Meadowlands IBA - Kearny Marsh

New Jersey · Northeast

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

Wetland

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Meadowlands IBA - Kearny Marsh is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 232 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Common Raven among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

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Notable Species

Great Blue Heron Red-winged Blackbird Mallard Green Heron Virginia Rail

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Short-billed Dowitcher (griseus)

Limnodromus griseus

7/20/2026Plumb Beach6 observed

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

7/20/2026Richard W. DeKorte Park1 observed

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

7/20/2026Richard W. DeKorte Park

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

7/20/2026Beach in between Fort Tilden and Breezy Point1 observed

Bonaparte's Gull

Chroicocephalus philadelphia

7/20/2026Lemon Creek Park1 observed

Pied-billed Grebe

Podilymbus podiceps

7/20/2026Richard W. DeKorte Park1 observed

Franklin's Gull

Leucophaeus pipixcan

7/20/20261001 Riegelmann Boardwalk, New York US-NY (40.5734,-73.9784)3 observed

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

7/20/2026Central Park1 observed

Common Nighthawk

Chordeiles minor

7/20/2026Forever Wild1 observed

Willow Flycatcher

Empidonax traillii

7/20/2026Governors Island (N.Y. County)1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

7/20/2026Calvert Vaux Park (Dreier-Offerman Park)1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

7/20/2026Calvert Vaux Park (Dreier-Offerman Park)1 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

7/20/2026Breezy Point Tip1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Great Black-backed Gull

17/20/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

47/20/2026

Snowy Egret

17/20/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/20/2026

Birding Tips

1
Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.
2
Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.
3
Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in New Jersey

Cape May

Premier Atlantic Flyway migration hotspot with legendary fall raptor flights.

Abbott Marshlands - John A. Roebling Park

Urban Park birding hotspot in New Jersey with 221 recorded species.

Allaire State Park

Forest birding hotspot in New Jersey with 218 recorded species.

New Jersey Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in New Jersey →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Meadowlands IBA - Kearny Marsh for birding?▼

The best months to visit Meadowlands IBA - Kearny Marsh for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Meadowlands IBA - Kearny Marsh?▼

Notable species at Meadowlands IBA - Kearny Marsh include Great Blue Heron, Red-winged Blackbird, Mallard, Green Heron, Virginia Rail. The area supports wetland habitats.

How difficult is birding at Meadowlands IBA - Kearny Marsh?▼

Birding at Meadowlands IBA - Kearny Marsh is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Meadowlands IBA - Kearny Marsh?▼

Meadowlands IBA - Kearny Marsh offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.