Coastal birding habitat

Raritan Bay Waterfront Park & Morgan Avenue Mudflats

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
CoastalUrban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Raritan Bay Waterfront Park & Morgan Avenue Mudflats is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 267 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and urban park habitat attracts Brant, Black Scoter, and Mourning Dove among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

Loading map...

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

Wilson's Storm-Petrel

Oceanites oceanicus

7/11/2026North Atlantic Ocean, New York US-NY (40.5311,-73.9431)1 observed

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

7/11/2026Belt Parkway: South Brooklyn Rail Yards1 observed

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

7/11/2026Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk and Beach--Ocean Breeze Fishing Pier8 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

7/11/2026South Mountain Reservation below Crest Drive1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

7/10/2026Calvert Vaux Park (Dreier-Offerman Park)1 observed

Cliff Swallow (pyrrhonota Group)

Petrochelidon pyrrhonota

7/10/2026Calvert Vaux Park (Dreier-Offerman Park)1 observed

Surf Scoter

Melanitta perspicillata

7/10/2026Cliffwood Beach Waterfront Park1 observed

Brown Booby

Sula leucogaster

7/10/2026Newark Bay1 observed

Virginia Rail

Rallus limicola

7/10/2026Linden Hawk Rise Sanctuary1 observed

Black Tern

Chlidonias niger

7/7/2026Sandy Hook--Spermaceti Cove area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Rock Pigeon

127/11/2026

Mourning Dove

97/11/2026

Laughing Gull

127/11/2026

Ring-billed Gull

37/11/2026

American Herring Gull

17/11/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

17/11/2026

Black Skimmer

17/11/2026

Least Tern

97/11/2026

Common Tern

267/11/2026

Snowy Egret

17/11/2026

Osprey

27/11/2026

Bank Swallow

37/11/2026

Purple Martin

17/11/2026

Barn Swallow

57/11/2026

Marsh Wren

57/11/2026

European Starling

127/11/2026

American Robin

17/11/2026

House Sparrow

77/11/2026

House Finch

77/11/2026

Song Sparrow

17/11/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Raritan Bay Waterfront Park & Morgan Avenue Mudflats for birding?
The best months to visit Raritan Bay Waterfront Park & Morgan Avenue Mudflats for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Raritan Bay Waterfront Park & Morgan Avenue Mudflats?
Notable species at Raritan Bay Waterfront Park & Morgan Avenue Mudflats include Brant, Black Scoter, Mourning Dove, Ring-billed Gull, American Herring Gull. The area supports coastal, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Raritan Bay Waterfront Park & Morgan Avenue Mudflats?
Birding at Raritan Bay Waterfront Park & Morgan Avenue Mudflats is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Raritan Bay Waterfront Park & Morgan Avenue Mudflats?
Raritan Bay Waterfront Park & Morgan Avenue Mudflats offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.