Lake birding habitat

Manasquan Reservoir IBA

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Manasquan Reservoir IBA is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 254 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Hairy 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

Black-capped Chickadee

Poecile atricapillus

4/18/2026Manalapn NJ1 observed

Tricolored Heron

Egretta tricolor

4/18/2026Fisherman's Cove Conservation Area1 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

4/18/2026Tracy PL1 observed

Wood Thrush

Hylocichla mustelina

4/17/2026Marl Rd/neighborhood1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

4/17/2026Ocean County Parks Offices1 observed

Eastern Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

4/17/2026Ocean County Parks Offices1 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

4/17/2026Manasquan Reservoir IBA--Cove Nature Trail1 observed

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

4/17/2026Wawa County Line 3291 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

4/16/2026Thompson Park (Middlesex County)1 observed

Vesper Sparrow

Pooecetes gramineus

4/16/2026Dorbrook Recreation Area, Colts Neck US-NJ 40.29823, -74.133401 observed

Blackburnian Warbler

Setophaga fusca

4/16/2026Home1 observed

Western Cattle-Egret

Ardea ibis

4/16/2026Due Process (Private Property)2 observed

Pileated Woodpecker

Dryocopus pileatus

4/15/2026Home1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

124/17/2026

Lesser Scaup

14/17/2026

Bufflehead

164/17/2026

Rock Pigeon

204/17/2026

Laughing Gull

54/17/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

64/17/2026

Osprey

14/17/2026

Cooper's Hawk

14/17/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

24/17/2026

Downy Woodpecker

24/17/2026

Blue Jay

34/17/2026

Fish Crow

64/17/2026

Carolina Chickadee

34/17/2026

Tufted Titmouse

44/17/2026

Tree Swallow

154/17/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

14/17/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

14/17/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

104/17/2026

European Starling

24/17/2026

Eastern Bluebird

34/17/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Manasquan Reservoir IBA for birding?
The best months to visit Manasquan Reservoir IBA for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Manasquan Reservoir IBA?
Notable species at Manasquan Reservoir IBA include Canada Goose, Mallard, Hairy Woodpecker, Mute Swan, Bufflehead. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Manasquan Reservoir IBA?
Birding at Manasquan Reservoir IBA is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Manasquan Reservoir IBA?
Manasquan Reservoir IBA offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.