Mountain Lake

New Jersey · Northeast

ChallengingView on eBird

Habitat

LakeMountain

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Mountain Lake is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 213 species recorded on eBird. This lake and mountain habitat attracts Great Horned Owl, American Robin, and White-throated Sparrow among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

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Notable Species

Great Horned Owl American Robin White-throated Sparrow Northern Cardinal

Live Bird Data

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

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

3/3/2026Budd Lake3 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

Birding Tips

1
Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.
2
Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.
3
Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in New Jersey

Cape May

Premier Atlantic Flyway migration hotspot with legendary fall raptor flights.

Abbott Marshlands - John A. Roebling Park

Urban Park birding hotspot in New Jersey with 221 recorded species.

Allaire State Park

Forest birding hotspot in New Jersey with 218 recorded species.

New Jersey Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in New Jersey →

Birding Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration: When, Where, and Why Birds Migrate

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City: The Complete Urban Migration Guide

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Mountain Lake for birding?▼

The best months to visit Mountain Lake for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Mountain Lake?▼

Notable species at Mountain Lake include Great Horned Owl, American Robin, White-throated Sparrow, Northern Cardinal. The area supports lake, mountain habitats.

How difficult is birding at Mountain Lake?▼

Birding at Mountain Lake is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.

What amenities are available at Mountain Lake?▼

Mountain Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.