Wetland birding habitat

Hatfield Swamp IBA - West Essex Park

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
WetlandUrban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Hatfield Swamp IBA - West Essex Park is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 200 species recorded on eBird. This wetland and urban park habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mourning Dove, and Red-tailed Hawk 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

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

7/19/2026Commerce Road Wetlands1 observed

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

7/19/2026Commerce Road Wetlands1 observed

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

7/18/2026Richard W. DeKorte Park1 observed

Wild Turkey

Meleagris gallopavo

7/18/2026The Battery, Manhattan1 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

7/18/2026Central Park, New York US-NY 40.77936, -73.968991 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

7/17/2026My Backyard1 observed

Least Flycatcher

Empidonax minimus

7/17/2026Richard W. DeKorte Park1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

7/17/2026Orange Reservoir1 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

7/16/2026West Essex Wetlands, Livingston, New Jersey, US (40.808, -74.344)2 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

7/15/2026Skyway Golf Course1 observed

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Contopus cooperi

7/15/2026Garret Mountain Reservation (Park)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

27/16/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/16/2026

Northern Flicker

27/16/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

37/16/2026

Blue Jay

47/16/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

17/16/2026

Tufted Titmouse

17/16/2026

Barn Swallow

87/16/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

17/16/2026

Gray Catbird

57/16/2026

Wood Thrush

17/16/2026

American Robin

47/16/2026

Cedar Waxwing

17/16/2026

American Goldfinch

37/16/2026

Song Sparrow

57/16/2026

Swamp Sparrow

27/16/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

17/16/2026

Common Grackle

27/16/2026

Common Yellowthroat

37/16/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

37/16/2026

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 Hatfield Swamp IBA - West Essex Park for birding?
The best months to visit Hatfield Swamp IBA - West Essex Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Hatfield Swamp IBA - West Essex Park?
Notable species at Hatfield Swamp IBA - West Essex Park include Canada Goose, Mourning Dove, Red-tailed Hawk, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker. The area supports wetland, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Hatfield Swamp IBA - West Essex Park?
Birding at Hatfield Swamp IBA - West Essex Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Hatfield Swamp IBA - West Essex Park?
Hatfield Swamp IBA - West Essex Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.