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

Least Flycatcher

Empidonax minimus

6/1/2026Mahlon Dickerson Reservation1 observed

Swainson's Warbler

Limnothlypis swainsonii

6/1/2026Old Mine Road IBA:Worthington SF--Campground Rd, north section1 observed

Golden-winged Warbler

Vermivora chrysoptera

5/31/2026High Point SP--Ridge Rd.1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

5/31/2026Old Mine Road, Sussex County1 observed

Mourning Warbler

Geothlypis philadelphia

5/31/2026Mahlon Dickerson Reservation1 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

5/30/2026Old Mine Road IBA (Warren County only)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

15/21/2026

Black-billed Cuckoo

15/21/2026

Common Nighthawk

15/21/2026

Chimney Swift

15/21/2026

Bald Eagle

15/21/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/21/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/21/2026

Olive-sided Flycatcher

15/21/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

15/21/2026

Tree Swallow

15/21/2026

Carolina Wren

15/21/2026

Scarlet Tanager

15/21/2026

Northern Cardinal

15/21/2026

Indigo Bunting

15/21/2026

Green Heron

15/20/2026

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

Cape May

Premier Atlantic Flyway migration hotspot with legendary fall raptor flights.

Abbott Marshlands - John A. Roebling Park

Urban Park birding hotspot in New Jersey with 221 recorded species.

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.