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

Rough-legged Hawk

Buteo lagopus

4/18/2026Great Swamp NWR--Pleasant Plains Rd.1 observed

Glossy Ibis

Plegadis falcinellus

4/18/2026Melanie Lane Wetlands1 observed

Vesper Sparrow

Pooecetes gramineus

4/18/2026Lord Stirling Park1 observed

Blue-winged Warbler

Vermivora cyanoptera

4/18/2026Princeton Institute Woods & Charles Rogers Wildlife Refuge1 observed

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

4/18/2026Round Valley Recreation Area4 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

4/18/2026Backyard/Princeton1 observed

Wood Thrush

Hylocichla mustelina

4/18/2026Home1 observed

Eastern Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

4/18/2026Higginsville Road area1 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

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

4/18/2026Lord Stirling Park3 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

4/18/2026Home2 observed

Sora

Porzana carolina

4/17/2026Lord Stirling Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

House Finch

14/18/2026

American Goldfinch

14/18/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/10/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

14/10/2026

Northern Flicker

14/10/2026

Blue Jay

14/10/2026

American Crow

14/10/2026

Eastern Bluebird

24/10/2026

Eastern Towhee

24/10/2026

Northern Cardinal

14/10/2026

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.