Coastal birding habitat

Island Beach State Park

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Island Beach State Park is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 322 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts American Oystercatcher, Northern Gannet, and Horned Lark 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

Tricolored Heron

Egretta tricolor

4/18/2026Fisherman's Cove Conservation Area1 observed

Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla

4/18/2026848 Ensign Drive, Lacey Township, New Jersey, US (39.837, -74.152)1 observed

Chuck-will's-widow

Antrostomus carolinensis

4/17/2026646 Newell Ave, Manahawkin US-NJ 39.66914, -74.244231 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

4/17/2026Ocean County Parks Offices1 observed

Eastern Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

4/17/2026Ocean County Parks Offices1 observed

Worm-eating Warbler

Helmitheros vermivorum

4/16/2026643 NJ-72, Barnegat US-NJ 39.79724, -74.377581 observed

Common Eider

Somateria mollissima

4/15/2026Barnegat Lighthouse SP1 observed

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

4/15/2026Bayville Yard1 observed

Green Heron

Butorides virescens

4/14/2026Lakewood--Lake Carasaljo & Park1 observed

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

4/12/2026Barnegat Lighthouse SP1 observed

Long-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus scolopaceus

4/12/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR--Bridge to Nowhere2 observed

Pileated Woodpecker

Dryocopus pileatus

4/11/2026Slade Dale1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Brant

264/18/2026

Canada Goose

74/18/2026

Mute Swan

14/18/2026

Mallard

124/18/2026

Long-tailed Duck

44/18/2026

Bufflehead

194/18/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

14/18/2026

Rock Pigeon

24/18/2026

Mourning Dove

64/18/2026

American Oystercatcher

24/18/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

24/18/2026

Willet

24/18/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

24/18/2026

Laughing Gull

214/18/2026

Ring-billed Gull

24/18/2026

American Herring Gull

154/18/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

74/18/2026

Lesser Black-backed Gull

14/18/2026

Forster's Tern

54/18/2026

Northern Gannet

124/18/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Island Beach State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Island Beach State Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Island Beach State Park?
Notable species at Island Beach State Park include American Oystercatcher, Northern Gannet, Horned Lark, House Finch, Brant. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Island Beach State Park?
Birding at Island Beach State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Island Beach State Park?
Island Beach State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.