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

Loading map...

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

White Ibis

Eudocimus albus

7/20/2026Fisherman's Cove Conservation Area2 observed

Black Tern

Chlidonias niger

7/19/2026Barnegat Lighthouse SP1 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

7/19/2026Island Beach SP--Great Sedge Island2 observed

Purple Sandpiper

Calidris maritima

7/19/2026Barnegat Lighthouse SP1 observed

Roseate Tern

Sterna dougallii

7/18/2026Barnegat Lighthouse SP1 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk (lineatus Group)

Buteo lineatus

7/18/2026Forked River Mountain--Wells Mills Corridor & Waretown Landfill Trails1 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

7/16/2026Mimi's2 observed

Sandwich Tern

Thalasseus sandvicensis

7/16/2026Barnegat Lighthouse SP1 observed

Great Shearwater

Ardenna gravis

7/12/2026Barnegat Inlet1 observed

Bonaparte's Gull

Chroicocephalus philadelphia

7/12/2026Barnegat Lighthouse SP1 observed

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

7/11/2026Warren Grove Range--Pygmy Pine Plains1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

American Oystercatcher

37/20/2026

Piping Plover

47/20/2026

Ruddy Turnstone

17/20/2026

Sanderling

4007/20/2026

Laughing Gull

307/20/2026

Ring-billed Gull

17/20/2026

American Herring Gull

307/20/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

207/20/2026

Lesser Black-backed Gull

37/20/2026

Black Skimmer

17/20/2026

Least Tern

17/20/2026

Common Tern

37/20/2026

Royal Tern

37/20/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

67/20/2026

Brown Pelican

167/20/2026

Osprey

87/20/2026

Eastern Kingbird

17/20/2026

Barn Swallow

27/20/2026

Gray Catbird

27/20/2026

Northern Mockingbird

17/20/2026

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.