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

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

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

4/18/2026Saddle River County Park1 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

4/18/2026Saddle River County Park1 observed

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

4/18/2026The woods1 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

Vesper Sparrow

Pooecetes gramineus

4/18/2026Lord Stirling Park1 observed

Blue-winged Warbler

Vermivora cyanoptera

4/18/2026Scherman-Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary2 observed

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

4/18/2026Orange Reservoir1 observed

Eastern Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

4/18/2026Ardmore Rd1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

284/17/2026

Mallard

124/17/2026

Bufflehead

244/17/2026

Hooded Merganser

14/17/2026

Ring-billed Gull

84/17/2026

Common Loon

14/17/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

1504/17/2026

Great Egret

94/17/2026

Great Blue Heron

74/17/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

14/17/2026

Belted Kingfisher

14/17/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

34/17/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/17/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

14/17/2026

Northern Flicker

24/17/2026

Peregrine Falcon

14/17/2026

Blue Jay

64/17/2026

American Crow

14/17/2026

Tufted Titmouse

44/17/2026

Tree Swallow

64/17/2026

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.