Coastal birding habitat

Island Beach State Park - Spizzle Creek Blind Trail

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
CoastalRiver/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Island Beach State Park - Spizzle Creek Blind Trail is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 243 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and river/riparian habitat attracts Brant, Canada Goose, and American Black Duck 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

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

6/2/2026Island Beach SP (please consider using more specific locations)14 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

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

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

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/28/2026Wells Mills Park1 observed

Savannah Sparrow

Passerculus sandwichensis

5/28/2026Island Beach SP (please consider using more specific locations)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Short-billed Dowitcher

15/31/2026

Common Tern

15/31/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

25/31/2026

White Ibis

65/31/2026

Glossy Ibis

45/31/2026

Snowy Egret

15/31/2026

Osprey

45/31/2026

Eastern Kingbird

15/31/2026

Gray Catbird

25/31/2026

Cedar Waxwing

25/31/2026

Eastern Towhee

25/31/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

45/31/2026

Boat-tailed Grackle

25/31/2026

Mallard

15/29/2026

Mourning Dove

45/29/2026

Black-billed Cuckoo

15/29/2026

Clapper Rail

25/29/2026

Willet

55/29/2026

Dunlin

35/29/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

105/29/2026

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 - Spizzle Creek Blind Trail for birding?
The best months to visit Island Beach State Park - Spizzle Creek Blind Trail for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Island Beach State Park - Spizzle Creek Blind Trail?
Notable species at Island Beach State Park - Spizzle Creek Blind Trail include Brant, Canada Goose, American Black Duck, Greater Scaup, Bufflehead. The area supports coastal, river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Island Beach State Park - Spizzle Creek Blind Trail?
Birding at Island Beach State Park - Spizzle Creek Blind Trail 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 - Spizzle Creek Blind Trail?
Island Beach State Park - Spizzle Creek Blind Trail offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.