Lake birding habitat

Mountain Lake

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
LakeMountain
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Mountain Lake is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 213 species recorded on eBird. This lake and mountain habitat attracts Great Horned Owl, American Robin, and White-throated Sparrow 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

Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga magnolia

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

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

7/14/2026Spruce Run Recreation Area1 observed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

7/13/2026NJ - NoBeBoSco (private)2 observed

Least Flycatcher

Empidonax minimus

7/12/2026Clark Drive, Mt. Olive, NJ1 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

7/12/2026Johnsonburg Swamp Preserve (Warren Co.)1 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

7/12/2026Johnsonburg Swamp Preserve (Warren Co.)3 observed

Virginia Rail

Rallus limicola

7/12/2026Johnsonburg Swamp Preserve (Warren Co.)1 observed

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Calidris pusilla

7/11/2026Spruce Run Recreation Area1 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

7/10/2026Willowwood Arboretum (Morris County)1 observed

Willet (Western)

Tringa semipalmata

7/6/2026Spruce Run Reservoir--Boat Launch1 observed

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

7/6/2026Spruce Run Recreation Area9 observed

Willet

Tringa semipalmata

7/6/2026Spruce Run Recreation Area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

587/12/2026

Mute Swan

17/12/2026

Mallard

127/12/2026

Chimney Swift

17/12/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

17/12/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/12/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/12/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/12/2026

Eastern Kingbird

47/12/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

17/12/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

17/12/2026

Blue Jay

37/12/2026

American Crow

57/12/2026

Fish Crow

27/12/2026

Tufted Titmouse

27/12/2026

Tree Swallow

17/12/2026

Barn Swallow

37/12/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

17/12/2026

Northern House Wren

47/12/2026

Carolina Wren

37/12/2026

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 Mountain Lake for birding?
The best months to visit Mountain Lake for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Mountain Lake?
Notable species at Mountain Lake include Great Horned Owl, American Robin, White-throated Sparrow, Northern Cardinal. The area supports lake, mountain habitats.
How difficult is birding at Mountain Lake?
Birding at Mountain Lake is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Mountain Lake?
Mountain Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.