Garret Mountain Reservation (Park)

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
MountainUrban Park
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk

About This Location

Garret Mountain Reservation (Park) is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 232 species recorded on eBird. This mountain and urban park habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and American Black Duck 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

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

3/6/2026North 5th Street Pier and Park1 observed

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

3/6/2026New York, New York, US (40.799, -73.975)1 observed

Wild Turkey

Meleagris gallopavo

3/6/2026Liberty Island/Statue of Liberty (NY County)1 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

3/6/2026Hudson River Greenway--145th-155th St.1 observed

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

3/6/2026Hudson River Greenway--145th-155th St.3 observed

Field Sparrow

Spizella pusilla

3/6/2026Stuyvesant Town-Peter Cooper Village1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

3/6/2026Governors Island (N.Y. County)1 observed

American Wigeon

Mareca americana

3/6/2026Governors Island (N.Y. County)4 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

83/6/2026

American Black Duck

13/6/2026

Ring-necked Duck

23/6/2026

Bufflehead

13/6/2026

Mourning Dove

23/6/2026

Ring-billed Gull

123/6/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/6/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

23/6/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/6/2026

American Crow

33/6/2026

Common Raven

13/6/2026

Tufted Titmouse

63/6/2026

Brown Creeper

13/6/2026

American Goldfinch

13/6/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

13/6/2026

Northern Cardinal

13/6/2026

Canada Goose

43/6/2026

Wood Duck

43/6/2026

Hooded Merganser

133/6/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/6/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring layers as mountain weather changes rapidly at elevation.

  2. 2

    Check exposed ridges and thermals for soaring raptors and swifts.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

  4. 4

    Check eBird hotspot data before visiting to see recent sightings and what species are being reported.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Garret Mountain Reservation (Park) for birding?
The best months to visit Garret Mountain Reservation (Park) for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Garret Mountain Reservation (Park)?
Notable species at Garret Mountain Reservation (Park) include Canada Goose, Mallard, American Black Duck, Hooded Merganser, Mourning Dove, American Woodcock, Carolina Wren, American Robin, White-throated Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, American Herring Gull, American Kestrel. The area supports mountain, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Garret Mountain Reservation (Park)?
Birding at Garret Mountain Reservation (Park) is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Garret Mountain Reservation (Park)?
There is no entrance fee at Garret Mountain Reservation (Park). Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
What amenities are available at Garret Mountain Reservation (Park)?
Garret Mountain Reservation (Park) offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.