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

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

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

Common Loon

Gavia immer

7/15/2026Lagoon1 observed

Eastern Meadowlark

Sturnella magna

7/14/2026Heavenly Farms

American Oystercatcher

Haematopus palliatus

7/14/2026Marciante-Jackson-Millet Park2 observed

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

7/13/2026Manville1 observed

Dickcissel

Spiza americana

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

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum

7/12/2026Cranbury--Liberty Way & Half Acre Rd. Area2 observed

Hooded Merganser

Lophodytes cucullatus

7/12/2026River Rd. marshes and RR tracks1 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

7/12/2026River Rd. marshes and RR tracks1 observed

Surf Scoter

Melanitta perspicillata

7/10/2026Cliffwood Beach Waterfront Park1 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

7/10/2026Tenacre1 observed

Virginia Rail

Rallus limicola

7/10/2026Linden Hawk Rise Sanctuary1 observed

Gull-billed Tern

Gelochelidon nilotica

7/7/2026Conaskonk Point1 observed

Black Tern

Chlidonias niger

7/6/2026Garden State Parkway N, Sayreville US-NJ 40.45400, -74.272861 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

17/17/2026

Mourning Dove

97/17/2026

Great Egret

17/17/2026

Black Vulture

17/17/2026

Osprey

17/17/2026

Bald Eagle

17/17/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/17/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/17/2026

Eastern Kingbird

47/17/2026

Blue Jay

17/17/2026

Fish Crow

37/17/2026

European Starling

87/17/2026

American Robin

157/17/2026

House Sparrow

47/17/2026

House Finch

37/17/2026

American Goldfinch

47/17/2026

Song Sparrow

47/17/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

147/17/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

17/17/2026

Common Grackle

57/17/2026

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.