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

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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

Blue-headed Vireo

Vireo solitarius

6/1/2026Stafford Avenue, Stafford Township, New Jersey, US (39.694, -74.238)1 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

Roseate Tern

Sterna dougallii

5/31/2026Barnegat Lighthouse SP2 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

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

5/30/2026Island Beach SP--Reed's Road1 observed

Chestnut-sided Warbler

Setophaga pensylvanica

5/30/2026Stafford Avenue, Stafford Township, New Jersey, US (39.694, -74.238)1 observed

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Contopus cooperi

5/30/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR--Cedar Bonnet Island2 observed

Prothonotary Warbler

Protonotaria citrea

5/29/2026Stafford Avenue, Stafford Township, New Jersey, US (39.694, -74.238)1 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

5/29/2026Island Beach SP--Reed's Road1 observed

Pileated Woodpecker

Dryocopus pileatus

5/28/2026Manasquan River WMA (Ridge Rd Access, Ocean Co)1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/28/2026Wells Mills Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Laughing Gull

126/1/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

76/1/2026

Turkey Vulture

16/1/2026

Osprey

26/1/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

16/1/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

16/1/2026

Gray Catbird

126/1/2026

House Finch

16/1/2026

Eastern Towhee

56/1/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

36/1/2026

Common Yellowthroat

96/1/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

56/1/2026

Mourning Dove

35/30/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

15/30/2026

American Herring Gull

35/30/2026

Bald Eagle

15/30/2026

Eastern Kingbird

15/30/2026

White-eyed Vireo

25/30/2026

Tree Swallow

35/30/2026

Cedar Waxwing

85/30/2026

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.