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

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

7/19/2026Richard W. DeKorte Park--Marsh Discovery Trail1 observed

Cliff Swallow

Petrochelidon pyrrhonota

7/19/2026Randalls Island3 observed

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

7/19/2026Fort Tryon Park1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

7/19/2026McGolrick Park1 observed

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

7/19/2026Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge1 observed

Louisiana Waterthrush

Parkesia motacilla

7/19/2026Prospect Park1 observed

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

7/19/2026Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge--East Pond, south end1 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

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

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

7/19/2026Piermont Pier1 observed

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

7/19/2026Piermont Pier4 observed

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

7/19/2026Piermont Pier1 observed

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

7/19/2026Commerce Road Wetlands1 observed

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

7/19/2026Commerce Road Wetlands1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

7/19/2026Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Rock Pigeon

107/19/2026

Tufted Titmouse

17/19/2026

American Robin

77/19/2026

Common Grackle

27/19/2026

Northern Cardinal

17/19/2026

Mourning Dove

17/19/2026

Chimney Swift

27/19/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/19/2026

Barn Swallow

67/19/2026

Gray Catbird

37/19/2026

House Sparrow

167/19/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

27/19/2026

Canada Goose

437/19/2026

Killdeer

27/19/2026

Tree Swallow

17/19/2026

Song Sparrow

17/19/2026

Mallard

17/19/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

37/19/2026

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

27/19/2026

Peregrine Falcon

17/19/2026

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.