Forest birding habitat

Duke Farms IBA

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Duke Farms IBA is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 229 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland 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

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

6/3/2026my yard1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

6/2/2026Lord Stirling Park3 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

6/2/2026Lord Stirling Park1 observed

Mourning Warbler

Geothlypis philadelphia

6/2/2026Lord Stirling Park1 observed

Brown Booby

Sula leucogaster

6/2/2026Spruce Run Reservoir--Boat Launch1 observed

Lawrence's Warbler (hybrid)

Vermivora chrysoptera x cyanoptera (F2 backcross)

6/2/2026Spruce Run Recreation Area1 observed

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

6/2/2026Capoolong Creek Wildlife Management Area1 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

6/2/2026Sunnyside Park1 observed

Northern Bobwhite

Colinus virginianus

6/2/2026Cider Mill Grassland Preserve1 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

6/1/2026peepers place1 observed

Winter Wren

Troglodytes hiemalis

6/1/2026Duke Farms IBA1 observed

Hooded Merganser

Lophodytes cucullatus

6/1/2026Old Mill Road Greenway13 observed

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

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

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

6/1/2026Willowwood Arboretum (Morris County)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

26/1/2026

Mallard

86/1/2026

Rock Pigeon

56/1/2026

Mourning Dove

66/1/2026

Chimney Swift

86/1/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

36/1/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/1/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

16/1/2026

Belted Kingfisher

16/1/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

16/1/2026

Downy Woodpecker

16/1/2026

Northern Flicker

16/1/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

16/1/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

26/1/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

36/1/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

16/1/2026

Blue Jay

46/1/2026

American Crow

26/1/2026

Tufted Titmouse

16/1/2026

Tree Swallow

156/1/2026

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 Duke Farms IBA for birding?
The best months to visit Duke Farms IBA for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Duke Farms IBA?
Notable species at Duke Farms IBA include Canada Goose, Mallard, Ring-necked Duck, Common Merganser, Mourning Dove. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Duke Farms IBA?
Birding at Duke Farms IBA is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Duke Farms IBA?
Duke Farms IBA offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.