a view of a body of water with trees in the background

Garret Mountain Reservation (Park)

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
MountainUrban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk

About This Location

Garret Mountain Reservation (Park) is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 232 species recorded on eBird. This mountain 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

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

7/19/2026Fort Tryon Park1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

7/19/2026McGolrick Park1 observed

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

7/19/2026Richard W. DeKorte Park--Marsh Discovery Trail2 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

7/19/20262161 Hart Street, New York, US (40.812, -73.847)1 observed

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

7/19/2026Commerce Road Wetlands1 observed

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

7/19/2026Commerce Road Wetlands1 observed

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

7/19/2026Piermont Pier1 observed

Laughing Gull

Leucophaeus atricilla

7/19/2026Piermont Pier1 observed

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

7/19/2026Piermont Pier3 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

7/19/2026Piermont Pier1 observed

Monk Parakeet

Myiopsitta monachus

7/18/2026Inwood Hill Park2 observed

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

7/18/2026Richard W. DeKorte Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

87/19/2026

Mourning Dove

17/19/2026

Chimney Swift

17/19/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/19/2026

European Starling

17/19/2026

Gray Catbird

17/19/2026

Wood Duck

97/15/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/15/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/15/2026

Downy Woodpecker

37/15/2026

Northern Flicker

47/15/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

27/15/2026

Eastern Phoebe

17/15/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

47/15/2026

Blue Jay

27/15/2026

Tufted Titmouse

47/15/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

127/15/2026

Barn Swallow

17/15/2026

Northern House Wren

17/15/2026

Carolina Wren

17/15/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring layers as mountain weather changes rapidly at elevation.

  2. 2

    Check exposed ridges and thermals for soaring raptors and swifts.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

  4. 4

    Check eBird hotspot data before visiting to see recent sightings and what species are being reported.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Garret Mountain Reservation (Park) for birding?
The best months to visit Garret Mountain Reservation (Park) for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Garret Mountain Reservation (Park)?
Notable species at Garret Mountain Reservation (Park) include Canada Goose, Mallard, American Black Duck, Hooded Merganser, Mourning Dove, American Woodcock, Carolina Wren, American Robin, White-throated Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, American Herring Gull, American Kestrel. The area supports mountain, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Garret Mountain Reservation (Park)?
Birding at Garret Mountain Reservation (Park) is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Garret Mountain Reservation (Park)?
There is no entrance fee at Garret Mountain Reservation (Park). Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
What amenities are available at Garret Mountain Reservation (Park)?
Garret Mountain Reservation (Park) offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.