Forest birding habitat

Oradell Reservoir and Emerson Woods

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
ForestLake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Oradell Reservoir and Emerson Woods is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 201 species recorded on eBird. This forest and lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Ring-necked Duck, and Common Merganser 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

Ovenbird

Seiurus aurocapilla

4/18/2026Msgr. McGolrick Park, New York US-NY 40.72443, -73.943601 observed

Mute Swan

Cygnus olor

4/18/2026Roosevelt Island--FDR Four Freedoms and Parks S of Cornell Tech1 observed

Great Cormorant

Phalacrocorax carbo

4/18/2026Bowline Point Park1 observed

Hooded Merganser

Lophodytes cucullatus

4/18/2026Central Park2 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

4/18/2026Linden Hill Cemetery1 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

4/18/2026Saddle River County Park1 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

4/18/2026Saddle River County Park1 observed

Wild Turkey

Meleagris gallopavo

4/18/2026The Battery, Manhattan1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

4/18/2026Home1 observed

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

4/18/2026The woods1 observed

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

4/18/2026Sherman Creek Park and Swindler Cove1 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

4/18/2026Morningside Drive2 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

4/18/2026Highbridge Park--S of Alexander Hamilton Bridge2 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

4/18/2026Croton Point Park1 observed

Boat-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus major

4/18/2026Pelham Bay Park--Hunter Island5 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

104/18/2026

Mourning Dove

24/18/2026

Chimney Swift

14/18/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

34/18/2026

Bald Eagle

24/18/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

14/18/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

64/18/2026

Downy Woodpecker

34/18/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

24/18/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

14/18/2026

Northern Flicker

34/18/2026

Blue Jay

74/18/2026

Fish Crow

24/18/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

54/18/2026

Tufted Titmouse

24/18/2026

Tree Swallow

354/18/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

84/18/2026

Barn Swallow

54/18/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

24/18/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

64/18/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Oradell Reservoir and Emerson Woods for birding?
The best months to visit Oradell Reservoir and Emerson Woods for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Oradell Reservoir and Emerson Woods?
Notable species at Oradell Reservoir and Emerson Woods include Canada Goose, Ring-necked Duck, Common Merganser, Ring-billed Gull, Turkey Vulture. The area supports forest, lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Oradell Reservoir and Emerson Woods?
Birding at Oradell Reservoir and Emerson Woods is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Oradell Reservoir and Emerson Woods?
Oradell Reservoir and Emerson Woods offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.