Lake birding habitat

Swartswood State Park - Swartswood Lake

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Swartswood State Park - Swartswood Lake is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 207 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Turkey Vulture, Bald Eagle, and Red-tailed Hawk 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

Eastern Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

4/18/2026White Lake outflow1 observed

Blue-winged Warbler

Vermivora cyanoptera

4/18/2026Old Mine Road IBA (Warren County only)1 observed

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

4/18/2026Delaware Water Gap NRA--Millbrook Village1 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

4/17/2026Old Mine Road IBA (Warren County only)1 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

4/16/2026Allamuchy Mountain SP--Waterloo Village Historic Site1 observed

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

4/14/202633 Swayze Mill Rd, Blairstown US-NJ 40.88046, -75.006991 observed

Vesper Sparrow

Pooecetes gramineus

4/14/2026Ridge and Valley Charter School (Restricted Access)1 observed

Bonaparte's Gull

Chroicocephalus philadelphia

4/5/2026Budd Lake5 observed

Red-throated Loon

Gavia stellata

4/5/2026Swartswood SP--Swartswood Lake1 observed

Eastern Meadowlark

Sturnella magna

4/5/2026Kenvil Lake1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Ring-necked Duck

14/17/2026

Bufflehead

544/17/2026

Ruddy Duck

74/17/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

14/17/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

14/17/2026

Song Sparrow

14/17/2026

Mute Swan

14/15/2026

Wood Duck

24/15/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

14/15/2026

Tree Swallow

104/15/2026

Northern House Wren

14/15/2026

Carolina Wren

14/15/2026

House Sparrow

44/15/2026

Eastern Towhee

14/15/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

24/15/2026

Canada Goose

44/15/2026

Mourning Dove

34/14/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/14/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/14/2026

Northern Flicker

24/14/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Swartswood State Park - Swartswood Lake for birding?
The best months to visit Swartswood State Park - Swartswood Lake for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Swartswood State Park - Swartswood Lake?
Notable species at Swartswood State Park - Swartswood Lake include Turkey Vulture, Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, Red-bellied Woodpecker, American Crow. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Swartswood State Park - Swartswood Lake?
Birding at Swartswood State Park - Swartswood Lake is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Swartswood State Park - Swartswood Lake?
Swartswood State Park - Swartswood Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.