River/Riparian birding habitat

Shark River

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Shark River is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 219 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Brant, Canada Goose, and Mute Swan 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

Black-capped Chickadee

Poecile atricapillus

4/18/2026Manalapn NJ1 observed

Iceland Gull

Larus glaucoides

4/18/2026Sandy Hook--C Lot & Beach1 observed

Tricolored Heron

Egretta tricolor

4/18/2026Fisherman's Cove Conservation Area1 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

4/18/2026Tracy PL1 observed

Red-eyed Vireo

Vireo olivaceus

4/18/2026Henry Hudson Trail, Atlantic Highlands US-NJ 40.41323, -74.019681 observed

Wood Thrush

Hylocichla mustelina

4/17/2026Marl Rd/neighborhood1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

4/17/2026Ocean County Parks Offices1 observed

Eastern Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

4/17/2026Ocean County Parks Offices1 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

4/17/2026Manasquan Reservoir IBA--Cove Nature Trail1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Snowy Egret

14/14/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

24/14/2026

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

24/12/2026

Brant

1004/11/2026

Canada Goose

44/11/2026

Mute Swan

24/11/2026

American Black Duck

504/11/2026

Mourning Dove

34/11/2026

Laughing Gull

204/11/2026

Ring-billed Gull

54/11/2026

American Herring Gull

424/11/2026

Forster's Tern

34/11/2026

Cooper's Hawk

14/11/2026

Bald Eagle

14/11/2026

Field Sparrow

24/11/2026

Song Sparrow

84/11/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Shark River for birding?
The best months to visit Shark River for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Shark River?
Notable species at Shark River include Brant, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Gadwall, American Wigeon. The area supports river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Shark River?
Birding at Shark River is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Shark River?
Shark River offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.