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

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

5/31/2026Elizabeth Kay Center/Black River Park (Chester)1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

5/31/202666 Bond St, Bridgewater US-NJ 40.58230, -74.630261 observed

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Contopus cooperi

5/31/2026South Mountain Reservation below Crest Drive1 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

5/31/2026Lord Stirling Park1 observed

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

5/31/2026Lord Stirling Park1 observed

Mourning Warbler

Geothlypis philadelphia

5/31/2026Lord Stirling Park1 observed

Nelson's Sparrow

Ammospiza nelsoni

5/31/2026River Rd. marshes and RR tracks1 observed

Virginia Rail

Rallus limicola

5/30/2026Linden Blue Acres2 observed

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

5/30/2026Duke Farms IBA1 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

5/30/2026Tremley Point (Private/Restricted Access)1 observed

American Oystercatcher

Haematopus palliatus

5/30/2026Tremley Point (Private/Restricted Access)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

25/31/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

25/31/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/31/2026

Broad-winged Hawk

25/31/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

95/31/2026

Downy Woodpecker

55/31/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

25/31/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Northern Flicker

35/31/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

75/31/2026

Willow Flycatcher

15/31/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

45/31/2026

Eastern Kingbird

45/31/2026

Yellow-throated Vireo

25/31/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

15/31/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

85/31/2026

Blue Jay

45/31/2026

Tufted Titmouse

65/31/2026

Tree Swallow

65/31/2026

Purple Martin

65/31/2026

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.