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

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

4/18/2026West Essex Wetlands, Livingston, New Jersey, US (40.808, -74.344)1 observed

Rough-legged Hawk

Buteo lagopus

4/18/2026Great Swamp NWR--Pleasant Plains Rd.1 observed

Glossy Ibis

Plegadis falcinellus

4/18/2026Melanie Lane Wetlands1 observed

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

4/18/2026West Essex Wetlands, Livingston, New Jersey, US (40.808, -74.344)1 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

4/18/2026West Essex Wetlands, Livingston, New Jersey, US (40.808, -74.344)3 observed

Vesper Sparrow

Pooecetes gramineus

4/18/2026Lord Stirling Park1 observed

Blue-winged Warbler

Vermivora cyanoptera

4/18/2026Scherman-Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary2 observed

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

4/18/2026Round Valley Recreation Area4 observed

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

4/18/2026Orange Reservoir1 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

4/18/2026Ernest L. Oros Wildlife Preserve1 observed

Virginia Rail

Rallus limicola

4/18/2026Ernest L. Oros Wildlife Preserve1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

24/18/2026

Wood Duck

14/18/2026

Mourning Dove

24/18/2026

Virginia Rail

14/18/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

24/18/2026

Downy Woodpecker

24/18/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

14/18/2026

American Robin

64/18/2026

American Goldfinch

14/18/2026

White-throated Sparrow

34/18/2026

Song Sparrow

14/18/2026

Swamp Sparrow

34/18/2026

Eastern Towhee

34/18/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

64/18/2026

Common Grackle

24/18/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/18/2026

Turkey Vulture

4/18/2026

Bald Eagle

14/18/2026

Common Raven

4/18/2026

Tree Swallow

54/18/2026

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.