Lake birding habitat

Franklin Parker Preserve - Main Section (includes Chatsworth Lake)

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Franklin Parker Preserve - Main Section (includes Chatsworth Lake) is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 222 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, and Mallard 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

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

4/18/2026Michael Huber Prairie Warbler Preserve1 observed

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

4/18/2026Sweetwater, NJ1 observed

Red-eyed Vireo

Vireo olivaceus

4/18/2026Whitesbog (Burlington County)1 observed

Scarlet Tanager

Piranga olivacea

4/18/202640 John Singer Sargent Way, Marlton US-NJ (39.8009,-74.8833)1 observed

Worm-eating Warbler

Helmitheros vermivorum

4/18/2026Budd's Bogs (restricted access)1 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

4/18/2026Budd's Bogs (restricted access)3 observed

Chuck-will's-widow

Antrostomus carolinensis

4/17/2026646 Newell Ave, Manahawkin US-NJ 39.66914, -74.244231 observed

Prairie Warbler

Setophaga discolor

4/17/20261292–1394 Jackson Rd, Atco US-NJ 39.77637, -74.806342 observed

Great Crested Flycatcher

Myiarchus crinitus

4/17/2026Dot and Brooks Evert Memorial Nature Trail1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

4/16/2026Eagle Walk1 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

4/16/2026Budd's Bogs (restricted access)1 observed

Glossy Ibis

Plegadis falcinellus

4/16/2026Budd's Bogs (restricted access)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

94/18/2026

Wood Duck

14/18/2026

Mallard

44/18/2026

Mourning Dove

24/18/2026

Eastern Whip-poor-will

34/18/2026

Killdeer

24/18/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

14/18/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/18/2026

Carolina Chickadee

14/18/2026

Tufted Titmouse

14/18/2026

Tree Swallow

114/18/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

24/18/2026

Brown Thrasher

24/18/2026

American Robin

44/18/2026

Chipping Sparrow

34/18/2026

Song Sparrow

24/18/2026

Eastern Towhee

14/18/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

194/18/2026

Common Yellowthroat

24/18/2026

Pine Warbler

14/18/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Franklin Parker Preserve - Main Section (includes Chatsworth Lake) for birding?
The best months to visit Franklin Parker Preserve - Main Section (includes Chatsworth Lake) for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Franklin Parker Preserve - Main Section (includes Chatsworth Lake)?
Notable species at Franklin Parker Preserve - Main Section (includes Chatsworth Lake) include Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, Mallard, American Black Duck, Mourning Dove. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Franklin Parker Preserve - Main Section (includes Chatsworth Lake)?
Birding at Franklin Parker Preserve - Main Section (includes Chatsworth Lake) is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Franklin Parker Preserve - Main Section (includes Chatsworth Lake)?
Franklin Parker Preserve - Main Section (includes Chatsworth Lake) offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.