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

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

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

Hooded Merganser

Lophodytes cucullatus

6/1/2026Rosedale Park13 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

6/1/2026Hunterdon County Sourland Mountain Preserve2 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

6/1/2026Lord Stirling Park1 observed

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

6/1/2026Lord Stirling Park1 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

6/1/2026Lord Stirling Park1 observed

Dickcissel

Spiza americana

6/1/2026Pole Farm (Mercer County Park NW)1 observed

Mourning Warbler

Geothlypis philadelphia

6/1/2026Lord Stirling Park1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

5/31/2026Monmouth Junction1 observed

Brown Booby

Sula leucogaster

5/31/2026Spruce Run Reservoir--Boat Launch1 observed

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

5/31/2026Great Swamp NWR--Pleasant Plains Rd.1 observed

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Contopus cooperi

5/31/2026Scherman-Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

365/31/2026

Common Merganser

15/31/2026

Mourning Dove

15/31/2026

Chimney Swift

25/31/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

15/31/2026

Turkey Vulture

55/31/2026

Bald Eagle

15/31/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/31/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

25/31/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Northern Flicker

25/31/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

25/31/2026

Eastern Phoebe

15/31/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/31/2026

Eastern Kingbird

15/31/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

95/31/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

15/31/2026

Blue Jay

45/31/2026

Fish Crow

15/31/2026

Tree Swallow

15/31/2026

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.