Merrill Creek Reservoir

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
LakeRiver/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Merrill Creek Reservoir is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 262 species recorded on eBird. This lake and river/riparian habitat attracts Snow Goose, Canada Goose, and American Wigeon 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

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

3/6/2026Ort Farms1 observed

Pink-footed Goose

Anser brachyrhynchus

3/6/2026Merrill Creek Reservoir--Scotts Mountain Hawk Watch/Inlet-Outlet Tower1 observed

Red-throated Loon

Gavia stellata

3/6/2026Round Valley Recreation Area1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

3/4/2026Nazareth Quarry1 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

3/4/2026South Branch Reservation- Stanton Station Section1 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

3/2/2026Martin's Creek Environmental Preserve (restricted access)2 observed

White-winged Scoter

Melanitta deglandi

3/2/2026Nazareth Quarry1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Snow Goose

1503/6/2026

American Wigeon

203/6/2026

American Black Duck

43/6/2026

Northern Pintail

273/6/2026

Redhead

143/6/2026

Ring-necked Duck

213/6/2026

Bufflehead

203/6/2026

Ring-billed Gull

153/6/2026

Bald Eagle

43/6/2026

American Crow

33/6/2026

Canada Goose

3503/4/2026

Mallard

2003/4/2026

Common Goldeneye

33/4/2026

Hooded Merganser

43/4/2026

Lesser Black-backed Gull

43/4/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

13/4/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

13/4/2026

Common Raven

13/4/2026

Tufted Titmouse

23/4/2026

American Robin

53/4/2026

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 Merrill Creek Reservoir for birding?
The best months to visit Merrill Creek Reservoir for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Merrill Creek Reservoir?
Notable species at Merrill Creek Reservoir include Snow Goose, Canada Goose, American Wigeon, Mallard, American Black Duck. The area supports lake, river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Merrill Creek Reservoir?
Birding at Merrill Creek Reservoir is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Merrill Creek Reservoir?
Merrill Creek Reservoir offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.