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

Loading map...

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

7/21/2026I-195 W, Jackson US-NJ 40.15993, -74.384001 observed

Dickcissel

Spiza americana

7/21/2026160 Trenton Lakewood Rd, Millstone Township US-NJ 40.16190, -74.463091 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

7/20/2026Manasquan Reservoir, Chestnut Point Parking Lot Area1 observed

Sooty Shearwater

Ardenna grisea

7/20/2026Jersey Shore Whale Watch Pelagic—4 Nov 2024—A1 observed

Cory's Shearwater

Calonectris borealis

7/20/2026Jersey Shore Whale Watch Pelagic—4 Nov 2024—A30 observed

Manx Shearwater

Puffinus puffinus

7/20/2026Auto selected 40.21390, -73.220481 observed

Scopoli's Shearwater

Calonectris diomedea

7/20/2026Auto selected 40.21390, -73.220481 observed

Pileated Woodpecker

Dryocopus pileatus

7/20/2026Westgate forest2 observed

White Ibis

Eudocimus albus

7/20/2026Shark River Park Hillside Rd. Access1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

77/22/2026

Rock Pigeon

327/22/2026

Laughing Gull

67/22/2026

Forster's Tern

47/22/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

47/22/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/22/2026

Belted Kingfisher

27/22/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/22/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

27/22/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

17/22/2026

Eastern Kingbird

17/22/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

27/22/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

27/22/2026

American Crow

17/22/2026

Fish Crow

17/22/2026

Carolina Chickadee

37/22/2026

Tufted Titmouse

17/22/2026

Tree Swallow

27/22/2026

Purple Martin

27/22/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

17/22/2026

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.