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

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

6/2/2026Lord Stirling Park3 observed

Least Flycatcher

Empidonax minimus

6/2/2026Mahlon Dickerson Reservation1 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

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

Canada Warbler

Cardellina canadensis

6/2/2026Central Park1 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

6/2/2026Lord Stirling Park1 observed

Mourning Warbler

Geothlypis philadelphia

6/2/2026Lord Stirling Park1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

6/2/2026Yanticaw Park1 observed

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

6/2/2026Bryant Park (5th-6th Ave. btwn 40th-42nd St.)1 observed

Hooded Merganser

Lophodytes cucullatus

6/2/2026Richard W. DeKorte Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

46/2/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

26/2/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

16/2/2026

Northern Flicker

16/2/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

16/2/2026

Willow Flycatcher

36/2/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

36/2/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

26/2/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

16/2/2026

Blue Jay

66/2/2026

Tufted Titmouse

26/2/2026

Tree Swallow

46/2/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

36/2/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

36/2/2026

Northern House Wren

26/2/2026

Gray Catbird

96/2/2026

Wood Thrush

46/2/2026

American Robin

66/2/2026

American Goldfinch

46/2/2026

Song Sparrow

56/2/2026

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 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.