Swartswood State Park - Swartswood Lake

New Jersey · Northeast

EasyView on eBird Directions

Habitat

Lake

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

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

Turkey Vulture Bald Eagle Red-tailed Hawk Red-bellied Woodpecker American Crow

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Red Crossbill (Appalachian or type 1)

Loxia curvirostra

7/20/2026White House2 observed

Laughing Gull

Leucophaeus atricilla

7/19/2026436 New Jersey 94, Newton, New Jersey, US (41.039, -74.812)1 observed

American Woodcock

Scolopax minor

7/17/2026Mount "N" Meadow, Blairstown1 observed

Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga magnolia

7/16/2026Old Mine Road IBA (Warren County only)1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

7/14/2026Delaware Water Gap NRA--Pompey Rd1 observed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

7/13/2026NJ - NoBeBoSco (private)2 observed

Least Flycatcher

Empidonax minimus

7/12/2026Clark Drive, Mt. Olive, NJ1 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

7/12/2026Bear Swamp WMA4 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

7/12/2026Johnsonburg Swamp Preserve (Warren Co.)1 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

7/12/2026Johnsonburg Swamp Preserve (Warren Co.)3 observed

Virginia Rail

Rallus limicola

7/12/2026Johnsonburg Swamp Preserve (Warren Co.)1 observed

White Ibis

Eudocimus albus

7/10/2026Downtown Sparta US-NJ1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Ring-billed Gull

17/14/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/14/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/14/2026

Turkey Vulture

27/14/2026

Fish Crow

17/14/2026

Tree Swallow

27/14/2026

Gray Catbird

17/14/2026

Birding Tips

1
Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.
2
Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.
3
Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Amenities

Parking

Restrooms

Trails

Visitor Center

More in New Jersey

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Premier Atlantic Flyway migration hotspot with legendary fall raptor flights.

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Allaire State Park

Forest birding hotspot in New Jersey with 218 recorded species.

New Jersey Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in New Jersey →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Where to See Bald Eagles

11 min read

Bird Identification: The Four Keys

11 min read

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.