a tree with no leaves in the middle of a parking lot

Pole Farm (Mercer County Park NW)

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
Urban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk

About This Location

Pole Farm (Mercer County Park NW) is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 224 species recorded on eBird. This urban park habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mourning Dove, and Turkey Vulture 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

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

6/2/2026Washington Crossing State Park--Nature Center1 observed

Northern Bobwhite

Colinus virginianus

6/2/2026Cider Mill Grassland Preserve1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

6/2/2026Kinkora Trail1 observed

Winter Wren

Troglodytes hiemalis

6/1/2026Duke Farms IBA1 observed

Hooded Merganser

Lophodytes cucullatus

6/1/2026Old Mill Road Greenway13 observed

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

6/1/202621 Grist Mill Dr, Belle Mead US-NJ 40.43444, -74.621841 observed

Dickcissel

Spiza americana

6/1/2026Pole Farm (Mercer County Park NW)1 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

6/1/2026Poquessing Creek Park/Trail1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

5/31/2026Monmouth Junction1 observed

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

5/31/2026Holicong Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

26/2/2026

American Kestrel

16/2/2026

Willow Flycatcher

36/2/2026

American Crow

56/2/2026

Tufted Titmouse

16/2/2026

Tree Swallow

66/2/2026

Barn Swallow

16/2/2026

European Starling

36/2/2026

Gray Catbird

16/2/2026

Northern Mockingbird

36/2/2026

American Robin

66/2/2026

Cedar Waxwing

186/2/2026

House Sparrow

46/2/2026

American Goldfinch

46/2/2026

Grasshopper Sparrow

16/2/2026

Field Sparrow

46/2/2026

Song Sparrow

76/2/2026

Bobolink

16/2/2026

Eastern Meadowlark

16/2/2026

Orchard Oriole

16/2/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Visit at dawn for peak songbird activity before crowds arrive.

  2. 2

    Check flowering trees and berry-producing shrubs for seasonal migrants.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

  4. 4

    Check eBird hotspot data before visiting to see recent sightings and what species are being reported.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Pole Farm (Mercer County Park NW) for birding?
The best months to visit Pole Farm (Mercer County Park NW) for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Pole Farm (Mercer County Park NW)?
Notable species at Pole Farm (Mercer County Park NW) include Canada Goose, Mourning Dove, Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Wood Duck, Ring-necked Duck, Bufflehead, Hooded Merganser, Common Merganser, American Coot, House Finch. The area supports urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Pole Farm (Mercer County Park NW)?
Birding at Pole Farm (Mercer County Park NW) is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Pole Farm (Mercer County Park NW)?
There is no entrance fee at Pole Farm (Mercer County Park NW). Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
What amenities are available at Pole Farm (Mercer County Park NW)?
Pole Farm (Mercer County Park NW) offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.