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

Loading map...

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

Dickcissel

Spiza americana

7/12/2026St. Michael's Farm Preserve1 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

7/12/2026Rosedale Park1 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

7/12/2026Tohickon Valley Park--Tory Rd.2 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

7/12/2026Trenton-Mercer Airport, Ewing US-NJ 40.27725, -74.806191 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

7/12/2026Woosamonsa Preserve2 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

7/12/2026Abbott Marshlands--John A. Roebling Park1 observed

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum

7/12/2026Cranbury--Liberty Way & Half Acre Rd. Area2 observed

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

7/11/2026Home1 observed

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

7/11/2026Churchville Nature Center/Reservoir1 observed

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

7/9/2026Rosedale Lake1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

97/5/2026

Wild Turkey

17/5/2026

Mourning Dove

37/5/2026

Killdeer

17/5/2026

Great Blue Heron

27/5/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/5/2026

Osprey

17/5/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

27/5/2026

Northern Flicker

17/5/2026

Blue Jay

47/5/2026

American Crow

17/5/2026

Tufted Titmouse

17/5/2026

Tree Swallow

17/5/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

17/5/2026

Northern House Wren

47/5/2026

Carolina Wren

17/5/2026

European Starling

17/5/2026

Gray Catbird

107/5/2026

Brown Thrasher

27/5/2026

Wood Thrush

37/5/2026

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.