Urban Park birding habitat

Donaldson Park

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
Urban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Donaldson Park is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 208 species recorded on eBird. This urban park habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Ring-necked Duck 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

Black-capped Chickadee

Poecile atricapillus

4/18/2026Manalapn NJ1 observed

Rough-legged Hawk

Buteo lagopus

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

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

4/18/2026Backyard/Princeton1 observed

Wood Thrush

Hylocichla mustelina

4/18/2026Home1 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

Sora

Porzana carolina

4/17/2026Lord Stirling Park1 observed

Ovenbird

Seiurus aurocapilla

4/17/2026Mt. Loretto Unique Area1 observed

Eastern Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

4/17/2026Ernest L. Oros Wildlife Preserve1 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

4/17/2026Mt. Loretto Unique Area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Ring-necked Pheasant

14/18/2026

Mourning Dove

14/18/2026

Turkey Vulture

24/18/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/18/2026

American Kestrel

24/18/2026

Tree Swallow

304/18/2026

European Starling

24/18/2026

Eastern Bluebird

24/18/2026

Hermit Thrush

14/18/2026

American Robin

14/18/2026

House Finch

14/18/2026

American Goldfinch

34/18/2026

Chipping Sparrow

14/18/2026

Field Sparrow

24/18/2026

Song Sparrow

24/18/2026

Eastern Towhee

24/18/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

104/18/2026

Northern Cardinal

14/18/2026

Canada Goose

24/18/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/18/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Visit at dawn for peak songbird activity before crowds arrive.

  2. 2

    Check flowering trees and berry-producing shrubs for seasonal migrants.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Donaldson Park for birding?
The best months to visit Donaldson Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Donaldson Park?
Notable species at Donaldson Park include Canada Goose, Mallard, Ring-necked Duck, Lesser Scaup, Common Merganser. The area supports urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Donaldson Park?
Birding at Donaldson Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Donaldson Park?
Donaldson Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.