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

Least Flycatcher

Empidonax minimus

6/1/2026Mahlon Dickerson Reservation1 observed

Prothonotary Warbler

Protonotaria citrea

6/1/2026Sterling Forest SP--Ironwood Drive and environs1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

6/1/2026Ridge Road Power Lines (Restricted Access)1 observed

Golden-winged Warbler

Vermivora chrysoptera

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

Swainson's Warbler

Limnothlypis swainsonii

5/31/2026Joseph M McDade Trail, Dingmans Ferry US-PA 41.22409, -74.870211 observed

Mourning Warbler

Geothlypis philadelphia

5/31/2026Mahlon Dickerson Reservation1 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

5/30/2026Wallkill River NWR--Liberty Marsh (Sussex Co.)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

16/1/2026

Turkey Vulture

56/1/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

16/1/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

36/1/2026

Eastern Phoebe

26/1/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

16/1/2026

Eastern Kingbird

16/1/2026

Yellow-throated Vireo

16/1/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

26/1/2026

American Crow

36/1/2026

Common Raven

16/1/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

26/1/2026

Tufted Titmouse

36/1/2026

Tree Swallow

46/1/2026

Purple Martin

106/1/2026

Barn Swallow

36/1/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

26/1/2026

Northern House Wren

16/1/2026

Carolina Wren

16/1/2026

Northern Mockingbird

26/1/2026

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.