Coastal birding habitat

Cattus Island County Park

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
CoastalUrban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Cattus Island County Park is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 257 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and urban park habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and American Black Duck 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

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

7/19/2026Manasquan Reservoir--Environmental Center

White Ibis

Eudocimus albus

7/19/2026Manasquan Reservoir IBA1 observed

Black Tern

Chlidonias niger

7/19/2026Barnegat Lighthouse SP1 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

7/19/2026Island Beach SP--Great Sedge Island2 observed

Purple Sandpiper

Calidris maritima

7/19/2026Barnegat Lighthouse SP1 observed

Roseate Tern

Sterna dougallii

7/18/2026Barnegat Lighthouse SP1 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk (lineatus Group)

Buteo lineatus

7/18/2026Forked River Mountain--Wells Mills Corridor & Waretown Landfill Trails1 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

7/17/2026Shark River--Hillside Road2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

37/19/2026

Osprey

17/19/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/19/2026

Marsh Wren

17/19/2026

American Goldfinch

17/19/2026

Seaside Sparrow

17/19/2026

Saltmarsh Sparrow

17/19/2026

Eastern Towhee

17/19/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

57/19/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

17/17/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

17/17/2026

Laughing Gull

57/17/2026

American Herring Gull

27/17/2026

Forster's Tern

37/17/2026

Little Blue Heron

27/17/2026

Great Egret

17/17/2026

Eastern Kingbird

87/17/2026

Blue Jay

57/17/2026

Purple Martin

67/17/2026

Barn Swallow

27/17/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Cattus Island County Park for birding?
The best months to visit Cattus Island County Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Cattus Island County Park?
Notable species at Cattus Island County Park include Canada Goose, Mallard, American Black Duck, Bufflehead, Hooded Merganser. The area supports coastal, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Cattus Island County Park?
Birding at Cattus Island County Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Cattus Island County Park?
Cattus Island County Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.