Barnegat Lighthouse State Park

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free (lighthouse climb $3)

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk

About This Location

Barnegat Lighthouse State Park is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 312 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Brant, Canada Goose, and Mallard 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

Thick-billed Murre

Uria lomvia

2/21/2026Barnegat Lighthouse SP1 observed

King Eider

Somateria spectabilis

2/21/2026Barnegat Lighthouse SP1 observed

Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla

2/21/2026Barnegat Lighthouse SP1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Brant

153/1/2026

Canada Goose

53/1/2026

Mallard

103/1/2026

Common Eider

23/1/2026

Harlequin Duck

63/1/2026

Surf Scoter

103/1/2026

White-winged Scoter

23/1/2026

Black Scoter

403/1/2026

Long-tailed Duck

253/1/2026

Bufflehead

23/1/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

43/1/2026

Mourning Dove

13/1/2026

Ruddy Turnstone

13/1/2026

Dunlin

23/1/2026

Purple Sandpiper

73/1/2026

Ring-billed Gull

203/1/2026

American Herring Gull

103/1/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

103/1/2026

Red-throated Loon

13/1/2026

Common Loon

83/1/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

  4. 4

    Consider purchasing an annual parks pass if you plan to visit multiple times.

  5. 5

    Check tide tables before visiting — low tide exposes mudflats that attract the most shorebirds.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Barnegat Lighthouse State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Barnegat Lighthouse State Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Barnegat Lighthouse State Park?
Notable species at Barnegat Lighthouse State Park include Brant, Canada Goose, Mallard, Common Eider, Harlequin Duck, Ring-necked Duck, Carolina Wren, House Finch, Dark-eyed Junco, White-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Mourning Dove. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Barnegat Lighthouse State Park?
Birding at Barnegat Lighthouse State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Barnegat Lighthouse State Park?
The entrance fee at Barnegat Lighthouse State Park is Free (lighthouse climb $3). Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
What amenities are available at Barnegat Lighthouse State Park?
Barnegat Lighthouse State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.