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

Roseate Tern

Sterna dougallii

6/3/2026Barnegat Lighthouse SP2 observed

Arctic Tern

Sterna paradisaea

6/2/2026US (39.717, -73.99)1 observed

Manx Shearwater

Puffinus puffinus

6/2/2026US (39.717, -73.99)1 observed

Sooty Shearwater

Ardenna grisea

6/2/2026US (39.717, -73.99)30 observed

Black Tern

Chlidonias niger

6/2/2026US (39.717, -73.99)1 observed

Great Shearwater

Ardenna gravis

6/2/2026US (39.717, -73.99)5 observed

Common Eider

Somateria mollissima

6/1/2026Island Beach SP--Great Sedge Island1 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

5/31/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR--Murray Grove1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

5/31/2026Stafford Avenue, Stafford Township, New Jersey, US (39.694, -74.238)1 observed

Bay-breasted Warbler

Setophaga castanea

5/31/2026Barnegat Lighthouse SP1 observed

Purple Sandpiper

Calidris maritima

5/31/2026Barnegat Lighthouse SP35 observed

Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga magnolia

5/31/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR--Brick Township (deCamp WildlifeTrail)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

46/3/2026

Mallard

36/3/2026

Mourning Dove

26/3/2026

Chimney Swift

16/3/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

16/3/2026

American Oystercatcher

26/3/2026

Piping Plover

16/3/2026

Ruddy Turnstone

36/3/2026

Sanderling

16/3/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

116/3/2026

Laughing Gull

106/3/2026

American Herring Gull

56/3/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

26/3/2026

Lesser Black-backed Gull

16/3/2026

Least Tern

26/3/2026

Forster's Tern

56/3/2026

Common Tern

16/3/2026

Royal Tern

16/3/2026

Glossy Ibis

56/3/2026

Snowy Egret

26/3/2026

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.