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

Winter Wren

Troglodytes hiemalis

6/1/2026Duke Farms IBA1 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

6/1/2026Colonial Park1 observed

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

6/1/2026Great Kills Park--Mudflats1 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

6/1/2026Clove Lakes Park1 observed

Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga magnolia

6/1/2026Clove Lakes Park1 observed

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

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

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

6/1/2026Lord Stirling Park1 observed

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

6/1/2026Lord Stirling Park1 observed

Kentucky Warbler

Geothlypis formosa

6/1/2026Wolfe's Pond Park1 observed

Mourning Warbler

Geothlypis philadelphia

6/1/2026Lord Stirling Park

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

5/31/2026Monmouth Junction1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

25/30/2026

Rock Pigeon

55/30/2026

Mourning Dove

55/30/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

15/30/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/30/2026

Cooper's Hawk

15/30/2026

Northern Flicker

25/30/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/30/2026

Eastern Kingbird

15/30/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

15/30/2026

Blue Jay

25/30/2026

American Crow

15/30/2026

Tree Swallow

15/30/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

15/30/2026

Barn Swallow

15/30/2026

European Starling

105/30/2026

American Robin

55/30/2026

Cedar Waxwing

305/30/2026

House Finch

25/30/2026

Chipping Sparrow

15/30/2026

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.