Wetland birding habitat

Hackensack Meadowlands Conservation and Wildlife Area

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Hackensack Meadowlands Conservation and Wildlife Area is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 203 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

6/2/2026Central Park--The Pool1 observed

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

Stelgidopteryx serripennis

6/2/2026Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn1 observed

Pectoral Sandpiper

Calidris melanotos

6/2/2026Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge--East Pond, south end1 observed

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

6/2/2026Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge--East Pond, south end2 observed

Mourning Warbler

Geothlypis philadelphia

6/2/2026Prospect Park1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

6/2/2026Socrates Sculpture Park2 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

6/2/2026Jamaica Bay, Yellow Bar Hassock1 observed

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

6/2/2026Salt Marsh Nature Center at Marine Park1 observed

Canada Warbler

Cardellina canadensis

6/2/2026Central Park1 observed

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

6/2/2026Central Park--North End (N of 97th St. Transverse)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black-crowned Night Heron

16/2/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

26/2/2026

Gray Catbird

16/2/2026

American Robin

16/2/2026

Common Yellowthroat

16/2/2026

Rock Pigeon

106/2/2026

Chimney Swift

46/2/2026

Blue Jay

16/2/2026

American Crow

16/2/2026

European Starling

26/2/2026

House Sparrow

106/2/2026

Northern Cardinal

16/2/2026

Mourning Dove

26/2/2026

Common Grackle

16/2/2026

Downy Woodpecker

16/2/2026

Cedar Waxwing

306/2/2026

Canada Goose

16/2/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

16/2/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

16/2/2026

Barn Swallow

16/2/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Hackensack Meadowlands Conservation and Wildlife Area for birding?
The best months to visit Hackensack Meadowlands Conservation and Wildlife Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Hackensack Meadowlands Conservation and Wildlife Area?
Notable species at Hackensack Meadowlands Conservation and Wildlife Area include Great Blue Heron, Red-winged Blackbird, Mallard, Green Heron, Virginia Rail. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Hackensack Meadowlands Conservation and Wildlife Area?
Birding at Hackensack Meadowlands Conservation and Wildlife Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Hackensack Meadowlands Conservation and Wildlife Area?
Hackensack Meadowlands Conservation and Wildlife Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.