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

Rough-legged Hawk

Buteo lagopus

4/18/2026Great Swamp NWR--Pleasant Plains Rd.1 observed

Vesper Sparrow

Pooecetes gramineus

4/18/2026Lord Stirling Park1 observed

Blue-winged Warbler

Vermivora cyanoptera

4/18/2026Princeton Institute Woods & Charles Rogers Wildlife Refuge1 observed

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

4/18/2026Round Valley Recreation Area4 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

4/18/2026Backyard/Princeton1 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

4/18/2026P-T rd

Wood Thrush

Hylocichla mustelina

4/18/2026Home1 observed

Ovenbird

Seiurus aurocapilla

4/18/2026Pole Farm (Mercer County Park NW)1 observed

Eastern Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

4/18/2026Higginsville Road area1 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

4/18/2026Lord Stirling Park1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

4/18/2026Lord Stirling Park3 observed

Sora

Porzana carolina

4/17/2026Lord Stirling Park1 observed

Prairie Warbler

Setophaga discolor

4/17/2026DJK neighborhood1 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

4/17/2026Round Valley Recreation Area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Double-crested Cormorant

114/18/2026

Blue Jay

24/18/2026

Gray Catbird

14/18/2026

Northern Mockingbird

14/18/2026

American Robin

14/18/2026

American Goldfinch

14/18/2026

White-throated Sparrow

14/18/2026

Rusty Blackbird

14/18/2026

Northern Cardinal

14/18/2026

Canada Goose

14/18/2026

Mourning Dove

64/18/2026

Black Vulture

34/18/2026

Turkey Vulture

24/18/2026

Bald Eagle

14/18/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

14/18/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

44/18/2026

Downy Woodpecker

24/18/2026

Northern Flicker

34/18/2026

Fish Crow

14/18/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

14/18/2026

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.