A scenic view of a river surrounded by trees

Spruce Run Recreation Area

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
Boreal/Taiga
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

$5-$10 parking (seasonal)

Hours

Open daily, 8 AM to dusk

About This Location

Spruce Run Recreation Area is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 300 species recorded on eBird. This boreal/taiga habitat attracts Canada Goose, American Wigeon, and Common Merganser 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

Eurasian Wigeon

Mareca penelope

4/18/202615–29 Mill Pond Rd, Washington US-NJ 40.74915, -75.003852 observed

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

4/18/2026D&L blow out

Ovenbird

Seiurus aurocapilla

4/18/2026Dixon-Fleming Farm, Kingwood1 observed

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

4/18/2026Round Valley Recreation Area4 observed

Eastern Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

4/18/2026Higginsville Road area1 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

4/18/2026D&L Trail Ringing Rocks Trailhead1 observed

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

4/17/2026Near Lonely Cottage and Marienstein roads, Nockamixon Twp.1 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

4/17/2026Mill Pond Rd1 observed

Prairie Warbler

Setophaga discolor

4/17/2026DJK neighborhood1 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

4/17/2026Round Valley Recreation Area1 observed

Common Yellowthroat

Geothlypis trichas

4/17/20261836A River Rd, Upper Black Eddy US-PA 40.56979, -75.114161 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black Vulture

34/18/2026

Osprey

14/18/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/18/2026

Blue Jay

14/18/2026

Fish Crow

44/18/2026

Tree Swallow

44/18/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

14/18/2026

Chipping Sparrow

14/18/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

14/18/2026

Northern Cardinal

24/18/2026

Canada Goose

64/18/2026

Mallard

34/18/2026

Turkey Vulture

34/18/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

14/18/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/18/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

24/18/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

84/18/2026

Barn Swallow

14/18/2026

European Starling

24/18/2026

American Robin

104/18/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for boreal specialties like Boreal Chickadee and Spruce Grouse.

  2. 2

    Check spruce and fir stands for crossbills and other irruptive finches.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

  4. 4

    Check eBird hotspot data before visiting to see recent sightings and what species are being reported.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Spruce Run Recreation Area for birding?
The best months to visit Spruce Run Recreation Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Spruce Run Recreation Area?
Notable species at Spruce Run Recreation Area include Canada Goose, American Wigeon, Common Merganser, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Blue Jay, Gadwall, Mallard, American Black Duck, Green-winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck, Mourning Dove, Wilson's Snipe. The area supports boreal/taiga habitats.
How difficult is birding at Spruce Run Recreation Area?
Birding at Spruce Run Recreation Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Spruce Run Recreation Area?
The entrance fee at Spruce Run Recreation Area is $5-$10 parking (seasonal). Hours: Open daily, 8 AM to dusk.
What amenities are available at Spruce Run Recreation Area?
Spruce Run Recreation Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.