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

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

7/12/2026Piermont Pier1 observed

Laughing Gull

Leucophaeus atricilla

7/12/2026Piermont Pier2 observed

Gadwall x Mallard (hybrid)

Mareca strepera x Anas platyrhynchos

7/12/2026Liberty SP1 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

7/12/2026Central Park

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

7/12/2026Piermont Pier3 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

7/12/2026Piermont Pier1 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

7/12/2026Randalls Island--NE fields and shoreline2 observed

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

7/12/2026Fort Tryon Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

77/12/2026

American Black Duck

37/12/2026

Mourning Dove

27/12/2026

Ring-billed Gull

17/12/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

57/12/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

37/12/2026

Northern Flicker

37/12/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

17/12/2026

Blue Jay

47/12/2026

American Crow

17/12/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

27/12/2026

Tufted Titmouse

17/12/2026

Barn Swallow

17/12/2026

European Starling

57/12/2026

Northern Mockingbird

27/12/2026

American Robin

207/12/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

27/12/2026

Common Grackle

37/12/2026

Great Egret

17/7/2026

Cliff Swallow

37/7/2026

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.