Forest birding habitat

Cheesequake State Park

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Cheesequake State Park is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 216 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, American Black Duck, and Greater Scaup 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-capped Chickadee

Poecile atricapillus

4/18/2026Manalapn NJ1 observed

Iceland Gull

Larus glaucoides

4/18/2026Sandy Hook--C Lot & Beach1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

4/18/2026Backyard/Princeton1 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

4/18/2026Ernest L. Oros Wildlife Preserve1 observed

Virginia Rail

Rallus limicola

4/18/2026Ernest L. Oros Wildlife Preserve1 observed

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

4/18/2026Ernest L. Oros Wildlife Preserve1 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

4/18/2026Ernest L. Oros Wildlife Preserve1 observed

Red-eyed Vireo

Vireo olivaceus

4/18/2026Henry Hudson Trail, Atlantic Highlands US-NJ 40.41323, -74.019681 observed

Wood Thrush

Hylocichla mustelina

4/17/2026Marl Rd/neighborhood1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

184/18/2026

Mourning Dove

24/18/2026

Ring-billed Gull

4/18/2026

American Herring Gull

4/18/2026

Forster's Tern

24/18/2026

Great Egret

14/18/2026

Osprey

64/18/2026

Eastern Phoebe

14/18/2026

Blue Jay

24/18/2026

American Crow

24/18/2026

Fish Crow

64/18/2026

Tufted Titmouse

24/18/2026

Tree Swallow

34/18/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

24/18/2026

Northern Mockingbird

14/18/2026

American Robin

4/18/2026

American Goldfinch

54/18/2026

White-throated Sparrow

24/18/2026

Savannah Sparrow

44/18/2026

Song Sparrow

4/18/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Cheesequake State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Cheesequake State Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Cheesequake State Park?
Notable species at Cheesequake State Park include Canada Goose, American Black Duck, Greater Scaup, Bufflehead, Bald Eagle. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Cheesequake State Park?
Birding at Cheesequake State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Cheesequake State Park?
Cheesequake State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.