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

White Ibis

Eudocimus albus

7/18/2026Manasquan Reservoir IBA1 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

7/18/2026Manasquan Reservoir IBA1 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

7/17/2026Shark River--Hillside Road2 observed

Black-capped Chickadee

Poecile atricapillus

7/17/2026Sandy Hook--Spermaceti Cove area2 observed

Ruddy Duck

Oxyura jamaicensis

7/13/2026Echo Lake Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Rock Pigeon

37/17/2026

American Oystercatcher

27/17/2026

Laughing Gull

57/17/2026

American Herring Gull

17/17/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

17/17/2026

Black Skimmer

27/17/2026

Least Tern

257/17/2026

Common Tern

47/17/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/17/2026

Osprey

17/17/2026

Song Sparrow

27/17/2026

Mallard

27/17/2026

Mourning Dove

37/17/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

27/17/2026

Least Sandpiper

57/17/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

27/17/2026

Ring-billed Gull

17/17/2026

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

17/17/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

27/17/2026

Snowy Egret

27/17/2026

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.