Coastal birding habitat

Duke Island Park

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
CoastalUrban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Duke Island Park is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 200 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and urban park habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and American Black 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

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

7/17/2026Home1 observed

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

7/16/2026Rockafellows Mill Rd (Private)1 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

7/15/2026Lagoon1 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

7/15/2026Rosedale Park, Pennington US-NJ 40.32547, -74.760621 observed

Eastern Meadowlark

Sturnella magna

7/14/2026Heavenly Farms

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

7/14/2026Spruce Run Recreation Area1 observed

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

7/13/2026Manville1 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

7/13/2026Sunnyside Park2 observed

Dickcissel

Spiza americana

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

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

7/12/2026Woosamonsa Preserve2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

507/15/2026

Mourning Dove

17/15/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

17/15/2026

Eastern Kingbird

27/15/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

17/15/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

47/15/2026

Blue Jay

37/15/2026

Carolina Wren

17/15/2026

European Starling

37/15/2026

American Robin

107/15/2026

Song Sparrow

17/15/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

67/15/2026

Northern Cardinal

47/15/2026

Chimney Swift

37/14/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/14/2026

Turkey Vulture

27/14/2026

Osprey

17/14/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/14/2026

Northern Flicker

17/14/2026

Tufted Titmouse

37/14/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

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