Lake birding habitat

Merrill Creek Reservoir

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
LakeRiver/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Merrill Creek Reservoir is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 262 species recorded on eBird. This lake and river/riparian habitat attracts Snow Goose, Canada Goose, and American Wigeon 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

Eurasian Wigeon

Mareca penelope

4/18/202615–29 Mill Pond Rd, Washington US-NJ 40.74915, -75.003852 observed

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

4/18/2026D&L blow out

Ovenbird

Seiurus aurocapilla

4/18/2026Dixon-Fleming Farm, Kingwood1 observed

Blue-winged Warbler

Vermivora cyanoptera

4/18/2026Old Mine Road IBA (Warren County only)1 observed

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

4/18/2026Round Valley Recreation Area4 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

4/18/2026East Bangor Wetland Complex3 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

4/18/2026D&L Trail Ringing Rocks Trailhead1 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

4/17/2026Zmoda's yard1 observed

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

4/17/2026Near Lonely Cottage and Marienstein roads, Nockamixon Twp.1 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

4/17/2026Round Valley Recreation Area1 observed

Common Yellowthroat

Geothlypis trichas

4/17/20261836A River Rd, Upper Black Eddy US-PA 40.56979, -75.114161 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

34/18/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

54/18/2026

Turkey Vulture

34/18/2026

Osprey

14/18/2026

Northern Harrier

14/18/2026

Bald Eagle

14/18/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

34/18/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/18/2026

Eastern Phoebe

14/18/2026

Blue Jay

94/18/2026

American Crow

14/18/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

24/18/2026

Tree Swallow

104/18/2026

Barn Swallow

14/18/2026

Eastern Bluebird

34/18/2026

American Robin

44/18/2026

American Goldfinch

34/18/2026

Chipping Sparrow

24/18/2026

Song Sparrow

34/18/2026

Eastern Towhee

24/18/2026

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 Merrill Creek Reservoir for birding?
The best months to visit Merrill Creek Reservoir for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Merrill Creek Reservoir?
Notable species at Merrill Creek Reservoir include Snow Goose, Canada Goose, American Wigeon, Mallard, American Black Duck. The area supports lake, river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Merrill Creek Reservoir?
Birding at Merrill Creek Reservoir is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Merrill Creek Reservoir?
Merrill Creek Reservoir offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.