Oradell Reservoir and Emerson Woods

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
ForestLake
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Oradell Reservoir and Emerson Woods is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 201 species recorded on eBird. This forest and lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Ring-necked Duck, and Common Merganser 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

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

Wild Turkey

Meleagris gallopavo

3/6/2026The Battery, Manhattan1 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

3/5/2026Quaker Bridge2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

353/4/2026

Ring-necked Duck

453/4/2026

Ring-billed Gull

23/4/2026

Turkey Vulture

13/4/2026

Bald Eagle

13/4/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

13/4/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

33/4/2026

Mallard

62/21/2026

Hooded Merganser

42/21/2026

Ruddy Duck

42/21/2026

Mourning Dove

22/21/2026

Blue Jay

32/21/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

52/21/2026

Tufted Titmouse

72/21/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

12/21/2026

Brown Creeper

22/21/2026

American Robin

12/21/2026

American Goldfinch

42/21/2026

White-throated Sparrow

52/21/2026

Northern Cardinal

32/21/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Oradell Reservoir and Emerson Woods for birding?
The best months to visit Oradell Reservoir and Emerson Woods for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Oradell Reservoir and Emerson Woods?
Notable species at Oradell Reservoir and Emerson Woods include Canada Goose, Ring-necked Duck, Common Merganser, Ring-billed Gull, Turkey Vulture. The area supports forest, lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Oradell Reservoir and Emerson Woods?
Birding at Oradell Reservoir and Emerson Woods is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Oradell Reservoir and Emerson Woods?
Oradell Reservoir and Emerson Woods offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.