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

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

6/2/2026home2 observed

Sooty Shearwater

Ardenna grisea

5/31/2026Auto selected 40.14189, -73.886201 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

5/31/2026Silver Lake and Ferruggiaro Park1 observed

Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga magnolia

5/31/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR--Brick Township (deCamp WildlifeTrail)2 observed

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

5/31/2026Big Brook Park Bradevelt Station Section1 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

5/30/2026Colliers Mills WMA1 observed

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Contopus cooperi

5/30/2026Big Brook Park1 observed

Pileated Woodpecker

Dryocopus pileatus

5/28/2026Manasquan River WMA (Ridge Rd Access, Ocean Co)1 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

5/28/2026Lakewood--Lake Carasaljo & Park1 observed

Philadelphia Vireo

Vireo philadelphicus

5/28/2026Due Process (Private Property)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

136/1/2026

Chimney Swift

26/1/2026

Laughing Gull

16/1/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/1/2026

Osprey

16/1/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

16/1/2026

Eastern Kingbird

16/1/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

46/1/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

16/1/2026

Tree Swallow

26/1/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

26/1/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

26/1/2026

European Starling

36/1/2026

Gray Catbird

106/1/2026

Veery

16/1/2026

American Robin

96/1/2026

Cedar Waxwing

76/1/2026

House Finch

36/1/2026

American Goldfinch

26/1/2026

Chipping Sparrow

16/1/2026

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.