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

5/31/2026Union Road Kingwood Twp.1 observed

Swainson's Warbler

Limnothlypis swainsonii

5/31/2026Old Mine Road IBA (Warren County only)1 observed

Dickcissel

Spiza americana

5/31/2026Alpha, Oberly Road1 observed

Vesper Sparrow

Pooecetes gramineus

5/31/2026Alpha, Oberly Road1 observed

Brown Booby

Sula leucogaster

5/30/2026Spruce Run Reservoir--Boat Launch1 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

5/30/2026Old Mine Road IBA (Warren County only)2 observed

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

5/30/2026Old Mine Road IBA (Warren County only)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Eastern Kingbird

15/31/2026

Yellow-throated Vireo

15/31/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

15/31/2026

Eastern Bluebird

25/31/2026

Cedar Waxwing

25/31/2026

Field Sparrow

15/31/2026

Baltimore Oriole

15/31/2026

Mourning Dove

45/29/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

55/29/2026

Turkey Vulture

25/29/2026

Osprey

15/29/2026

Bald Eagle

15/29/2026

Peregrine Falcon

15/29/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

15/29/2026

Blue Jay

15/29/2026

Bank Swallow

15/29/2026

Tree Swallow

205/29/2026

Purple Martin

25/29/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

15/29/2026

Barn Swallow

155/29/2026

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.