Hackensack Meadowlands Conservation and Wildlife Area

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
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

Loading map...

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

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

3/6/2026North 5th Street Pier and Park1 observed

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

3/6/2026New York, New York, US (40.799, -73.975)1 observed

Wild Turkey

Meleagris gallopavo

3/6/2026Liberty Island/Statue of Liberty (NY County)1 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

3/6/2026Hudson River Greenway--145th-155th St.1 observed

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

3/6/2026Hudson River Greenway--145th-155th St.3 observed

Field Sparrow

Spizella pusilla

3/6/2026Stuyvesant Town-Peter Cooper Village1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

3/6/2026Governors Island (N.Y. County)1 observed

American Wigeon

Mareca americana

3/6/2026Governors Island (N.Y. County)4 observed

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.