Vesper Sparrow

Pooecetes gramineus

4/18/2026Lord Stirling Park1 observed

Blue-winged Warbler

Vermivora cyanoptera

4/18/2026Scherman-Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary2 observed

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

4/18/2026Round Valley Recreation Area4 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

4/18/2026Lord Stirling Park1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

4/18/2026Lord Stirling Park3 observed

Sora

Porzana carolina

4/17/2026Lord Stirling Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

74/17/2026

Wild Turkey

14/17/2026

Mourning Dove

14/17/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

14/17/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

24/17/2026

Northern Flicker

34/17/2026

Blue Jay

14/17/2026

American Crow

14/17/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

14/17/2026

Tufted Titmouse

24/17/2026

Northern Mockingbird

14/17/2026

American Robin

14/17/2026

American Goldfinch

24/17/2026

White-throated Sparrow

34/17/2026

Song Sparrow

24/17/2026

Eastern Towhee

14/17/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

24/17/2026

Northern Cardinal

24/17/2026

Downy Woodpecker

44/17/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

14/17/2026

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.