River/Riparian birding habitat

Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
River/RiparianWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 208 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian and wetland habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

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

Dark-eyed Junco

Junco hyemalis

7/14/2026Appalachian National Scenic Trail, Branchville US-NJ 41.15805, -74.822802 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

7/12/2026Bear Swamp WMA4 observed

Laughing Gull

Leucophaeus atricilla

7/11/2026Monksville Reservoir1 observed

White Ibis

Eudocimus albus

7/10/2026Downtown Sparta US-NJ1 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

7/8/2026Clinton Road P-7 (Bearfort Waters)1 observed

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

7/6/2026Culvers Lake2 observed

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

7/6/2026Culvers Lake3 observed

Golden-crowned Kinglet

Regulus satrapa

7/3/2026La Rue Road (Newark Watershed)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

207/14/2026

Sandhill Crane

117/14/2026

Tree Swallow

77/14/2026

Marsh Wren

37/14/2026

American Robin

107/14/2026

Chipping Sparrow

27/14/2026

Swamp Sparrow

17/14/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

407/14/2026

Indigo Bunting

27/14/2026

Canada Goose

87/14/2026

Purple Martin

47/14/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

17/14/2026

Gray Catbird

17/14/2026

Northern Mockingbird

27/14/2026

American Goldfinch

17/14/2026

Song Sparrow

57/14/2026

Common Yellowthroat

17/14/2026

Mourning Dove

127/13/2026

Turkey Vulture

77/13/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/13/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge include Belted Kingfisher, Yellow Warbler, Song Sparrow, Great Blue Heron, Cedar Waxwing. The area supports river/riparian, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge?
Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.