Forest birding habitat

Scherman-Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Scherman-Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 201 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland 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

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

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

7/20/2026Commerce Road Wetlands2 observed

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

7/19/2026Commerce Road Wetlands1 observed

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

7/18/2026600 Somerset Corporate Blvd, Bridgewater US-NJ 40.58816, -74.623521 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

7/17/2026Orange Reservoir1 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

7/16/2026West Essex Wetlands, Livingston, New Jersey, US (40.808, -74.344)2 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

7/15/2026Lagoon1 observed

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

7/13/2026Manville1 observed

Barred Owl

Strix varia

7/13/2026Hatfield Swamp IBA--Great Piece Meadow1 observed

Monk Parakeet

Myiopsitta monachus

7/13/2026South Mountain Reservation below Crest Drive1 observed

Least Flycatcher

Empidonax minimus

7/12/2026Clark Drive, Mt. Olive, NJ1 observed

Rock Pigeon

Columba livia

7/12/2026South Mountain Reservation below Crest Drive1 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

7/10/2026Willowwood Arboretum (Morris County)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Chimney Swift

37/20/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

27/20/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

17/20/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

17/20/2026

Blue Jay

27/20/2026

Northern House Wren

47/20/2026

Gray Catbird

77/20/2026

Veery

17/20/2026

Wood Thrush

47/20/2026

American Robin

27/20/2026

American Goldfinch

17/20/2026

Song Sparrow

17/20/2026

Eastern Towhee

27/20/2026

Common Yellowthroat

47/20/2026

Northern Cardinal

27/20/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

17/20/2026

American Crow

17/20/2026

Baltimore Oriole

17/20/2026

Mourning Dove

17/20/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/20/2026

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 Scherman-Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary for birding?
The best months to visit Scherman-Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Scherman-Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary?
Notable species at Scherman-Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary include Canada Goose, Mourning Dove, Turkey Vulture, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Scherman-Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary?
Birding at Scherman-Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Scherman-Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary?
Scherman-Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.