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

Boat-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus major

5/31/2026Amasa Landing (use Edwin B Forsythe NWR--Burlington County Saltmarsh for checklists from watercraft)1 observed

Saltmarsh Sparrow

Ammospiza caudacuta

5/31/2026Amasa Landing (use Edwin B Forsythe NWR--Burlington County Saltmarsh for checklists from watercraft)1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

5/31/2026Stafford Avenue, Stafford Township, New Jersey, US (39.694, -74.238)1 observed

Pectoral Sandpiper

Calidris melanotos

5/31/2026Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, Absecon US-NJ 39.53493, -74.422483 observed

Gull-billed Tern

Gelochelidon nilotica

5/31/2026Franklin Parker Preserve--Main Section (includes Chatsworth Lake)2 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

5/31/2026USGS BBS Spraguetown 3 481 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

5/31/2026USGS BBS Spraguetown 3 461 observed

Snowy Egret

Egretta thula

5/31/2026Amasa Landing (use Edwin B Forsythe NWR--Burlington County Saltmarsh for checklists from watercraft)6 observed

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

5/31/2026Amasa Landing (use Edwin B Forsythe NWR--Burlington County Saltmarsh for checklists from watercraft)2 observed

Chestnut-sided Warbler

Setophaga pensylvanica

5/30/2026Stafford Avenue, Stafford Township, New Jersey, US (39.694, -74.238)1 observed

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

5/30/2026Batsto1 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

5/30/2026Franklin Parker Preserve--Goodwater1 observed

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

5/29/2026Franklin Parker Preserve--Main Section (includes Chatsworth Lake)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

45/31/2026

Killdeer

15/31/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

15/31/2026

Forster's Tern

25/31/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/31/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

25/31/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/31/2026

Tufted Titmouse

15/31/2026

Tree Swallow

35/31/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

25/31/2026

Northern House Wren

15/31/2026

Brown Thrasher

15/31/2026

Cedar Waxwing

35/31/2026

Chipping Sparrow

25/31/2026

Eastern Towhee

15/31/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

35/31/2026

Ovenbird

15/31/2026

Common Yellowthroat

25/31/2026

Pine Warbler

15/31/2026

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.