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

Blue-winged Warbler

Vermivora cyanoptera

4/18/2026Walpack1 observed

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

4/17/2026Bellvale Community (restricted access)1 observed

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

4/14/2026Wallkill River NWR--Owens Station Crossing1 observed

Chimney Swift

Chaetura pelagica

4/14/2026Glenmere Lake1 observed

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

4/11/2026Home1 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

4/9/2026Wickham Lake, Warwick1 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

4/6/2026Bellvale1 observed

Red-throated Loon

Gavia stellata

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

14/18/2026

American Robin

44/18/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

14/18/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/18/2026

Eastern Phoebe

14/18/2026

Blue Jay

14/18/2026

Tufted Titmouse

14/18/2026

Carolina Wren

14/18/2026

American Goldfinch

44/18/2026

Field Sparrow

14/18/2026

Song Sparrow

44/18/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

24/18/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

24/18/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

24/18/2026

Northern Cardinal

14/18/2026

Black Vulture

14/18/2026

Turkey Vulture

34/18/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

14/18/2026

Gray Catbird

14/18/2026

Brown Thrasher

14/18/2026

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.