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

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

7/20/2026Kingwood Township Park2 observed

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

7/20/2026Spruce Run Recreation Area2 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

7/19/2026Lake Minsi

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

7/19/2026Historic Bethlehem1 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

7/19/2026Bicentennial Park1 observed

Pectoral Sandpiper

Calidris melanotos

7/18/2026Spruce Run Recreation Area3 observed

Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga magnolia

7/16/2026Old Mine Road IBA (Warren County only)1 observed

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Calidris pusilla

7/11/2026Spruce Run Recreation Area1 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

7/10/2026Housenick Memorial Park/Archibald Johnston Conservation Area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

17/18/2026

Ring-billed Gull

47/18/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

147/18/2026

Osprey

17/18/2026

Cooper's Hawk

17/18/2026

Bald Eagle

17/18/2026

Eastern Kingbird

17/18/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

37/18/2026

Barn Swallow

27/18/2026

Northern House Wren

17/18/2026

Gray Catbird

37/18/2026

American Robin

17/18/2026

Cedar Waxwing

27/18/2026

American Goldfinch

57/18/2026

Field Sparrow

17/18/2026

Song Sparrow

17/18/2026

Eastern Towhee

17/18/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

17/18/2026

Chimney Swift

37/14/2026

Black Vulture

37/14/2026

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.