Christina Mastroeni 
When the weather is warmer, it’s natural for New Jerseyans to make their way out of their homes and into nature to enjoy hiking, nature walks, + strolls for iced coffee. No matter the reason, if it’s a nice day with limited humidity, people from the tri-state area will find things to do outdoors just to be in the nice weather. A hobby that is sometimes overlooked is bird watching. There are many places in NJ to relax, take iced coffee on the go, and trade in people watching in the park for bird watching. Keep reading to learn more about bird watching in Northern New Jersey and NJ’s official state bird, the American Goldfinch.
^ Montclair Hawkwatch
About New Jersey’s State Bird
New Jersey’s adorable feathered friend is the American Goldfinch, also known as the wild canary or willow goldfinch. Males are often more recognizable by the bright yellow bodice + face, as well as its “snappy black cap, wings, + tail.” The females have a more muted olive-yellow color. There are also some white feathers on the wings. If planning to visit a park and looking to make friends, bring along some sunflower seeds as these are the American Goldfinch’s favorite treat. The American Goldfinch has been New Jersey’s official state bird since 1935.
Read More: Rules of the Roost: A Guide to Owning Chickens in Montclair
Bird Watching Spots in Northern New Jersey
Cora Hartshorn Arboretum + Bird Sanctuary | 324 Forest Drive South, Short Hills
The arboretum specializes in education and has a focs on sustainability. Students are welcome to learn as well as those who attend a program at the facility. For those looking to take on an active learning role with nature, Cora Hartshorn Arboretum + Bird Sanctuary is a great first stop. The facility also has a sponsorship program with the hope of helping native birds use the space as a point during migration. Some birds for sponsorship are the House Finch, White-breasted Nuthatch, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, + NJ’s own American Goldfinch.
Farny State Park | 420 Split Rock Road, Rockaway
Farney State Park has a variety of nature activities available, including boating, fishing, + trails. For bird and wildlife viewing pleasure, the park has a canopy that serves as a habitat + is one of the park’s “prime bird-watching areas.” Birds that can be found here include the endangered Red-Shouldered Hawks + Barred Owls.
Garrett Mountain Reservation | 8 Mountain Avenue, Woodland Park
Garrett Mountain Reservation recognizes habitats for migrating birds across its public space. For visitors, the park includes a 5K loop, picnic areas, along with spaces for activities like fishing, hiking, biking, + basketball, to name a few. As far as bird watching goes, this is a good spot for those who know quite a bit about birds, as the reservation claims to have 245 species. Some types of birds include loons, owls, nightjars, cuckoos, falcons, + woodpeckers.
Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge | 32 Pleasant Plains Road, Basking Ridge
The Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is a space that holds over 7,700 acres of habitats for animals, including foxes, deer, turtles, fish, + frogs as well as birds. Some birds that can be viewed from here are Bald Eagles, Spoonbills, + Puffins. Visitors can enjoy birding views + ten different small trails that don’t exceed two miles.
Hacklebarney State Park | 119 Hacklebarney Road, Long Valley
Hacklebarneyr State Park is located in Morris County and holds nine hiking trails totaling five miles in distance. The park has bird + wildlife viewing with over 100 species of birds to see. The park also has opportunities for visitors to fish, hunt, and ski cross-country (weather permitting).
Jenny Jump State Forest | 330 State Park Road, Hope
Jenny Jump State Forest is located in Warren County and is home to a lot of outdoor activities for New Jerseyans. Those planning a day or a weekend in the area can look forward to hiking, kayaking, picnicking, fishing, hunting, and of course, bird watching. Openings of the Delaware Water Gap provide opportunities for bird watching.
Long Pond Ironworks State Park | 1334 County Road 511, Hewitt
Long Pond Ironworks State Park is located in Passaic County + has many natural attractions. Passersby can check out boating, fishing, hunting, history + nature tours, for starters. There are also a few bird watching spots within the park, including Monksville Reservoir + Green Turtle Pond.
Lorrimer Sanctuary | 790 Ewing Avenue, Franklin Lakes
This sanctuary was left to the New Jersey Audubon by Ms. Lucine L. Lorrnier. The house has a visitor center which includes an exhibit, lecture room, + winter bird feeding station. New Jersey Audubon also has many bird walking opportunities for guests, including walks like Birding in the Meadows, Birds before Beach, + Birding by Boat Sunset Safari.
Montclair Hawkwatch | 31 Edgecliff Road, Montclair
Another local spot is Montclair Hawkwatch. For those who are looking to plan an autumn activity, the season dates run from September 1st through November 30th for peak viewing. First Watch Mountain, located within, is a stone platform that serves as the Montclair Hawk Lookout space. Even if visitors don’t catch a hawk in sight, they’ll still find breathtaking views of the New York skyline.
Norvin Green State Forest | 150 Snake Den Road, Ringwood
Norvin Green State Forest is an area that may be better suited for those who have some experience in nature + with hiking, as the elevations in the area range from 400 to 1,300 feet. A large variety of birds can be found within the sanctuary. Visitors can also enjoy other outdoor activities like canoeing, fishing, + the famous Highlands Trail which, when completed, will link the Highlands, creating a 150-mile foot path.
Ramapo Mountain State Forest | 1304 Sloatsburg Road, Oakland (Main Entrance)
Ramapo Mountain State Forest is a home base for many hikers + mountain bikers as it provides a variety of trails. There are many places within the forest for bird watchers such as ponds, streams, + marshes. Ramapo Lake Natural Area particularly has beautiful views from ledges, but is best suited for seasoned hikers.
Richard W. Dekorte Park | 1 DeKorke Park, Lyndhurst
This park, although smaller compared to some forests on this list, is packed with nature. DeKorte Park has a nature reserve including wildlife observation areas + native plant communities. The park also has The Cove, a World Trade Center memorial, 3.5 miles of walking paths, + views of the New York skyline. Over 200 species of birds have been identified in the Meadowlands area. Some include hawks, falcons, egrets, + osprey.
Stokes State Forest | 1 Coursen Road, Branchville
Stokes State Forest is located in Sussex County and has some history behind it, as early settlers landed here in the early 1800s. The Tilman Ravine Natural Area in the forest is a space where bird watchers may find some endangered species. Sunset Mountain is also a great spot to hawkwatch. The migration happens in the spring + fall. In addition to birdwatching, the forest has many trail options including hiking, biking, horseback riding, + snowshoeing.
Teaneck Creek Conservancy | 20 Puffin Way, Teaneck
Teaneck Creek Community is a non-profit organization whose purpose is l to preserve and protect the environment within the conservatory. Trails are available for visitors as well as picnic areas. The Conservatory provides birding events like Moth Night, where attendees will use Moth Bait.
Wawayanda State Park | 885 Warwick Turnpike, Hewitt
Wawayanda Park is a welcoming spot to all those who enjoy land + sea. Hikers, mountain bikers, + winter trail fans will enjoy the long + elevated trails available. Boat rentals are available and swimming is permitted at this park during certain times of the year, providing visitors with many different settings to take a peek at birds within the park. Bearfort Mountain + Wawayanda Swamp Natural Area are prime locations for bird viewing. Visitors can make a weekend out of it, as the park also has four group camping sites.
See More: What’s a Redwing? Hoboken’s Most Famous Bird and Its History
Worthington State First | 2 Old Mine Road, Columbia
Worthington State Forest has 22 miles of trails, natural wonders, + activities for its visitors. Those stopping by can enjoy bird watching for goldfinches, indigo buntings, + bald eagles. There’s also a creek, pond, picnic + camping areas, hunting, + fishing within the park.
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