Cheesequake State Park

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Cheesequake State Park is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 216 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, American Black Duck, and Greater Scaup 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

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

3/5/2026Home2 observed

Pine Warbler

Setophaga pinus

3/5/2026Eileen Gibney2 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

3/5/2026Eileen Gibney1 observed

Iceland Gull (kumlieni)

Larus glaucoides

3/5/2026Ceasar's Bay Bazaar2 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

3/5/2026Rahway River Park6 observed

White-winged Scoter

Melanitta deglandi

3/4/2026Marciante-Jackson-Millet Park8 observed

Boat-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus major

3/4/2026walkway1 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

3/4/2026Manasquan Reservoir IBA--Cove Nature Trail1 observed

Iceland Gull

Larus glaucoides

3/4/2026New Creek Watershed, Olympia Blvd. bridge & marsh1 observed

Barnacle x Cackling Goose (hybrid)

Branta leucopsis x hutchinsii

3/4/2026Rahway River Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

3002/28/2026

American Black Duck

52/28/2026

Greater Scaup

12/28/2026

Bufflehead

52/28/2026

Bald Eagle

12/28/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

22/28/2026

Blue Jay

52/28/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

22/28/2026

Tufted Titmouse

42/28/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

12/28/2026

Red-breasted Nuthatch

12/28/2026

American Robin

12/28/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

82/28/2026

Song Sparrow

12/28/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

12/28/2026

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 Cheesequake State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Cheesequake State Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Cheesequake State Park?
Notable species at Cheesequake State Park include Canada Goose, American Black Duck, Greater Scaup, Bufflehead, Bald Eagle. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Cheesequake State Park?
Birding at Cheesequake State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Cheesequake State Park?
Cheesequake State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.