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

Glossy Ibis

Plegadis falcinellus

4/18/2026New Jersey 29, Hamilton Township, New Jersey, US (40.184, -74.729)15 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

4/18/2026Yards Island Pull-off—Rt. 29 South1 observed

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

4/18/2026Homestead Yardbirds2 observed

Black-capped Chickadee

Poecile atricapillus

4/18/2026Abbott Marshlands--Northern Community Park1 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

4/18/2026Abbott Marshlands--Northern Community Park1 observed

Blue-headed Vireo

Vireo solitarius

4/18/2026Crown St.1 observed

Eastern Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

4/18/2026Crown St.1 observed

Blue-winged Warbler

Vermivora cyanoptera

4/18/2026Princeton Institute Woods & Charles Rogers Wildlife Refuge1 observed

Ovenbird

Seiurus aurocapilla

4/18/2026Washington Crossing State Park--Nature Center1 observed

Wood Thrush

Hylocichla mustelina

4/18/2026Hamilton Veterans Park1 observed

Red-eyed Vireo

Vireo olivaceus

4/18/2026Hamilton Veterans Park1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

4/18/2026Backyard/Princeton1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

24/18/2026

Mourning Dove

44/18/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/18/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

24/18/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/18/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

14/18/2026

Northern Flicker

24/18/2026

American Kestrel

34/18/2026

Blue Jay

44/18/2026

American Crow

24/18/2026

Common Raven

14/18/2026

Tufted Titmouse

24/18/2026

Tree Swallow

54/18/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

24/18/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

14/18/2026

European Starling

4/18/2026

Brown Thrasher

14/18/2026

Eastern Bluebird

14/18/2026

American Robin

14/18/2026

House Sparrow

24/18/2026

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.