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

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

7/19/2026Budd's Bogs (restricted access)5 observed

American Woodcock

Scolopax minor

7/19/2026Budd's Bogs (restricted access)1 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

7/19/2026Budd's Bogs (restricted access)1 observed

American Black Duck

Anas rubripes

7/19/2026Budd's Bogs (restricted access)6 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk (lineatus Group)

Buteo lineatus

7/18/2026Forked River Mountain--Wells Mills Corridor & Waretown Landfill Trails1 observed

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum

7/17/2026McDougall Field1 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

7/16/2026Mimi's2 observed

Ruff

Calidris pugnax

7/15/2026Tuckerton Creek1 observed

Saltmarsh Sparrow

Ammospiza caudacuta

7/14/2026Amasa Landing (use Edwin B Forsythe NWR--Burlington County Saltmarsh for checklists from watercraft)1 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

7/14/2026Michael Huber Prairie Warbler Preserve2 observed

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

7/11/2026Warren Grove Range--Pygmy Pine Plains1 observed

Common Nighthawk

Chordeiles minor

7/10/202670 US-206, Hammonton US-NJ 39.65276, -74.785741 observed

Black Tern

Chlidonias niger

7/10/2026242 S Green St, Tuckerton US-NJ 39.60031, -74.340661 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

27/19/2026

Mourning Dove

17/19/2026

Least Sandpiper

27/19/2026

Gull-billed Tern

87/19/2026

Great Egret

17/19/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/19/2026

Cooper's Hawk

17/19/2026

Bald Eagle

17/19/2026

Belted Kingfisher

17/19/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

17/19/2026

Eastern Phoebe

17/19/2026

Eastern Kingbird

17/19/2026

American Crow

17/19/2026

Carolina Chickadee

17/19/2026

Purple Martin

77/19/2026

Barn Swallow

87/19/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

17/19/2026

American Robin

17/19/2026

Cedar Waxwing

67/19/2026

Chipping Sparrow

17/19/2026

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.