Newark Reservoir

Delaware · Northeast

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Newark Reservoir is a productive birding destination in Delaware, with 208 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Common Merganser, Mourning Dove, and Ring-billed Gull 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

Snow x Canada Goose (hybrid)

Anser caerulescens x Branta canadensis

3/6/2026Glenville Farm Pond (roadside access only)1 observed

Black-capped Chickadee

Poecile atricapillus

3/5/2026Driscoll Yard, Newark US-DE1 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

3/4/2026Old State Road, Townsend, Delaware, US (39.439, -75.645)1 observed

Pine Warbler

Setophaga pinus

3/2/2026516 Murphys Ln, Hockessin US-DE 39.78472, -75.703242 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

3/1/2026First State NHP--Brandywine Valley Unit2 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

3/1/2026C&D Canal Wildlife Area--Central Section1 observed

Iceland Gull

Larus glaucoides

2/28/2026Delaware City Waterfront - ABA HQ1 observed

Iceland Gull (kumlieni)

Larus glaucoides

2/28/2026Delaware City Waterfront - ABA HQ1 observed

Rusty Blackbird

Euphagus carolinus

2/28/2026ChesLen Preserve (closed Thursdays)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

23/6/2026

Bufflehead

33/6/2026

Common Merganser

423/6/2026

Ring-billed Gull

83/6/2026

Blue Jay

13/6/2026

American Crow

13/6/2026

Song Sparrow

13/6/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

93/6/2026

Northern Cardinal

23/6/2026

Mourning Dove

33/3/2026

Sharp-shinned Hawk

13/3/2026

Bald Eagle

13/3/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/3/2026

Fish Crow

23/3/2026

Tufted Titmouse

13/3/2026

European Starling

13/3/2026

American Robin

13/3/2026

American Goldfinch

13/3/2026

White-throated Sparrow

13/3/2026

Common Grackle

3/3/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Newark Reservoir for birding?
The best months to visit Newark Reservoir for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Newark Reservoir?
Notable species at Newark Reservoir include Common Merganser, Mourning Dove, Ring-billed Gull, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Bald Eagle. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Newark Reservoir?
Birding at Newark Reservoir is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Newark Reservoir?
Newark Reservoir offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.