Coastal birding habitat

Manasquan River Wildlife Management Area (Ridge Rd Access, Ocean Co)

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
CoastalMountainRiver/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Manasquan River Wildlife Management Area (Ridge Rd Access, Ocean Co) is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 201 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and mountain habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

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

Turkey Vulture

67/17/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

27/17/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

17/17/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

17/17/2026

White-eyed Vireo

17/17/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

27/17/2026

Purple Martin

47/17/2026

Carolina Wren

27/17/2026

Gray Catbird

57/17/2026

American Robin

47/17/2026

American Goldfinch

17/17/2026

Field Sparrow

37/17/2026

Song Sparrow

17/17/2026

Baltimore Oriole

27/17/2026

Common Grackle

17/17/2026

Common Yellowthroat

37/17/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

17/17/2026

Northern Cardinal

17/17/2026

Indigo Bunting

27/17/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

17/11/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Manasquan River Wildlife Management Area (Ridge Rd Access, Ocean Co) for birding?
The best months to visit Manasquan River Wildlife Management Area (Ridge Rd Access, Ocean Co) for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Manasquan River Wildlife Management Area (Ridge Rd Access, Ocean Co)?
Notable species at Manasquan River Wildlife Management Area (Ridge Rd Access, Ocean Co) include Sanderling, Brown Pelican, Osprey, Royal Tern, Willet. The area supports coastal, mountain, river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Manasquan River Wildlife Management Area (Ridge Rd Access, Ocean Co)?
Birding at Manasquan River Wildlife Management Area (Ridge Rd Access, Ocean Co) is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Manasquan River Wildlife Management Area (Ridge Rd Access, Ocean Co)?
Manasquan River Wildlife Management Area (Ridge Rd Access, Ocean Co) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.