Coastal birding habitat

Shark River Inlet

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
CoastalRiver/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Shark River Inlet is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 236 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and river/riparian habitat attracts Black Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, and Bufflehead 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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

44/18/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/18/2026

Northern Flicker

14/18/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

24/18/2026

Tufted Titmouse

14/18/2026

Carolina Wren

14/18/2026

Northern Mockingbird

24/18/2026

American Robin

184/18/2026

House Sparrow

84/18/2026

House Finch

64/18/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

14/18/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

14/18/2026

White-throated Sparrow

14/18/2026

Song Sparrow

104/18/2026

Northern Cardinal

44/18/2026

Mallard

24/18/2026

Willet

4/18/2026

Laughing Gull

144/18/2026

Great Egret

14/18/2026

Osprey

64/18/2026

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 Shark River Inlet for birding?
The best months to visit Shark River Inlet for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Shark River Inlet?
Notable species at Shark River Inlet include Black Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, Bufflehead, Red-breasted Merganser, Rock Pigeon. The area supports coastal, river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Shark River Inlet?
Birding at Shark River Inlet is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Shark River Inlet?
Shark River Inlet offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.