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

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

5/31/2026Monmouth Junction1 observed

Bonaparte's Gull

Chroicocephalus philadelphia

5/31/2026Sandy Hook--Spermaceti Cove area1 observed

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

5/31/2026Great Kills Park--Mudflats1 observed

Kentucky Warbler

Geothlypis formosa

5/31/2026Wolfe's Pond Park1 observed

Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga magnolia

5/31/2026Wolfe's Pond Park1 observed

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

5/31/2026Sandy Hook--North End1 observed

Tricolored Heron

Egretta tricolor

5/31/2026Oakwood Beach--tidal marshes, NW to Mill Rd.1 observed

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

5/31/2026Big Brook Park Bradevelt Station Section1 observed

Bicknell's Thrush

Catharus bicknelli

5/31/2026Sandy Hook1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

55/31/2026

Rock Pigeon

25/31/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

25/31/2026

Carolina Chickadee

15/31/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

15/31/2026

American Robin

45/31/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

185/31/2026

Common Grackle

15/31/2026

Blue Jay

15/29/2026

Marsh Wren

25/29/2026

Gray Catbird

25/29/2026

Great Egret

15/28/2026

Osprey

15/28/2026

Eastern Kingbird

15/28/2026

Bald Eagle

15/28/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/28/2026

Northern Flicker

25/28/2026

Barn Swallow

55/28/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

15/28/2026

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.