Spruce Run Recreation Area
New Jersey · Northeast
Moderate
April-May, September-October
$5-$10 parking (seasonal)
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
Swainson's Thrush
Catharus ustulatus
Purple Finch
Haemorhous purpureus
Winter Wren
Troglodytes hiemalis
Least Flycatcher
Empidonax minimus
Blue Grosbeak
Passerina caerulea
Brown Booby
Sula leucogaster
Yellow-throated Warbler
Setophaga dominica
Gray-cheeked Thrush
Catharus minimus
Bay-breasted Warbler
Setophaga castanea
Semipalmated Plover
Charadrius semipalmatus
Northern Harrier
Circus hudsonius
Dickcissel
Spiza americana
Greater Yellowlegs
Tringa melanoleuca
Dark-eyed Junco
Junco hyemalis
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Canada Goose
Double-crested Cormorant
Black Vulture
Bald Eagle
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Eastern Kingbird
American Crow
Fish Crow
Tree Swallow
Barn Swallow
Gray Catbird
Northern Mockingbird
American Robin
Cedar Waxwing
House Finch
American Goldfinch
Song Sparrow
Baltimore Oriole
Red-winged Blackbird
Northern Yellow Warbler
Birding Tips
- 1
Listen for boreal specialties like Boreal Chickadee and Spruce Grouse.
- 2
Check spruce and fir stands for crossbills and other irruptive finches.
- 3
Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.
- 4
Check eBird hotspot data before visiting to see recent sightings and what species are being reported.
- 5
Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
- Round Valley Recreation Area
- Clinton Red Mill Museum
- Spruce Run Reservoir
More in New Jersey
New Jersey Birding Guide
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