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

6/2/2026home2 observed

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

6/1/2026Manalapn NJ3 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

5/31/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR--Murray Grove1 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

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

5/30/2026Island Beach SP--Reed's Road1 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

5/30/2026Colliers Mills WMA1 observed

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Contopus cooperi

5/30/2026Big Brook Park1 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

5/29/2026Island Beach SP--Reed's Road1 observed

Pileated Woodpecker

Dryocopus pileatus

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

26/2/2026

Laughing Gull

36/2/2026

Turkey Vulture

96/2/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

36/2/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

16/2/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

26/2/2026

White-eyed Vireo

36/2/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

56/2/2026

Blue Jay

36/2/2026

Carolina Chickadee

16/2/2026

Tufted Titmouse

16/2/2026

Purple Martin

26/2/2026

Barn Swallow

16/2/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

16/2/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

46/2/2026

Northern House Wren

16/2/2026

Carolina Wren

16/2/2026

Gray Catbird

96/2/2026

Wood Thrush

16/2/2026

American Robin

26/2/2026

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.