Forest birding habitat

Chimney Rock Hawk Watch

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Chimney Rock Hawk Watch is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 206 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

6/1/202621 Grist Mill Dr, Belle Mead US-NJ 40.43444, -74.621841 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

6/1/2026Willowwood Arboretum (Morris County)2 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

6/1/2026Hunterdon County Sourland Mountain Preserve2 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

6/1/2026Lord Stirling Park1 observed

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

6/1/2026Lord Stirling Park1 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

6/1/2026Lord Stirling Park1 observed

Dickcissel

Spiza americana

6/1/2026Cider Mill Grassland Preserve1 observed

Mourning Warbler

Geothlypis philadelphia

6/1/2026Lord Stirling Park

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

5/31/2026Monmouth Junction1 observed

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Contopus cooperi

5/31/2026Scherman-Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

25/31/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Northern Flicker

15/31/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/31/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

15/31/2026

Blue Jay

15/31/2026

Tufted Titmouse

15/31/2026

Northern House Wren

15/31/2026

Gray Catbird

35/31/2026

Brown Thrasher

15/31/2026

American Robin

45/31/2026

Baltimore Oriole

15/31/2026

Black Vulture

55/25/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/25/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/25/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

15/25/2026

Eastern Kingbird

15/25/2026

American Crow

15/25/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

15/25/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

15/25/2026

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 Chimney Rock Hawk Watch for birding?
The best months to visit Chimney Rock Hawk Watch for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Chimney Rock Hawk Watch?
Notable species at Chimney Rock Hawk Watch include Red-eyed Vireo, Scarlet Tanager, Pileated Woodpecker, Wood Thrush, Ovenbird. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Chimney Rock Hawk Watch?
Birding at Chimney Rock Hawk Watch is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Chimney Rock Hawk Watch?
Chimney Rock Hawk Watch offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.