BC Fairgrounds/Barker's Brook National Recreation Area (old Mercer Sod Farm)

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

BC Fairgrounds/Barker's Brook National Recreation Area (old Mercer Sod Farm) is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 206 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, 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

American Robin (nigrideus)

Turdus migratorius

3/5/2026Red Lion Rd. 21 observed

Iceland Gull (kumlieni)

Larus glaucoides

3/5/2026Rte. 206 (near Columbus Market)1 observed

Iceland Gull

Larus glaucoides

3/5/20267–13 Columbus-Jobstown Rd, Columbus US-NJ 40.05273, -74.723251 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

3/5/2026109 Colonial Ave, Moorestown US-NJ 39.95890, -74.955801 observed

Snow x Canada Goose (hybrid)

Anser caerulescens x Branta canadensis

3/4/2026Red Lion Rd. 21 observed

Pine Siskin

Spinus pinus

3/4/2026Home1 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

3/3/2026Home1 observed

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

3/1/2026Jefferson Bucks Hospital, Langhorne US-PA 40.18372, -74.868481 observed

Pileated Woodpecker

Dryocopus pileatus

3/1/2026Home1 observed

Merlin (Taiga)

Falco columbarius

3/1/2026Mercer County Park2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

83/4/2026

Mourning Dove

73/4/2026

Ring-billed Gull

1203/4/2026

American Herring Gull

33/4/2026

Lesser Black-backed Gull

13/4/2026

Turkey Vulture

13/4/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/4/2026

American Kestrel

13/4/2026

Blue Jay

53/4/2026

American Crow

63/4/2026

Horned Lark

23/4/2026

European Starling

603/4/2026

Northern Mockingbird

13/4/2026

American Robin

303/4/2026

American Goldfinch

33/4/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

23/4/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

303/4/2026

Common Grackle

203/4/2026

Northern Cardinal

33/4/2026

Killdeer

53/1/2026

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit BC Fairgrounds/Barker's Brook National Recreation Area (old Mercer Sod Farm) for birding?
The best months to visit BC Fairgrounds/Barker's Brook National Recreation Area (old Mercer Sod Farm) for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at BC Fairgrounds/Barker's Brook National Recreation Area (old Mercer Sod Farm)?
Notable species at BC Fairgrounds/Barker's Brook National Recreation Area (old Mercer Sod Farm) include Canada Goose, Mourning Dove, Ring-billed Gull, American Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at BC Fairgrounds/Barker's Brook National Recreation Area (old Mercer Sod Farm)?
Birding at BC Fairgrounds/Barker's Brook National Recreation Area (old Mercer Sod Farm) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at BC Fairgrounds/Barker's Brook National Recreation Area (old Mercer Sod Farm)?
BC Fairgrounds/Barker's Brook National Recreation Area (old Mercer Sod Farm) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.