Lake birding habitat

Boonton Reservoir

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Boonton Reservoir is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 208 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Peregrine Falcon, Carolina Wren, and Northern Mockingbird 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

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

6/1/2026Glenfield Park1 observed

Least Flycatcher

Empidonax minimus

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

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

6/1/20261 De Korte Park Plaza, Lyndhurst, New Jersey, US (40.785, -74.106)1 observed

Cape May Warbler

Setophaga tigrina

6/1/2026Yanticaw Park1 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

Mourning Warbler

Geothlypis philadelphia

6/1/2026Lord Stirling Park

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

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

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Contopus cooperi

5/31/2026Scherman-Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary1 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

5/31/2026Willowwood Arboretum1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

15/26/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

45/26/2026

Great Egret

15/26/2026

Osprey

15/26/2026

Tree Swallow

45/26/2026

Ring-billed Gull

65/25/2026

Green Heron

15/25/2026

Great Blue Heron

35/25/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/25/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/25/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/25/2026

Peregrine Falcon

15/25/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/25/2026

American Goldfinch

35/25/2026

Canada Goose

65/25/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/25/2026

American Crow

25/25/2026

Common Raven

15/25/2026

Tufted Titmouse

15/25/2026

Cliff Swallow

25/25/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Boonton Reservoir for birding?
The best months to visit Boonton Reservoir for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Boonton Reservoir?
Notable species at Boonton Reservoir include Peregrine Falcon, Carolina Wren, Northern Mockingbird, American Robin, House Finch. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Boonton Reservoir?
Birding at Boonton Reservoir is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Boonton Reservoir?
Boonton Reservoir offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.