Forest birding habitat

Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Preserve

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Preserve is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 209 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Sharp-shinned Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, and Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 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

Winter Wren

Troglodytes hiemalis

6/1/2026Duke Farms IBA1 observed

Hooded Merganser

Lophodytes cucullatus

6/1/2026Old Mill Road Greenway13 observed

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

6/1/202621 Grist Mill Dr, Belle Mead US-NJ 40.43444, -74.621841 observed

Gray-cheeked Thrush

Catharus minimus

6/1/2026Capoolong Creek Wildlife Management Area1 observed

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

6/1/2026Capoolong Creek Wildlife Management Area1 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

6/1/2026Hunterdon County Sourland Mountain Preserve2 observed

Dickcissel

Spiza americana

6/1/2026Pole Farm (Mercer County Park NW)1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

5/31/2026Monmouth Junction1 observed

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

5/31/2026Holicong Park1 observed

Mourning Warbler

Geothlypis philadelphia

5/31/2026Sourlands Ecosystem Preserve--Sourland Foothills Trail, Hopewell, New Jersey, US, US-NJ2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Great Blue Heron

15/27/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/27/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

15/27/2026

Carolina Chickadee

15/27/2026

Tree Swallow

15/27/2026

Northern House Wren

25/27/2026

Gray Catbird

15/27/2026

Eastern Bluebird

15/27/2026

Wood Thrush

15/27/2026

Field Sparrow

25/27/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

25/27/2026

Ovenbird

15/27/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Preserve for birding?
The best months to visit Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Preserve for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Preserve?
Notable species at Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Preserve include Sharp-shinned Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Preserve?
Birding at Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Preserve is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Preserve?
Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Preserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.