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

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

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

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

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

4/15/2026Bayville Yard1 observed

Green Heron

Butorides virescens

4/14/2026Lakewood--Lake Carasaljo & Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

34/14/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

14/14/2026

Laughing Gull

14/14/2026

American Herring Gull

14/14/2026

Turkey Vulture

24/14/2026

Osprey

14/14/2026

Sharp-shinned Hawk

14/14/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

34/14/2026

Downy Woodpecker

24/14/2026

Northern Flicker

44/14/2026

White-eyed Vireo

14/14/2026

Blue Jay

54/14/2026

Carolina Chickadee

54/14/2026

Tufted Titmouse

74/14/2026

Tree Swallow

24/14/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

34/14/2026

Red-breasted Nuthatch

14/14/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

64/14/2026

Carolina Wren

14/14/2026

European Starling

34/14/2026

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.