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

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

6/2/2026Sandy Hook1 observed

Bonaparte's Gull

Chroicocephalus philadelphia

5/31/2026Sandy Hook--Spermaceti Cove area1 observed

Sooty Shearwater

Ardenna grisea

5/31/2026Auto selected 40.14189, -73.886201 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

5/31/2026Silver Lake and Ferruggiaro Park1 observed

Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga magnolia

5/31/2026Edwin B. Forsythe NWR--Brick Township (deCamp WildlifeTrail)2 observed

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

5/31/2026Big Brook Park Bradevelt Station Section1 observed

Bicknell's Thrush

Catharus bicknelli

5/31/2026Sandy Hook1 observed

Black-capped Chickadee

Poecile atricapillus

5/31/2026Sandy Hook1 observed

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Contopus cooperi

5/30/2026Big Brook Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

American Oystercatcher

25/31/2026

Least Tern

55/31/2026

Rock Pigeon

55/30/2026

Laughing Gull

45/30/2026

American Herring Gull

15/30/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

85/30/2026

Osprey

15/30/2026

Fish Crow

15/30/2026

American Robin

55/30/2026

Least Flycatcher

15/28/2026

Black Skimmer

25/27/2026

Canada Goose

25/24/2026

Mallard

25/24/2026

American Crow

35/24/2026

European Starling

35/24/2026

House Sparrow

55/24/2026

Mourning Dove

25/22/2026

Semipalmated Plover

95/22/2026

Piping Plover

15/22/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

15/22/2026

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.