Hatfield Swamp IBA - West Essex Park

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
WetlandUrban Park
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Hatfield Swamp IBA - West Essex Park is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 200 species recorded on eBird. This wetland and urban park habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mourning Dove, and Red-tailed Hawk 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

Wild Turkey

Meleagris gallopavo

3/6/2026The Battery, Manhattan1 observed

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

3/5/2026Hudson River Park--Tribeca Upland (Chambers to W Houston St.)3 observed

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

3/5/2026Central Park2 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

3/5/2026Governors Island (N.Y. County)1 observed

American Wigeon

Mareca americana

3/5/2026Governors Island (N.Y. County)20 observed

Purple Sandpiper

Calidris maritima

3/5/2026Governors Island (N.Y. County)9 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

3/5/2026Rahway River Park6 observed

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

3/4/2026Central Park, New York US-NY (40.7847,-73.9672)1 observed

White-winged Scoter

Melanitta deglandi

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

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

3/4/2026Riverside Park--79th St. Boat Basin and vicinity3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

203/5/2026

Mourning Dove

13/5/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/5/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

23/5/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/5/2026

Northern Flicker

23/5/2026

Blue Jay

113/5/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

33/5/2026

Tufted Titmouse

33/5/2026

Eastern Bluebird

13/5/2026

Fox Sparrow

13/5/2026

White-throated Sparrow

53/5/2026

Song Sparrow

53/5/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

73/5/2026

Northern Cardinal

23/5/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

13/3/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

13/3/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

13/3/2026

Red-breasted Nuthatch

13/3/2026

American Robin

23/3/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Hatfield Swamp IBA - West Essex Park for birding?
The best months to visit Hatfield Swamp IBA - West Essex Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Hatfield Swamp IBA - West Essex Park?
Notable species at Hatfield Swamp IBA - West Essex Park include Canada Goose, Mourning Dove, Red-tailed Hawk, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker. The area supports wetland, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Hatfield Swamp IBA - West Essex Park?
Birding at Hatfield Swamp IBA - West Essex Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Hatfield Swamp IBA - West Essex Park?
Hatfield Swamp IBA - West Essex Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.