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

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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

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

4/18/2026West Essex Wetlands, Livingston, New Jersey, US (40.808, -74.344)1 observed

Rough-legged Hawk

Buteo lagopus

4/18/2026Great Swamp NWR--Pleasant Plains Rd.1 observed

Glossy Ibis

Plegadis falcinellus

4/18/2026Melanie Lane Wetlands1 observed

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

4/18/2026West Essex Wetlands, Livingston, New Jersey, US (40.808, -74.344)1 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

4/18/2026West Essex Wetlands, Livingston, New Jersey, US (40.808, -74.344)3 observed

Vesper Sparrow

Pooecetes gramineus

4/18/2026Lord Stirling Park1 observed

Blue-winged Warbler

Vermivora cyanoptera

4/18/2026Scherman-Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary2 observed

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

4/18/2026Round Valley Recreation Area4 observed

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

4/18/2026Orange Reservoir1 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

4/18/2026Lord Stirling Park1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

4/18/2026Lord Stirling Park3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

14/18/2026

Turkey Vulture

24/18/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

14/18/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/18/2026

Downy Woodpecker

24/18/2026

Northern Flicker

24/18/2026

Blue Jay

14/18/2026

American Crow

24/18/2026

Tufted Titmouse

24/18/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

124/18/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

14/18/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

24/18/2026

Northern House Wren

14/18/2026

Carolina Wren

14/18/2026

Eastern Bluebird

14/18/2026

American Robin

104/18/2026

Chipping Sparrow

24/18/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

34/18/2026

White-throated Sparrow

24/18/2026

Eastern Towhee

14/18/2026

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.