Franklin Parker Preserve - Main Section (includes Chatsworth Lake)

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Franklin Parker Preserve - Main Section (includes Chatsworth Lake) is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 222 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, 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

American Robin (nigrideus)

Turdus migratorius

3/5/2026Red Lion Rd. 21 observed

Snow x Canada Goose (hybrid)

Anser caerulescens x Branta canadensis

3/4/2026Red Lion Rd. 21 observed

Red-throated Loon

Gavia stellata

3/1/2026Amasa Landing (use Edwin B Forsythe NWR--Burlington County Saltmarsh for checklists from watercraft)2 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

3/1/2026Amasa Landing (use Edwin B Forsythe NWR--Burlington County Saltmarsh for checklists from watercraft)3 observed

Boat-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus major

3/1/2026Amasa Landing (use Edwin B Forsythe NWR--Burlington County Saltmarsh for checklists from watercraft)11 observed

Rough-legged Hawk

Buteo lagopus

2/28/2026Amasa Landing Rd E, Tuckerton US-NJ 39.57825, -74.454991 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

263/5/2026

Carolina Chickadee

13/5/2026

Eastern Bluebird

23/5/2026

Tundra Swan

42/28/2026

Mallard

162/28/2026

American Black Duck

12/28/2026

Mourning Dove

12/28/2026

Northern Harrier

12/28/2026

American Crow

22/28/2026

American Tree Sparrow

12/28/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

52/28/2026

Song Sparrow

12/28/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

62/28/2026

Northern Cardinal

12/28/2026

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 Franklin Parker Preserve - Main Section (includes Chatsworth Lake) for birding?
The best months to visit Franklin Parker Preserve - Main Section (includes Chatsworth Lake) for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Franklin Parker Preserve - Main Section (includes Chatsworth Lake)?
Notable species at Franklin Parker Preserve - Main Section (includes Chatsworth Lake) include Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, Mallard, American Black Duck, Mourning Dove. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Franklin Parker Preserve - Main Section (includes Chatsworth Lake)?
Birding at Franklin Parker Preserve - Main Section (includes Chatsworth Lake) is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Franklin Parker Preserve - Main Section (includes Chatsworth Lake)?
Franklin Parker Preserve - Main Section (includes Chatsworth Lake) offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.