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

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

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

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

7/17/2026Home1 observed

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

7/16/2026Rockafellows Mill Rd (Private)1 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

7/15/2026Lagoon1 observed

Eastern Meadowlark

Sturnella magna

7/14/2026Heavenly Farms

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

7/13/2026Manville1 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

7/13/2026Sunnyside Park2 observed

Monk Parakeet

Myiopsitta monachus

7/13/2026South Mountain Reservation below Crest Drive1 observed

Dickcissel

Spiza americana

7/12/2026St. Michael's Farm Preserve1 observed

Rock Pigeon

Columba livia

7/12/2026South Mountain Reservation below Crest Drive1 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

7/10/2026Willowwood Arboretum (Morris County)1 observed

Virginia Rail

Rallus limicola

7/10/2026Linden Hawk Rise Sanctuary1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

17/7/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

17/7/2026

Chimney Swift

17/7/2026

Northern Flicker

17/7/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

17/7/2026

Yellow-throated Vireo

17/7/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

17/7/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

17/7/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

17/7/2026

Northern House Wren

17/7/2026

Wood Thrush

27/7/2026

Cedar Waxwing

47/7/2026

American Goldfinch

37/7/2026

Eastern Towhee

17/7/2026

Baltimore Oriole

17/7/2026

Blue-winged Warbler

17/7/2026

Indigo Bunting

17/7/2026

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.