a couple of birds standing on top of a lush green field

Lord Stirling Park

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
Urban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Trails: dawn to dusk daily; Center: 9 AM - 5 PM

About This Location

Lord Stirling Park is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 235 species recorded on eBird. This urban park habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mourning Dove, and Red-bellied Woodpecker 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

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

7/18/2026New Jersey Turnpike S, Edison US-NJ (40.4898,-74.3947)1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

7/17/2026Orange Reservoir1 observed

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

7/16/2026Commerce Road Wetlands1 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

7/16/2026West Essex Wetlands, Livingston, New Jersey, US (40.808, -74.344)2 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

7/15/2026Lagoon1 observed

American Oystercatcher

Haematopus palliatus

7/14/2026Marciante-Jackson-Millet Park2 observed

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

7/13/2026Manville1 observed

Barred Owl

Strix varia

7/13/2026Hatfield Swamp IBA--Great Piece Meadow1 observed

Monk Parakeet

Myiopsitta monachus

7/13/2026South Mountain Reservation below Crest Drive1 observed

Least Flycatcher

Empidonax minimus

7/12/2026Clark Drive, Mt. Olive, NJ1 observed

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

7/12/2026Commerce Road Wetlands1 observed

Rock Pigeon

Columba livia

7/12/2026South Mountain Reservation below Crest Drive1 observed

Hooded Merganser

Lophodytes cucullatus

7/12/2026River Rd. marshes and RR tracks1 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

7/12/2026River Rd. marshes and RR tracks1 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

7/10/2026Willowwood Arboretum (Morris County)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

17/17/2026

Wild Turkey

17/17/2026

Mourning Dove

17/17/2026

Chimney Swift

17/17/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/17/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/17/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/17/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

17/17/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

17/17/2026

Northern Flicker

27/17/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

27/17/2026

Willow Flycatcher

17/17/2026

Eastern Phoebe

47/17/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

27/17/2026

Yellow-throated Vireo

17/17/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

37/17/2026

Blue Jay

57/17/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

17/17/2026

Tufted Titmouse

47/17/2026

Purple Martin

47/17/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Visit at dawn for peak songbird activity before crowds arrive.

  2. 2

    Check flowering trees and berry-producing shrubs for seasonal migrants.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

  4. 4

    Check eBird hotspot data before visiting to see recent sightings and what species are being reported.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Lord Stirling Park for birding?
The best months to visit Lord Stirling Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Lord Stirling Park?
Notable species at Lord Stirling Park include Canada Goose, Mourning Dove, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Killdeer, American Woodcock, Merlin, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, House Sparrow, House Finch. The area supports urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lord Stirling Park?
Birding at Lord Stirling Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Lord Stirling Park?
There is no entrance fee at Lord Stirling Park. Hours: Trails: dawn to dusk daily; Center: 9 AM - 5 PM.
What amenities are available at Lord Stirling Park?
Lord Stirling Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.