Coastal birding habitat

Island Beach State Park - Reed's Road

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Island Beach State Park - Reed's Road is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 247 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Bufflehead, Common Merganser, and American Herring Gull 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

Black Tern

Chlidonias niger

7/18/2026Barnegat Lighthouse SP1 observed

Roseate Tern

Sterna dougallii

7/18/2026Barnegat Lighthouse SP1 observed

Purple Sandpiper

Calidris maritima

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

Ruddy Duck

Oxyura jamaicensis

7/13/2026Echo Lake Park1 observed

Great Shearwater

Ardenna gravis

7/12/2026Barnegat Inlet1 observed

Bonaparte's Gull

Chroicocephalus philadelphia

7/12/2026Barnegat Lighthouse SP1 observed

Brant

Branta bernicla

7/8/2026Barnegat Lighthouse SP1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Laughing Gull

87/18/2026

American Herring Gull

67/18/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

27/18/2026

Common Tern

47/18/2026

Royal Tern

17/18/2026

Osprey

47/18/2026

House Sparrow

27/18/2026

Song Sparrow

17/18/2026

Mourning Dove

7/18/2026

Willet

7/18/2026

Forster's Tern

17/18/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

7/18/2026

Great Egret

17/18/2026

Great Blue Heron

27/18/2026

Eastern Phoebe

7/18/2026

Eastern Kingbird

7/18/2026

Tree Swallow

7/18/2026

Purple Martin

7/18/2026

Barn Swallow

67/18/2026

Marsh Wren

7/18/2026

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 - Reed's Road for birding?
The best months to visit Island Beach State Park - Reed's Road for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Island Beach State Park - Reed's Road?
Notable species at Island Beach State Park - Reed's Road include Bufflehead, Common Merganser, American Herring Gull, American Robin, Cedar Waxwing. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Island Beach State Park - Reed's Road?
Birding at Island Beach State Park - Reed's Road 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 - Reed's Road?
Island Beach State Park - Reed's Road offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.