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

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

5/31/2026Pelham Bay Park--Hunter Island5 observed

Cliff Swallow

Petrochelidon pyrrhonota

5/31/2026Udall's Mill Pond2 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

5/31/2026Central Park--The Pool1 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

5/31/2026Inwood Hill Park--Spuyten Duyvil Creek1 observed

Bay-breasted Warbler

Setophaga castanea

5/31/2026Franz Sigel Park1 observed

Bicknell's Thrush

Catharus bicknelli

5/31/2026Central Park--Evodia Field1 observed

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

5/31/2026Central Park--Maintenance Meadow1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/31/2026Brooklyn Bridge Park--Pier 16 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

5/31/2026Crotona Park3 observed

Black-throated Green Warbler

Setophaga virens

5/31/2026Fort Tryon Park1 observed

Blackburnian Warbler

Setophaga fusca

5/31/2026Rockefeller SP Preserve1 observed

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

5/31/2026Piermont Pier1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

25/31/2026

Mourning Dove

25/31/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/31/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

25/31/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Northern Flicker

25/31/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

25/31/2026

Blue Jay

35/31/2026

Northern House Wren

15/31/2026

Gray Catbird

35/31/2026

Northern Mockingbird

15/31/2026

Wood Thrush

25/31/2026

American Robin

55/31/2026

House Sparrow

25/31/2026

House Finch

15/31/2026

Chipping Sparrow

15/31/2026

Song Sparrow

25/31/2026

Baltimore Oriole

25/31/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

15/31/2026

Common Grackle

45/31/2026

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.