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

Bonaparte's Gull

Chroicocephalus philadelphia

7/20/2026Lemon Creek Park1 observed

Franklin's Gull

Leucophaeus pipixcan

7/20/20261001 Riegelmann Boardwalk, New York US-NY (40.5734,-73.9784)3 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

7/20/2026Calvert Vaux Park (Dreier-Offerman Park)1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

7/20/2026Calvert Vaux Park (Dreier-Offerman Park)1 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

7/20/2026Manasquan Reservoir, Chestnut Point Parking Lot Area1 observed

White Ibis

Eudocimus albus

7/19/2026Manasquan Reservoir IBA1 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

7/19/2026Great Kills Park--Mudflats1 observed

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

7/18/2026New Jersey Turnpike S, Edison US-NJ (40.4898,-74.3947)1 observed

Black-capped Chickadee

Poecile atricapillus

7/17/2026Sandy Hook--Spermaceti Cove area2 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

7/15/2026Lagoon1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Osprey

17/17/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/17/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

27/17/2026

Blue Jay

27/17/2026

Marsh Wren

17/17/2026

Gray Catbird

17/17/2026

House Finch

17/17/2026

American Goldfinch

27/17/2026

Eastern Towhee

17/17/2026

Northern Cardinal

17/17/2026

Mourning Dove

17/12/2026

Laughing Gull

37/12/2026

American Herring Gull

17/12/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/12/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

17/12/2026

Barn Swallow

27/12/2026

Cedar Waxwing

27/12/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

37/12/2026

Scarlet Tanager

17/12/2026

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.